Shabby main dealer cars

[S60RDesign]

I've been thinking of trading my S60 lately for something a bit more sporty, either a Toyota GT86 or Renault Megane RS 275. Not found the right GT86 yet but have tried a couple of RSs - fantastic cars to drive but both were 16 plates at main dealers (one Honda) but both were in shabby condition despite being described as immaculate - I found dings, scrapes, bodged bodywork repairs, scratches, steering or suspension issues, slop/crumbs/spills in the interior. Had a look inside a Civic Type R too and it had a badly ripped drivers seat but up for sale at £19000. The dealers promised to fix these issues but I thought there were too many red flags to go ahead. I don't remember viewing so many dealer cars and getting back street cowboy vibes. Has anyone else noticed this?

[RDesignMatt]

I'm in the body repair trade and also into my detailing and it shocks me no end what some cars leave the dealership like!

These days used competition is fierce and some dealerships prep their cars really well because they can't afford not to.

Many others however know that if one customer doesn't by it the next one will. Also rather than pay £300 for repairs say, to make it mint they will try and sell as it is to save the money, maybe offer to do the worst bit and come to a deal with customer. They Will also go down the route of 'its a used car and not a new one'.

[XCR]

Its all gone to rat sh1t.....
EVERY trade I've dealt with over the last few months could not give less of a fcuk.
Its like they've given up.
I picked the T5 up from the bodyshop yesterday and, despite a 3 day delay over the previously agreed timescale, complete with bullsh1t excuses, the car was filthy inside.
Not even a piece of paper in the footwell or a plastic seat cover...the wheel looked like Scarface had been driving it......a smeary attempt also had been made to wash some of the powder off the body work which looked like he had used his own head...masses of sanding slurry in every crevice....
I told him in no uncertain terms what I thought of him and his lack of interest and that I was paying reluctantly....he barely blinked.

Which is a real shame as the paint job is among the best I've seen.

[ITSv40]

It isn't just the dealers standards that have fallen, but the expectations of joe public are way off the bottom end of the scale. Apart from a few oddballs that frequent car forums and take a pride in having a clean well maintained car very few folks take any more interest in a car than they do in a washing machine.

I am old enough to remember when car ownership was something to be aspired to and it was a Sunday morning ritual to wash and polish and carry out basic servicing and checks. Nowadays with PCP and service contracts very few know how to open the bonnet and have no desire to find out.

A young family live near to me and have a Vauxhall people carrier - yes, I know there is no accounting for taste - it went through last winter without a wash, other than a quick wipe over of the lights. At the start of lockdown both parents were furloughed and were at home all the time - still are - yet the car has still not had a wash.

[Welton]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

It isn't just the dealers standards that have fallen, but the expectations of joe public are way off the bottom end of the scale. Apart from a few oddballs that frequent car forums and take a pride in having a clean well maintained car very few folks take any more interest in a car than they do in a washing machine.

I am old enough to remember when car ownership was something to be aspired to and it was a Sunday morning ritual to wash and polish and carry out basic servicing and checks. Nowadays with PCP and service contracts very few know how to open the bonnet and have no desire to find out.

Hey! I resemble that remark

Well put though Sir, sadly it's more about "has it got Apple Car Play" than "can I see the service history please"

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by ITSv40

I am old enough to remember when car ownership was something to be aspired to and it was a Sunday morning ritual to wash and polish and carry out basic servicing and checks.

That’s how I remember the 1970’s/80’s. I was my own motor etc but sadly due to it being a modern bus I have to rely on Volvo to fix it. However, it’s checked on a weekly basis. The cost of motors these days? Damn right I’m gunna look after it

TT

[Welton]

Originally Posted by The Thong

The cost of motors these days?

Picking up on this; cars are SO expensive now aren't they. Just the other day we were queuing outside a car dealership and I said to my Mrs "blimey look at that - that Fiesta is £16,000.00"

Been watching those car factory build vids on YouTube recently and the amount of plant and equipment they have is staggering! the 'operatives' aren't allowed to lift anything themselves so there's a piece of kit for every task - are WE paying for all this development? or are cars expensive because we demand all the techy stuff and infotainment gubbins?

[The Thong]

Value for money and courtesy are becoming a thing of the past now.

TT

[Bashy]

Youve got it all wrong, they dont normally put money into the car for it to just sit on the forecourt for X amount of time, they will spend it when needed, ie once sold, also the customer may want to save in prep money and haggle away. They do it like this more and more nowadays.

[green van man]

Originally Posted by Bashy

Youve got it all wrong, they dont normally put money into the car for it to just sit on the forecourt for X amount of time, they will spend it when needed, ie once sold, also the customer may want to save in prep money and haggle away. They do it like this more and more nowadays.

I have never bought a car without haggling, if it's scruffy that's whole lot of money off. Most repairs I would do myself, some I would just live with. Amazing what you don't see after a week of looking at it.

Paul.