• Hopefully as things progress build-wise we will be be needing a vehicle up in Skye pretty soon. We typically keep our cars for a long time (current Toyota 4Runner is 25 years old) and buy them at 2 to 4 years old with low miles. Since we'll have to traverse the UK (wifey's family are in Darlington, mine are Bucks & Hastings) it'll need to be comfortable for long trips with good gas mileage. We're thinking an E-Class MB estate with the 220d motor makes a lot of sense and used they seem to be pretty good value.


    Of course, seems like in Scotland there's some kind of law that says you have to buy from Arnold Clark too! :rolleyes:


    My question to the wheeler dealers on this forum is, when buying a used car in the UK do you haggle or is the price pretty much what you pay? If that sounds like a weird question it's because over here Stateside the expectation is you'll arm wrestle the stealership for the best price so the sticker is just the starting point for negotiation & Sir would be a fool to pay that amount.


    If haggle is the way, then typically how much do you expect to beat Honest Joe down?

    "El piloto que se levanta es aún más grande que el piloto que no ha caido"

    2019 BMW R1250GSA "timBUCK 2"
    2020 Husqvarna FE501S
    2016 Toni Elias #24 Yoshimura GSXR Superbike "you cannot be serious?"

  • Arnold typically has xlnt prices for new vehicles and a wide range of second hand.


    Current experience in mid Scotland is selling vehicles to We Buy Any Car for more than paid two years ago.

    Long waiting lists on new cars if you want what the dealer does not have


    The late Arnold did own a lot of nice yachts.


    P.S. if you buy electrik || <X even longer delivery.

    P.S.S. there are only a few vehicles still running on gas conversions, diesel is still popular, there are only two electrik charging points north of Carlisle and they are both busy.

    Hydrogen is good in Orkney.

  • When it comes to haggling, it seems, to depend on who you are talking to. Some are reasonable and prepared to shift a little bit while others would rather see a sale walk away than move on price.

    2000 BMW F650 Funduro

    2004 MV Agusta Brutale 750s

    Montrose, Angus

  • I don't trust modern diesels, but if you need a Mercedes independent to fix it then I know a good one in Inverness.


    If you are buying from a dealer you might be able to get something off the price, but getting a free service or fresh tyres might be easier. And yes, old Arnold does have a bit of a strangle hold.

  • So the consensus is go for 5% or so & be happy with that?


    I'll take the name of the Mercedes guy in Inverness though please.

    "El piloto que se levanta es aún más grande que el piloto que no ha caido"

    2019 BMW R1250GSA "timBUCK 2"
    2020 Husqvarna FE501S
    2016 Toni Elias #24 Yoshimura GSXR Superbike "you cannot be serious?"

  • I find cars tend to be cheaper in Englandshire than Scotland. Arnold Clark used to be dreadful, but have improved significantly over the past few years, with great service from AC Renault, VW and Honda dealerships. The price you see is pretty much the price you pay, especially now there is a supply issue and car prices are on the rise.

  • Thanks, yes I did think it might make sense (since we have to fly into Heathrow anyway before changing to Inverness) to buy one doon South and just drive up?

    "El piloto que se levanta es aún más grande que el piloto que no ha caido"

    2019 BMW R1250GSA "timBUCK 2"
    2020 Husqvarna FE501S
    2016 Toni Elias #24 Yoshimura GSXR Superbike "you cannot be serious?"

  • You have picked the wrong time to buy a 2nd car just now, prices are stoopid.

    Keep an eye on garages in the central belt, they tend to be a bit cheaper, or Englandshire is the best bet.

    2-4 year old you should be looking at an ex lease with low mileage.

    I have bought my last three cars from Bristol and London, fly down, drive back, save a fortune on prices up here.

    Greenest XRV Africa Twin , Yamaha WR450F, Yamaha Tenere


    Yesterday is History, Tomorrow's a Mystery 8)

  • I did a search with MB's pre-owned site & did notice that once you get a little North of London prices get more competitive.

    "El piloto que se levanta es aún más grande que el piloto que no ha caido"

    2019 BMW R1250GSA "timBUCK 2"
    2020 Husqvarna FE501S
    2016 Toni Elias #24 Yoshimura GSXR Superbike "you cannot be serious?"

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