In The Telegraph today someone has written in regarding the use of car brokers, like Tins. They say that when the car is delivered it will have been pre-registered to take advantage of the fleet discounts, which you ultimately benefit from as you are paying a lower price. However, technically at this stage the vehicle is second hand as it's had a previous owner. Nothing wrong with this, but they say, "......if you wreck it during the first year of ownership, your insurer will not give you new for old because you were not the first official owner". I thought this was quite interesting, and something to be aware of. I'm paying 5% more for my vRS from the local dealer rather than DrivetheDeal, this would have paid for Zenons, but I think this is acceptable as I have a local contact in the form of a franchised dealership who also provide me with a courtesy car free of charge when mine is being serviced. All in all, over a period of time I guess the total cost of ownership will be about the same whether you buy from a broker, or from a convenient local dealership. Internet brokers provide a cost saving up front, whereby dealers may provide for tangible cost savings over the lifetime ownership of the car. Whatever you decide do you are covered by the Skoda warranty, so risk is the same by however method you obtain the vehicle, unless of course if you are unfortunate enough to fall off the road!

I agree with what "aixlad" said above. I would prefer to support my local dealer who incidently is only about 4or5 miles from my house!. They have offered me a discount on servicing and on dealer fitted accessories , free loan car when in for servicing or repairs, free MOT if I keep the car after 3 years etc.etc. I feel having this back up is worth the extra initial costs.

Thought this could be done twice?

No

i have orderd from tins now so i shall tell you how it was.... fingers crossed though!!

Well done! I ordered last Thursday (2/9/2004) from the dealer, and the build week will be Week 44 which is week ending 29th October. so I expect to have it mid-November. If I had not gone for ESP, then the build week was Week 42 (w/e 15th October). How does this compare with your build/delivery dates?

my car has been promised for 31st of September... Strange i havent been told any build/delivery dates, he said they will "locate" one within two weeks

I guess they are looking at stock in Grimsby. I was told that 3 weeks should be expected between the build week and delivery to the dealership, so maybe they already have a commission. Do you know if you're getting a 2005MY?

Always annoys me - everytime I take my car in - I have to go back because of someting stupid. If I was as careful at work - I'd be looking for another job !

Mines completley standard which might be why its only 2 weeks? I am not sure about the plate, he said I should expect a call today with my vehicle reg, so i am expecting a 04/54

It will be a "54" if it's never been registered before, but will it be a Fabia 2005 Model Year?

Ah with you now, yeah i paid for the facelifted model, extra