Been to dealers to finalise things today, been allocated the reg plate (which I was able to choose from a list) and had the talk about the dealer products.
- ended up getting a fair few - here's the reasoning:
// I've used the tyre insurance in the past, and had value out of it after just 2 claims - figure it has some value.
// Can see the potential benefit of gap insurance in the car's later years - aiming for a three year cycle. I have never had a crash, but it would be good to get full original invoice value back if I did.
// Supaguard can make cleaning the vehicle easier to clean, although I question how much relevance the 'insurance' has got
// scratches / bumps / scrapes insurance - These happen, they just do - mostly by others, but occasionally my myself. so they have some value to me.
// Landrover finance - yes, I'm not stinking rich and need some support
So, which to pick, and what value do you place on them and more importantly what do Landrover charge.
I decided on everything but the supaguard, opting for the cheaper and probably better option of a local detailer.
Before going to the dealer, shop around on the internet for these products. Get printouts, figures, understand the different terms that will be used to baffle you and get like the scouts - be prepared.
The dealers make a big margin on gap insurance - internet quoted me approx £150 for £20K coverage over 3 years. There are probably others out there for a bit cheaper. landrover wanted £450.
Scratch cover was very similar at £250 on internet and at dealer, which gives £750 damage per claim, up to £3000 worth per year.
Tyre cover is similar but was £260 on internet at £350 at dealer.
Initially the LR finance worked out at £50/ month more for a like for like quote. 30 mins of my time and several trips the 'the manager's office' by the salesman saved me hundreds over the life of the deal just by having some alternative quotes to consider. Dealers have plenty of options when it comes to finance guys - they don't have to use the LR finance company.
So, the price of the car may not be discounted much, but the after-care products sure can be - don't be afraid to ask dealers to better what you can get on the open market, and if you don't get the deal you want, walk away and take the alternative. I ended up with the products I wanted at the price I wanted, plus a few other bits and bobs thrown in
Hoping the car will be ready for the weekend, but suspect it'll end up being early next week!