My car has just been written off so now I need to get another one. I'm feeling very overwhelmed by all the options. What do I need to look out for to make sure I'm not using a cowboy dealer.
jmma,
Jul 20, 12:26pm
What make, model of car was the one that was written off and would you like to stay with that type?
Ask jaz, he will give you a loooonng list of dodgy dealers to shy away from
astra32,
Jul 20, 1:18pm
Jmma we had a mazda 6 but we are going small this time. We look the like of the suzuki swifts
catwoman1974,
Jul 20, 3:22pm
Gets my vote as well
apollo11,
Jul 20, 3:28pm
Stay away from blokes with chaps and lassoos.
kazbanz,
Jul 20, 3:30pm
You will get a feel for who is only interested in a sale and who genuinely cares about your wellbeing.
newtec1,
Jul 20, 3:33pm
You mean a car salesman or a doctor.
cjohnw,
Jul 20, 3:41pm
I sense there is a disturbance in the force. Darth Vader will be along soon.
motig,
Jul 20, 3:53pm
It would be nice to see some serious answers to the op's question as this is something I've wondered about myself. Its easy to find out about local car sellers but hard if your a country bumpkin like me and say going to the likes of Christchurch to buy a car because of the greater range available.
franc123,
Jul 20, 4:06pm
Reading through the Disputes Tribunal pages will tell you most of what you need to know if you have doubts about a particular dealer and their after sales service.
3tomany,
Jul 20, 4:09pm
Go small by all means but drive the swift and judge it as it is not that great compared to the competition.
3tomany,
Jul 20, 4:10pm
My car salesman knows more about me than my doctor.
franc123,
Jul 20, 4:13pm
Check out the size of the load area first, the lack of room in the back might shock you compared to the Mazda, even allowing for the fact its a much smaller car. It ain't good, a Chihuahua might complain of claustrophobia in there.
bwg11,
Jul 20, 4:18pm
Other than lack of boot space, I would vouche for the Swift, my wife has had two Sports which have been great cars. Suggest you try the main Suzuki franchise in Auckland. You may pay a grand more than a local corner yard, but if their service is half as good as Christchurch's main dealer you will be in good hands.
thejazzpianoma,
Jul 20, 4:20pm
As above, a very over rated vehicle. Not sure on your budget but you can buy a Fiat Panda that is just 3 years old for about $8500 now. A far better car, more efficient, galvanised so no rust, more luggage space, better in a crash etc.
Also, the Alfa Giulietta is phenomenal buying at the moment and will return better economy than the Swift while having a ton more go and far nicer quality and features.
thejazzpianoma,
Jul 20, 4:23pm
Also with regard to car salesmen. I help a lot of people buy cars and visit a lot of car yards. At present I would rate your chances with a private seller to be far better in terms of odds than with a dealer. I am finding there are easily more dealers trying to rip customers off (most commonly through misrepresentation or avoiding the CGA) than there are honest ones.
I would spend the money saved on getting a specialist in the make/model to check the vehicle out for you. Which you would want to do with a dealer as well. (first thing the dealers do on here is ask if you had a pre purchase inspection when people get ripped off by them, so even they don't assume dealers to be trustworthy).
Never use the AA or VTNZ for pre purchase checks. They are expensive and more likely to put you off a good car than warn you of an actual lemon.
Best of luck.
thejazzpianoma,
Jul 20, 4:25pm
Also, are you going small due to fuel economy? If you are, whatever you do, don't buy a 1.4 Swift with the 4 speed auto. They may be small but they are thirsty. Literally more than twice the fuel usage of the Panda and the Panda is the faster car (slightly).
bwg11,
Jul 20, 4:31pm
Well, the cage rattle took a while, but when it occurred it was in triplicate.
snoopy221,
Jul 20, 4:37pm
! How to tell if Dealer is good !
! Pretty much says it ALL Really ! So yeah another ! Tick for Tony and the family team!
Millars Car Centre
Welcome to Millars Car Centre. We are a family owned and run company We have been selling vehicles in West Auckland for more than 30 years.We specialise in quality family vehicles. All vehicles come with all onroad costs paid. We are able to trade in your old vehicle and organise finance, insurance, Warranties, alarms and towbars if you require them. Our company motto ONLY Sell Cars we are happy for OUR familly will travel in.
Edits to add and next time i post their motto i expect only ONE l in family -LOL
slarty45,
Jul 20, 4:50pm
Honest John real mpg does not agree with your massive exaggeration
Panda figures are much the same as 1.4 Swift I had
cjohnw,
Jul 20, 5:45pm
Crystal ball no longer needed. There is just the smell of bs and you know what is coming.
thejazzpianoma,
Jul 20, 5:49pm
Are you even looking at the right engine? If I behave myself I can do 4.2l/100km in the panda and I get 9l/100km in the Swift with similar city running. Much the same figure as I can get from Demio and most of those 4 speed auto cars. If you understood the first thing about the Panda (which I doubt you have even sat in) you would realise why the massive difference in economy.
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