Purchase without a test drive?

Soldato
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I've been looking at Cazoo and Cinch as well, they both seem good and are well reviewed. I like that they show you all of the imperfections on the car according to BVRLA standards as well.

I'd have no objection to not test driving the car as they both say you can return the car no questions asked.
 
Soldato
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I've been looking at Cazoo and Cinch as well, they both seem good and are well reviewed. I like that they show you all of the imperfections on the car according to BVRLA standards as well.

I'd have no objection to not test driving the car as they both say you can return the car no questions asked.
But the issue for me is if you are using your car as part ex and you don't like the new one. Are they likely to still have your old car to hand back?
 
Soldato
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I've been looking at Cazoo and Cinch as well, they both seem good and are well reviewed. I like that they show you all of the imperfections on the car according to BVRLA standards as well.

I'd have no objection to not test driving the car as they both say you can return the car no questions asked.

I bought a car from Cazoo last month and it was a very pleasing experience. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.
 
Soldato
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I've been looking at Cazoo and Cinch as well, they both seem good and are well reviewed. I like that they show you all of the imperfections on the car according to BVRLA standards as well.
I thought that was quite good until I spotted damage in the background of the image a few times that was, in my mind, far worse that the bits they'd bothered to highlight!

Still, I'd be fairly confident buying from them as long as you aren't a perfectionist. I'd really study the photos for damage though, don't just trust they'll highlight everything.
 
Soldato
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That's exactly my point, you then have to find another car likely at short notice which would be difficult.

You could reject it when it turns up as you'd be able to check it over but yes if you decide a few days later your original car is gone.

You'd have that problem elsewhere too though unless you're lucky and the dealer hasn't shifted your old car yet.
 
Soldato
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Back with a Vengeance.
Dealer approved doesn't necessarily mean as much as you may think. A friend of mine bought from a Mercedes dealer and found this out the hard way, eventually coming to the conclusion he'd have been better off buying private and having an inspection done on the car first.
 
Soldato
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If it's car you have your eyes set on then maybe

But if you were looking at 2 or 3 not sure how you would decide.

It's a car after all but might be a deal breaker or something you don't like about it

Some unknown hidden issue is probably more likely though.

Personally would always test drive
 
Man of Honour
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I got my last 4 cars without a test drive, not even viewing them in the metal. I find the internet and YouTube provides me enough information to make a decision.

But they were brand new cars so it's a completely different situation.

I wouldn't buy a 3 year old car (It's virtually 3 not 2) without inspecting and driving it. Which isn't possible currently, so I'd be waiting.
 
Associate
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Bought my car in Oct without testing it.

I was pretty desperate for a car, I did test drive another Corsa at my local dealership and was very tempted by it. But they wouldnt budge on the price at all so I walked away.

Found one online from a evans halshaw based in Leeds. It was newer, lower milage and cheaper. They threw in a extended warranty and knocked off the delivery cost so I bought it.

The car was delivered on the back of a transporter, there was a slight paint chip in the rear bumper the driver pointed out to me but it was nothing really.

I did later discover the millage was slightly higher than on the advert or documentation that came with the car, and there was no parcel shelf.

They have messed me about with the parcel shelf and palmed me off since, I contacted them the day after delivery and the salesmen said he would send me one or get it sent to a local evanshalshaw but I never heard anything back. I kept on calling them but was always fobbed off. I sent a email last week to the same salesmen I dealt with and he was oblivious.

Apart from that though I am pleased with the car and think I got a good deal.
 
Associate
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You haven't got the car yet, report back when it comes. Would be interested to know if condition was as expected.

I'm actually looking at the Skoda Octavia but more on 17/67 plates.
The car arrived Tuesday afternoon and the handover matched the excellent customer service. The Handover Specialist was also the one who gave the car a thorough clean/disinfected it and it was in immaculate condition when it came off the transporter.

There were three imperfections on the listing (scratches) but honestly they are negligible in person. The wheel bolt caps are missing but they will send me replacements in the post. They were going to delay the delivery due to missing floor mats, but they agreed to post them and I received those today - cheap ones, mind. Also the log book is supposed to arrive in the post along with the V5C. This is something I normally insist on seeing as part of the sale but I've discovered enough in the car to be satisfied it was an ex-lease by a single owner for personal/business use. In other words, I don't think it has been abused as a cab or rental car. It has had its inspection/oil service bang on schedule, fresh MOT, 4mm+ tread with original tyres on all corners, wheels aligned etc. so I don't have to worry about any major work this year.

In terms of drive - this is the first Octavia I have driven. The gears were initially a bit notchy but loosened as it warmed up - although I think this might be a characteristic of Octavias in general. Handles OK, engine sounds fine, clutch is good, no knockings or squeaky brakes or anything that concerns me. All electrics work fine, no chips on the windscreen or bodywork. Even had a look underneath and it looks fine.

Whilst the customer service is one of the best I've had, I do think that there is a breakdown in communication with wherever their cars are stored. Originally I was told the car didn't have sat-nav because the SD card was missing. I sourced one in the meantime but when it arrived, it came with the card intact.

Overall an excellent experience and I would definitely recommend them if you want to buy a used car hassle-free.
 
Soldato
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Glad to hear it seems to be going well, I get the feeling most of their stock is ex lease.

It mostly seems to be of a certain age, type and milage which would suggest end of lease. There aren't many on there with options speced or higher output engines for example, most look to be the type of thing kept "in stock" with lease companies.

Did you just pay the screen price? Or is there room in the process for some negotiation?
 
Associate
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Yeah I think most of their stock is ex-lease so they must be making money on bulk buying these as they've clearly invested a lot in customer service, marketing, and delivering a great product.

I paid the list price as there is no opportunity to haggle online. After I paid in full, I queried the apparent lack of sat-nav over the phone/email and managed to knock off a bit but it sounds like customer services had to argue my corner with head management. It came with the SD card in the end so I won't bother chasing up that discount. I am so happy with the service that I'd rather they keep it to pay their staff.

In terms of how competitive their prices are, they look about the same as main dealers or 2-5% higher than other supermarkets/independent dealers. Again, I'm happy to pay that due to the speed, convenience, service etc. I think the car originated 200+ miles from me which I wouldn't have travelled for, so I factor that in as well.
 
Soldato
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wiltshire
If it was new and I had driven the same model before I would buy sight unseen. If it was a used car or I hadn't driven that model before then no I would be waiting until I could test drive. How would I know if the car worked for me or I liked it.
 
Soldato
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Bought two used low mileage cars from main dealers without any problems. Wouldn't buy from anywhere else without seeing & test driving. In one case it was unseen, in second case I knew what I wanted, looked around it and bought without test driving as I had driven the same model recently as a courtesy car. This went on to become the car I've owned the longest now, 7.5 years. The other car did have evidence of a wheel repair when I picked it up so if I had seen it I would have offered less - i just didn't bother after such a long drive to get there to pick it up. Was still a great car though so no regrets with that one either
 
Soldato
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I bought my X5 from Sytner Sunningdale without test driving it. I had a good look round it inside and out and said that if it's not perfect on collection day when I get round to driving I'd get my deposit back.
 
Associate
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I bought my current car (M3) without even having sat in one before. It was never going to be ****.

I agree it's a good idea to try a used car, but if you're buying new with main dealer warranty then the only reason you'd want to drive it is what? To make sure it works?
 
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