Buying a pre-registered car can be a good way of getting a virtually unused car at a considerable discount
. These cars are generally less than 6 months old with very few, if any miles, on them. You still have a full warranty, but the warranty starts from the date that the dealer registered the car.
The main problem with buying a pre-registered car is that you do not get the extras that you would like. Most dealers order pre-registered cars with lots of extras, so this is rarely a major problem. Check that the price is as good as it appears by adding up the cost of the extras and the price of the car when new. Then deduct the price the dealer has asked for to work out the true size of your discount.
Before buying the car, get a quote in writing from the dealer. Make sure that the quote states that the car is pre-registered. When buying this type of car you need to get a copy of the sales invoice and the receipt. These are your proof of ownership.
Most manufacturers do not allow dealers to sell on pre-registered cars in less than 3 months, which is why some dealers try to hang onto the V5C. Make it clear that you will not accept the dealer keeping the V5C insist on taking your part of the V5C registration document with you when you buy the car. Do not allow the dealer to post it to you in a few weeks. The V5C proves you are the registered keeper. If stopped by the police you will definitely need the V5C. Most insurance companies will also want a copy in the case of an accident. You may also need the V5C to get a parking permit from your local authority.
When buying a pre-registered car it is possible that you are being sold an earlier or pre-facelift model. Check for this and ensure that the price you actually pay for the car reflects this.