Sheepskin coat stories

MSP: My showroom’s busiest time is around the new registration releases in March and September, so assuming your buyer’s not looking for the new reg, they’ll probably get more attention and better deals during other months.

BB: The second-hand market is affected by the new registrations too. Before they buy a new-reg car, most drivers sell or part-exchange their old car. So there’s an over-supply from March to May and September to November and these are the best times to pick up a second-hand bargain.

MSP: Sensible buyers always buy from a dealership like mine where the cars are great quality, and there’s legal six-month back-up under a recent EU directive if there turns out to be a problem. It makes sense to play safe.

BB: People with more disposable incomes more like! Customers who bought from a dealership may end up with higher costs for parts and labour. Dealerships that only focus on one or two manufacturers can prove to have a lack of choice and variety for the customer. Sensible buyers always go to a reputable second-hand dealer - realistic cars at realistic prices.

MSP: Yes, but there are some less-than-honest dealers out there – it can be risky.

BB: Not as risky as a private sale because you have fewer rights than if you were buying from a dealer or second hand dealer.

MSP: True, but that’s where the real bargains are to be had.

BB: And the real lemons! Buying a car through car supermarket is another option. However If you don’t have the cash, the administration fees and interest rates mean that the price you eventually pay can be much higher than the bargain prices they advertise.

MSP: Car Supermarkets do have a lot of choice. I think the best place to pick up a bargain is an auction – it’s where I get most of my stock – but you have to know what you’re doing.

BB: Auctions can be exciting, but you have to be careful not to get carried away and pay over the odds.

MSP: There are more options for buying a car now than ever before, which is great news for buyers.

BB: …although it makes life a bit tougher for the likes of us!