Nearly new van - should I walk away?

[sw25481]

There is a place near me that sells Converted Campers from all the major converters. They buy the vans, book the slots in advance. They have a number on the forecourt but if they have not got what you want, they try to match you with a van and a slot and sell you the package. They also sell vans unconverted, but only if they have not managed to up-sell them to someone who will pay for the Full Monty. They always used to have a few unconverted on their web site, these days not so much as we all know the issue with supply. Nice premises and stock, good reviews but the Facebook page was only created June 2020 so hardly Bognor, Leighton or any of the more venerable location.

A couple of months back they let me know of a van coming in December they did not have a match for. I checked again and it is not sold so they are happy to sell it to me. It is a higher spec than I was willing to compromise on, more VW options ticked, bigger engine, but the right colour and not missing anything I want, who would not want an even better van. They are selling it for list price, but I could make the finances work and I can't get better than list price from a dealer for anything delivered this side of Easter (I can get a discount if I order now and wait a year or more but I don't want to miss another summer with the kids growing up).

I get the invoice and the van is actually already registered on a 21 plate, so rather than a brand new van, it will be 6 months old when I get it and I will be the second registered keeper. I am annoyed they were not more clear with me. Apparently done no miles since it was delivered and sat in their depot so they call it new but I have a different definition of new. It was registered in June and 6 months seems important to them, like it is a rule set by VW. I am sure they get a nice converter discount from VW as long as they do not sell them for 6 months. So list price, not a main dealer, 6 months warranty gone, one careful owner. I have seen one year old vans with 12,000 miles at main dealers right now for more than list price so the price would be reasonable if they were a main dealer, just not what I thought I was buying.

Am I worrying about nothing or should I walk away ?

 

[T6Paul]

So it’s a pre-registered van. In the past you probably would have got a discount vs new, but in the current climate where there is around a years wait they are selling it for list price?
Seems reasonable if you say that VW are selling used vans for over list?
The warranty will still be with VW albeit only for 2.5 years!
Otherwise except the plate and the loss of being the 1st owner it’s still a new van.
Someone will buy it for list just to avoid the wait. If it’s right for you only you can decide…

 

[JOG]

If I feel that I am being “stiffed” or someone is being less than straight, I walk away. Yes, sometimes I do cut my nose off to spite me face! But that’s me - I can be a stubborn old fart!

It’s a sellers market so they are capitalising on that. It really depends on how much you want to proceed and accept some compromise! I think there is a discussion to be had about eroding goodwill and explore some “extras” to restore it! Given the desire to proceed and not miss another summer with the kids, I know that SWMBO would work me over in that situation! (I wear the trousers in our house….when she lets me!!!)

 

[david173]

I would be equally annoyed my self as I would also feel misled.
However, it would be worth taking step back and thinking, now you know all the facts and the price, do you still believe it offers you the van you want for a price you are happy with? for me that's the key.

As @JOG suggested its definitely worth having that conversation with them to see if they can throw in some extras as goodwill no harm in asking. Loads of people buy vehicles pre-registered, personally the mileage is the crucial factor, and if you come to sell it I doubt the additional owner will make much difference especially if you plan to keep it for quite a few years.

 

[Paynewright]

Prices are silly at the moment - if you are getting an effectively unused van for list price and no wait then I see that as a plus. The only issue is that it is pre-registered and you’ll be the second keeper. If I came to buy it from you I’d be happy with that explanation as the potential 3rd keeper.

On a positive note v low miles in first 6 months should keep the mileage below average through your ownership (if you do average miles).

 

[Mud Digger]

@sw25481 Howdy Neighbor ( Reigate ) The explanation when you come to sell it of it was pre registered to the garage you brought it from as the 1st owner. plus you can take out the extended VW warranty on it . But can you find a better deal elsewhere for that price. and a higher spec to what you wanted. and try and ask for some freebies. as yousay your losing time to enjoy it and it'll be another month older before you get it

 

[DaveD]

Life is too short - just buy it and enjoy it.

 

[JOG]

Life is too short - just buy it and enjoy it.

There is definitely that element to it too! My boys (9 and 7) love our “party wagon” - it is without doubt the most versatile family car we’ve ever had!

 

[Radford1071s]

I wouldn’t let it annoy you to much as if is what you really want then just buy it. I,m in the middle of purchasing a 09 plate with under 18,000 miles on it . It’s just a simple 102 bhp . But it has very good spec and full history, it’s had 1 owner . I was looking for a t6 shuttle or kombi LWB but couldn’t find just what I was looking for or they were out of my price range. So I opted for something older but immaculate with full history, and at the end of the day my wife has a t6 kombi swb . It’s not a t6 but still a very clean window van. / 6 seater.

 

[Paynewright]

Some would argue that slightly older, with slightly less emissions gubbins to go wrong is better!

 

[Radford1071s]

Yeah possibly that is true. My wife always gets the new stuff and I get what I can afford with any debt. That keeps the wife happy and me very happy. Only had a nearly new car an Audi 1996 s6 estate . And the only reason I got that as my my grandmother left me . Had about 7000 miles on it. Lovely estate car. Wish a still had it.

 

[Ozi]

Set aside the pre-reg bit, it comes down to a few simple points:
1. It’s a new van
2. it’s done no mileage
3. it’s got everything you want
4. you can make the price work

So the only real questions are, can you get a better deal anywhere else? Unlikely. Are you prepared to wait another year and get a first reg van with a discount? Sounds like no from what you’ve said.

So personally, I’d be buying it.

 

[JOG]

Set aside the pre-reg bit, it comes down to a few simple points:
1. It’s a new van
2. it’s done no mileage
3. it’s got everything you want
4. you can make the price work

So the only real questions are, can you get a better deal anywhere else? Unlikely. Are you prepared to wait another year and get a first reg van with a discount? Sounds like no from what you’ve said.

So personally, I’d be buying it.

And you’ve had the therapeutic benefit of the forum to get the grumble off your chest!

T6Forum.com - the gift that keeps on giving!

 

[Radford1071s]

T6 forum is just a wee bit more special than others.

 

[Gavinda]

Set aside the pre-reg bit, it comes down to a few simple points:
1. It’s a new van
2. it’s done no mileage
3. it’s got everything you want
4. you can make the price work

So the only real questions are, can you get a better deal anywhere else? Unlikely. Are you prepared to wait another year and get a first reg van with a discount? Sounds like no from what you’ve said.

So personally, I’d be buying it.

Wot ee sed

 

[Mooeee]

Well did he buy IT..................................................................

 

[Texxaco]

Look at it another way, if it sold while you are thinking it over would you be gutted???