Anything of that sort of value - no way on earth would I buy privately - it’s just not worth the risk - I know dealers are not perfect, but the trouble with high value private sales is there is absolutely no come backs and they are simply not worth the risk unless the vehicle is very cheap 2021 L405 Vogue SE 4.4 V8 DIESEL ~ #17

Thanks for the interesting trade info. That service history a problem I agree, odd though as the vast majority of RR’s are leased and have the first 2-3 years services at main dealers so maybe a story here. These are complex machines and I would always want evidence of at least regular oils and filters services. Auctions always look tempting but are really for the dealers who are looking for multiple cars on a monthly basis for stock rather than the private punter but I am sure some bargains there if you look. Utube is your friend with plenty of decent car channels these days, some better than others, but no way a replacement for this sort of forum.

So in summary I think

Private sale of pre 2018 facelift - so a 2017/2018 model - SE or Autobiography with average miles and a full service history I would be looking to pay £27-28k for a very good one. Lowest are £25k and highest £32k advertised. Dealers £30-£32k as above with a decent warranty.

Very early 405’s nudging up with top spec 322’s but that’s a whole new other thread !

The lack of recorded services could be simply down to the fact that most information is electronic these days and the auctions don’t bother looking so the information could be a result of some paperwork left in the vehicle or a stamp in the book by a second owner (it has 2). You could establish its history I’m sure and as you say it could very well turn out to have had a full service record.

However, the other warning signs are stacking up. It’s got oil contamination noted on the mechanical report, these can often be totally wrong but you have to expect the worst. The condition report reads like war and peace so it’s been knocked about a bit, from the photos most of it is very minor and nothing a PDR and good paint correction can’t save, and at least two wheels need a refurb. None of this makes it a bad car but potentially costly.

It has a very short MOT left so expect brakes, and some other costly consumables. It’s come to auction through the group of companies that are owned by BCA’s parent, whilst they own Marshall Motor Group the most likely route this car has taken is via We Buy Any Car. This said, the car is offered with BCA’s assured report service which does give some security if there is an undisclosed issue with the vehicle.

It will be interesting to follow this car through its auction and subsequently onto a forecourt somewhere. Once the selling prices are known we can do some number crunching and the reason for the big margins will become apparent.

J

Well the results are in. The car sold for £15,100 plus fees.

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Yep, I'd go along with that. I bet a third party warranty is a pretty penny too. 2012 Vogue TDV8 in Aintree green

Scouse Exile wrote:

Hi, there’s a larger trade margin as there is a much larger risk vs reward at play. The gap is broad as some traders see this as an opportunity to make bigger gains so one has to be even more careful when buying a used vehicle at trade.

Like most luxury purchases it’s past history is critical to knowing its current condition, missing service work, a lack of paperwork, poor condition, cheap tyres, or a general lack of care all point towards a vehicle that has possibly been run on a budget.

Trade prices are generally low for these vehicles but the bills can rack up pretty quick so a £4 or £5k margin on a £20k+ car can evaporate quite suddenly.

J

One option could be to buy privately, then take out a warranty with one of the companies like Warranty Wise or Motoreasy. There are sometimes limitations, such as what they cover, but the warranties tend to be about £1000/yr. Current:
- 2017 L405 3.0 V6 Autobiography
Sold:
- 2013 L405 4.4 TDV8 Vogue
- 2004 L322 4.4 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 2002 L322 4.4 HSE (having fixed timing chain guides)
- 2000 P38 4.6 Vogue (BRC LPG)
- 1981 2-door In-Vogue
- 1980 Ex-Army SIII LWB
- 1976 SIII LWB
- 1968 SIIA
Stripped for parts:
- 2003 L322 4.4 Vogue

I'm watching this as well, I currently have an SDV8 diesel but I often do short journeys for which it's not ideal - lots of oil changes. So Petrol or electric (P400e) is the conundrum and electric side steps and towbar are a must, what will c.£45k get me in the current climate. Geoff

At auction it would get you into a late 2019 car, somewhere between late £20k for a low spec (Vogue) with some miles and in need of a little love to a low mileage autobiography at the mid to upper £30’s

J

This went cheap, with fees etc probably owes £10,500.

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