Hi, and what discount should I get for cash?

[meadow_knight]

I'm contemplating getting a DS3. Dark grey with red roof. I want most of the toys but I'm not sure whether to go for a Dsport HDI or Dstyle with options. Which has the most comfortable seats? - I find my current 53 C3 excruciatingly uncomfortable.

What level of discount should I get? What Car suggests 7% which is about a grand on most models, or would I be better asking for them to throw in leather trim or satnav, for example?

As I will be a cash customer am I likely to get a worse discount than if I was buying on finance?

One last question, some modern cars are so jam packed under the bonnet that if is almost impossible to change a headlight bulb. The C3 was bad enough but I was told the Honda Jizz requires front wheel removal to change a bulb.

Oh, and hi everybody. I've yet to see one on the road but I haven't relally been looking until the last couple of weeks.

MK

[Dangerousfish]

Welcome MK!

With regards to discount it can't hurt but ask. I had £600 dropped off mine due to me knowing the sales manager so I'm sure you'll be able to get a good deal if you're paying all up front

With regards to comfort, I have the leather interior and it's lush! Did a 300mile stretch a couple of weeks back no problem. Even slept in the car one night too with no problem.

Bulbs and electrics aren't a problem, there's a few nooks and crannys but my indicator bulbs were both changed in 2/3mins and fuses can be popped out in a matter of seconds.

[gar074]

Hi MK, welcome aboard!

DSport seats are really good - grippy and supportive - and the driving position is fine. I've got a long-standing back problem that is aggravated by bad posture, esp when driving, but I've not had a twinge in the DS3 after 10k+ miles. I tried a 500 Abarth before I bought the DS3, and was practically doubled up in pain after a 30 minute test drive!

Can't help with discounts, as I bought an ex-demo. I'd always thought that cash buyers got the biggest discounts, but apparently that may not be the case if the dealer is prepared to pass on some of the commission that they get on a finance deal.

[pauljack]

Hi MK,
I know a dealership in the Midlands that will knock off £1600 off a white edition, so if you want email address of the guy let me know, you could email him and ask what he can do the model you want for! I bet its at least a grand less, cheers paul

[John S]

All the bulbs at the front are easily accessable

[CooperKiller]

Hi MK welcome to the club. I agree with gar on the DSport seats, they are excellent even on long distance runs. Can't help with the discount question though as I bought mine shortly after launch so discounts were not an option. One of our tame inside men might be able to help though.

[Sag]

I would be surprised at any great reduction for cash.
Most dealers make money from finance deals plus with it being a relatively new car, I cant imagine "cash" discounts of more than £4/500...at a push!

[John S]

Try contacting Steve Chadbourne <scs88@bristolstreet.co.uk> @ Bristol Street Motors in Derby 01332 386901 and tell him that the DS3 club suggested that you contact him, should be able to get 800-1000 off

[Bigfeet]

Or if your near me come and pop in for a chat!

[davenumber3]

Over 2K on a DS3 D-Sport THP or HDi according Honest John's website:

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/news/deals/2011-02/dtd-citroen

There must be a catch...

[John S]

There probably is as you have to give your details to get a quote from "drivethedeals". I don't know if anyone has successfully used them

[Bigfeet]

It's called 'lost leader' selling, what the dealer is doing is throwing away his entire margin including any bonnet bonus that he may get in order to achieve targets and earn on other cars. The problem with this kind of technique is yes the customer get a big saving from the start, but it plays havoc for residual values.

By all means go and get the crazy discounts, just don't come back on here moaning that your DS3's are worth diddly squat in a years time.

[gar074]

That £2k+ discount from DTD includes the £500 for taking out the finance deal. Still a big chunk off though.

The savings onthe White & Black look to be even bigger in percentage terms - presumably because they are ordered in by dealers for stock, rather than special order?

I've had quotes from DTD in the past, and I know of a couple of people who have used them with no problems, & made big savings.

Cars are supplied direct from main dealers, and are usually not pre-registered (it's stated clearly in the online quote if they are).

As Biggie says, it must mean that one or more Citroen dealers are sacrificing their margin plus bonus ... and in the process, sacrificing our residual values.

The problem is that it's difficult for manufacturers to stop dealers from doing this without being accused of price-fixing, which is a breach of competition law.

Interestingly, I see that DTD are offering some Aston Martins at nearly £30k off, so it's not just the volume sellers that suffer from this.

[Jimbob]

There probably is as you have to give your details to get a quote from "drivethedeals". I don't know if anyone has successfully used them

My wife's last two cars came through Drive the Deal. Great prices and great service.

And yes Biggie is right but if everyone goes for a discount then you'd be a fool not to!

Jimbob

[pauljack]

Always go for the biggest discount you can! Its your hard earned cash that you are spending! Remember, dont spend more than you have to! cos be sure when it comes times to trade in you get the same whether you paid 1k more at a dealers or 1k less via the net!
You dont get anymore trade in by telling the dealers "oh I bought with my local dealer"
Lets be realistic, Who wants to spend £1500 more than you need to, just by buying from a dealer nearby? I have used drive the deal a few times and they are great, and the dealer I have been put in touch with has given me no less a service than my local dealer!
I use moneysavingexpert on the net and it is fantastic at saving you money on all things. From Insurance, food, shopping, utilities etc so why should buying a car be any different? in fact its important that you are more vigilant as cars lose thousands the minute you drive them away!