Best way to buy 4-6 cars / vans (all the same) over the next 6 months

[Talay]

Just thinking about how to get the best deal on buying at least 4 and possibly up to 6 small cars or vans over the next 6 to 12 months.

I guess the cheapest for one vehicle would be online through someone like Drive the Deal but I'd want quite a bit better for buying a few though there would be a trade off between my obligation to buy the next vehicle, the flexibility of delivery and the price.

I would probably prefer a deal with a local garage and I will speak to them but I have never bought more than one vehicle of the same sort at one time so this is new territory for me.

[mhall]

Most decent dealerships would have a Fleet Sales department. Bear in mind their profit margin is around 17% so they would be looking to get profit from finance or lease and if they do they will not be too fussed about not making a profit on the actual car.

[Homer J Simpson]

Auction, ring them, find out when fleet cars get auctioned and you can even ask if a particular make/model will be in the next auction.

Cut out the car dealer, save a fair bit. But you'll lose any guarantee that you would otherwise get from a dealer. But look at it this way, buy 4 get one free at the auction!

[Talay]

Originally Posted by Homer J Simpson

Auction, ring them, find out when fleet cars get auctioned and you can even ask if a particular make/model will be in the next auction.

Cut out the car dealer, save a fair bit. But you'll lose any guarantee that you would otherwise get from a dealer. But look at it this way, buy 4 get one free at the auction!

Sorry, I meant I wanted to buy new.

Your comment does raise the issue of warranty, residual value and whole life costs though. Whilst open minded, the allure of 5 and 7 year warranties from Hyundai and Kia is attractive on the face of it.

[kickstartbtm]

Originally Posted by mhall

Most decent dealerships would have a Fleet Sales department. Bear in mind their profit margin is around 17% so they would be looking to get profit from finance or lease and if they do they will not be too fussed about not making a profit on the actual car.

The margin is dependent on model however the most imprtant profit centre to a dealer is the volume bonus, a quarterly bonus based on units shifted. For this reason if you catch them at a quarter end they might be prepare to sell at a loss to qualify for their bonus.

[123Simples]

Wouldn't it be better to lease the vehicles if you plan on having a small fleet yourself?

[Talay]

Originally Posted by kickstartbtm

The margin is dependent on model however the most imprtant profit centre to a dealer is the volume bonus, a quarterly bonus based on units shifted. For this reason if you catch them at a quarter end they might be prepare to sell at a loss to qualify for their bonus.

My father used to try and buy his new car before quarter end, thinking he had more bargaining power. Whether he did or not I remember that quote.

My question would be on order versus delivery. If I wanted them all on day one then it would be simple but whether they could account for them now and yet deliver say one per month over six months I do not know, whist retaining the same discount ?

[Talay]

Originally Posted by 123Simples

Wouldn't it be better to lease the vehicles if you plan on having a small fleet yourself?

It may still work out that way but it will depend upon the implied vehicle costs.

[123Simples]

Originally Posted by Talay

It may still work out that way but it will depend upon the implied vehicle costs.

Yes I understand - based on your original question Talay the answer for you would be to approach some car dealerships in your own local area, and tell them what you are looking for. Just get prices in and compare like for like. The best answer is if it appreciates it, then buy it. If it depreciates then lease it.