CAR SUPERMARKETS
 Car supermarkets are now responsible for 7% of the used cars sold in the UK each year. The number of car supermarkets has risen by 33% since 2002 and there are now more than 100 car supermarkets located in the UK. Car supermarkets offer a huge selection of makes and models and are a fantastic place for customers to see a varied selection all on one forecourt.
What, exactly, are car supermarkets?
Car supermarkets, also known as car hypermarkets, are similar to independent dealerships except on a much larger scale. At the larger venues you may find over 2000 cars stocked, offering a wonderful range of choice to the customer.
What kind of cars will I find at a car supermarket?
The stock will often include ex-demonstrators, ex-fleet cars and a selection of used cars. The newest are likely to be pre-registered cars or brand-new unregistered imports.
Important facts about car supermarkets
- The approach is very much back to basics.
The car supermarkets may not offer you the comfortable surroundings that you may find at your local dealer. This basic level of service helps to keep costs down and save you money but does not necessarily mean a low standard of service as most staff couldn’t be more helpful.
- Prices will often be fixed.
You may find that the listed prices at the car supermarket are as low as they are likely to go and although haggling is not out of the question, chances are that you will often be unsuccessful.
- Most car supermarkets will allow you to take a test drive.
Although this may need to be booked in advance it is generally a good idea to test drive the car you plan to purchase on a variety of surfaces.
- The mainstream manufacturers will dominate.
Car manufactures such as Ford, Vauxhall, Toyota, Renault and Citroen will always make up a large percentage of the cars at a car supermarket. If you are looking for a Porsche or a Ferrari then a car supermarket may not be for you.
- Weekdays are a better time to visit.
You should try to attend a car supermarket on a week day rather than a weekend if at all possible. This will help you to avoid long queues for test drives and valuations and you will find that the sales person will have more time to spend with you.
Things to watch out for at a car supermarket
Before buying a car from a car supermarket is important that you check the deal for any hidden extras. Ask the sales person if there is an admin fee or if the road tax has been paid. Also bear in mind that buying a new car will usually involve paying registration fees.
What do you need to remember to take with you?
Always remember to take the essentials with you when go to a car supermarket. A notepad and pen are a must, add to that a copy of the Parker’s Car Price Guide or What Car? and a digital camera and you will be able to take notes, compare prices and take photos of your favourite cars.
   
How much money can be saved by using car supermarkets?
 You should expect to save at least a four figure number when purchasing a pre-registered car from a car supermarket. You will often find that a car supermarket will be much cheaper than a main dealer.
To get the most out of a car supermarket you should always do plenty of research before-hand. Find out the price that you should be paying for car that you plan to buy and use this price as a guide. The time and effort spend in research can equate to thousands of pounds saved.
Where is my nearest car supermarket?
If you are based in England, car supermarkets are located in the North West, North East, Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, South East, South West, the East of England and London. Car supermarkets can also be found in Scotland and Wales.
Carsupermarkets.co.uk has brought together all of the leading car supermarkets in the UK with the specific purpose of helping you to find new and used cars at your nearest car supermarket.
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