What do you think of dealer delivery charges?
The question
Hi,
What are your views on the lack of transparency of dealers' delivery and related charges that get added to the brochure price of cars? Surely it is in the consumer's best interest to know the actual price of a car up front?
Regards Paul
Blessington Co. Wicklow
Asked by Paul Vickers ·
Expert answer
Hi Paul,
Yes, you're right. It should be like that and there should be no more of this 'ex-works' cod-ology and everything should be given a simple on-the-road price.
As ever, it's never that simple though. Dealers like to have 'Delivery and Related Charges' because it gives them some wiggle room to offer discounts and money off. Also, the Competition Authority generally takes a dim view of car makers imposing specific charges on dealers for delivery etc, as it's seen as being anti-competitive.
Good old Ireland, eh?
Answered by Neil Briscoe