Should I go on a waiting list to buy my new car?
QUESTION
Hi John,
I’m after some advice and possibly your help buying a new car. Recently I ordered a new Pajero Sport Exceed. With three weeks left until delivery, from today, I received a phone call from the salesperson with bad news it won’t be available until the end of January, 2022.
The car dealership has so far been very helpful. The salesperson has offered me a release out of the contract if they can’t find a suitable replacement in the event that I am unwilling to wait until the new delivery date.
I did have a trade-in and decided to hand it over before delivery of my new car, because I had the use of another car and didn’t won’t to risk delays due to damage or an unforeseen issues with the trade-in. The trade-in is under contract and have said the dealership would pay me for it if we couldn’t come to a new deal.
Finally to my questions:
Should I wait as the purchase price is locked in or do you think prices are likely to fall?
Are there any signs of the component shortages ending which might put me in a better buying position?
What are the chances you have of obtaining a vehicle like this I chose the Pajero sport exceed as it has the safety equipment and cameras I need? I have limited neck movement due to an injury, and of course it’s towing.
Thanks for your help,
Dannie
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ANSWER
Hey Dannie,
If you can afford to wait, wait. There’s no evidence of the microprocessor shortage ending any time soon, and if you go on another queue it’s going to involve a wait in any case.
There’s no evidence prices will drop over the next six months. Demand for cars is higher than supply, placing upward pressure on prices, so if anything they will rise. (In which case it’s good to be locked in.)
The alternatives - like Everest and Fortuner - are more expensive and, in many ways, not as good.
If you’re really desperate, we can investigate pricing and availability of alternatives for you, but you’d have to be prepared to drop out of the current contract you’re in.
Have a think about it and get back to me.
Sincerely,
JC
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