All,

I need some advice on buying a 2014 TDV8 AB.

The car is an approved used Land Rover at a main dealer, so has the usual warranty and assurances. Being quite busy at work, I will not have the time to physically look at the car. They have sent me a rather nice personalised video, and the car looks fine.

I have to be honest my head is just not in car buying mode due to work pressure, and if I didn't urgently need a new car, I would delay it until I had more time. So, I am hoping to get your collective advice on the sort of things I need to ask/check before pulling the trigger.

I have already asked:

Being a non-smoker with kids - has the car been smoked in?

Does it need a service - Will be serviced

Warranty - 2 years

Any impending expenditure (tyres, brakes etc) - waiting for an answer

You have got to at least go and have a look in person ( award yourself a half days holiday ! ) Condition is everything from scratching on the glass from icy mornings to scuffed leather , kerbed wheels however small . You wont get it serviced or new tyres put on it etc . Post up the link to the car !

Approved Used - just a load of boxes ticked. Very little done to prepare the car.

Then they work through the issues under the warranty until it’s how it should have been from day one.

My Discovery, which we collected mid June, a week later than agreed as they failed to get it ready. Still has a transmission noise issue to fix 10 months later.

The dealership are rubbish, the JLR, customer care and executive office not a lot of use.

Unless you want months of hassle either go visit and make very sure it’s right or buy another brand!

I’ve bought the last 3 sight unseen from a main dealer - no problems at all

I have bought a few cars unseen before.

My advice...

If your hearts not in it don't do it.

This would also apply if you have looked at it.

At the end of the day it's your decision and you have to live with the outcome.

HTH

DD

Narinder, I would not trust a JLR main dealer with this sort of money, whatever their video might claim. Don't take this the wrong way, but you're seriously willing to spend, what, £40k plus on a vehicle you've never seen? Come on, you can't be THAT busy, can you? You might be OK but having seen several cars that were "approved used" that I wouldn't touch with a bargepole, I'd insist on seeing the car in person. That's my advice, anyhow.

I have - but I at least collect it myself - but make it clear to them that if it's not exactly as described, then I will turn around & walk away & they will return my deposit.

My L405 was from Matford in Exeter and I thought they were excellent - car was exactly as described - completed the paperwork and I was on my way back home.

I refused a drink, so they decided to fill the arm rest cooler with a selection of soft drinks in case I got thirsty on the way home

I have bought several used vehicles from MD, I find that its prudent to get a detailed description in writing. Ask them to be be as detailed as possible. You then have some options when you collect the car, reject it due to the description not being a true reflection of the vehicle or ask for money off to rectify the issues that were not disclosed. Or ask them to rectify the issues before you make full payment.

You are covered by the consumer rights act and also Section 75 if you pay your deposit using a credit card.

I bought my last car unseen, but had someone else look over the car for me and the first time I saw it was when I went to collect and give the guy the money for it.

Worked out for me, is there anyone local to it who could check it for you?

cheers Alex

2018 Skoda Kodiaq vRS
2009 Caterham Supersport Race car
2007 M5 Touring
2005 Range Rover Vogue SE Supercharged
2004 SL55 AMG

Definitely view before buying. I made one mistake not doing so in the past and will never do again. Most cars look good in videos etc.

i always like to see things in the flesh [wife, mistress, girlfriend ] as it allows you to do the obvious like a test drive, smell the interior to see if its had a smoker as a previous owner and generally get a 'gut' feeling whether you like the vehicle or not..


if you're buying new or new'ish then 'buy by phone' can work out ok... ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

All,

Your comments are really appreciated and have helped me get my head straight...Of course I need to see this car first.

I have got the salesman to commit as much as possible in writing and have paid a £500/deposit on my credit card. The clan and I will go and see the car tomorrow morning.

I will report back as soon as I have seen the car. Meanwhile, thanks for the sound advice

I will post up pics asap.

All the best,
Narinder

Good luck and we look forward to seeing it

I bought my latest 'unseen' but I didn't leave a deposit on it and it was on the understanding that I would walk away. (wasn't too keen to do that as travelled 100 miles to get it) I did the research I could on it before hand and questioned the dealer by emails which I kept - and told him I was keeping them..
The questions you've asked, i.e the smoking - they would just bomb the interior and put a new lighter and ashtray in and you'd never know anyway. Future spend/., ?. They would say no but they have a get out of not being clairvoyant should you get back to them later, although a comprehensive warranty should be in place.
I wouldn't be averse to 'sight unseen' but I would take care.

Wise decision Diablo. Looking forward to seeing the pics!