UK Car Prices A Rip Off Compared To US

Wednesday, 21. July 2010

I’ve already reported about the way that Ford increased its list prices during the scrappage scheme and, now the scheme has ended, has now decided to lower its list prices by up to 15%, quite a coincidence eh! But to make matters worse they say that even after reducing their prices that buyers should still negotiate the price further as dealers have the ability to provide additional discounts from 5% to 15%. But this is the problem with this country, we are generally rubbish at negotiating and those that aren’t so good at asking for a discount end up paying through the nose. Clearly if you aren’t a particularly good negotiator compared to the car salesman you will get ripped off. This is one of the reasons why leasing companies can offer such keen lease rates, they are particularly good negotiators with the manufacturers. I heard recently that Ford were offering 35% discount on some Focus models, that would make a new car cheaper than a 12 month old car, it’s ridiculous and once again shows how the UK is regarded by many countries as rip off Britain, we are constantly being ripped off. The Government stepped in a few years ago to force the manufacturers to align their prices with Europe and stop buyers from nipping across to France or Belgium and buying right hand drive cars for less than they could in the UK. They should now look at the price of cars in the US and carry out the same exercise again. Failing that you must negotiate the price more strongly or take a lease, you know that you are then receiving the maximum discount. Any experiences here? Let me know? By Graham Hill