The Richard Nash Group pioneered the nearly new car market in Norfolk and it's one that has earned the family-owned business a loyal customer base. Motoring editor Andy Russell finds out the advantages of buying a nearly new car.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

Changing your car is a big financial commitment but as soon as you drive a new car off the forecourt you lose money.

You could buy a used car a few years old, so the previous owner has taken the biggest depreciation hit, or the best option might be a nearly new car, generally accepted to be under a year old and fewer than 10,000 miles, which still has a long manufacturer's warranty.

It's a market the Richard Nash Group has pioneered since starting in Norwich in 1987, earning the family-owned business a loyal customer base. Norfolk drivers are more likely to choose nearly new or quality used than other parts of the UK.

The business stocks more than 100 nearly new cars. Of that total, 60 to 70 are its own vehicles, now normally Fords and Volkswagens from its Apex Car Rental and fleet business, but it also has a broad selection of popular models, hand-picked by its expert buyer from reputable sources. If you want a particular model or specification of nearly new car, it can usually source one.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

Jim Nash, sales manager of Richard Nash Group's Nearly New Car Centre, said nearly new car sales are steadily growing thanks to the significant savings available to customers.

The majority of cars owned by this independent car dealership are generally around six months old and have covered less than 9,000 miles. Other nearly new models stocked are under three years old and 20,000 miles.

'We try to buy cars with as low a mileage as possible – some less than 1,000 miles.'

So what are the benefits of buying nearly new rather than brand new?

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

The most obvious is a cash saving – around £5,000 on average but it can be more than £10,000 on some models. You still get many of the advantages of a brand new car – manufacturer's warranty, the newest models and latest technology.

The wait between ordering a brand new car and taking delivery – the lead time – can be weeks, even months. Nearly new models are in stock and readily available for immediate delivery.

Nearly new cars often come with optional equipment – such as satellite navigation, upgraded infotainment systems or parking sensors and reversing cameras – which you get at a fraction of the original cost.

All the cars are inspected, checked and, if due, serviced. The manufacturer's warranty is maintained by using genuine parts, but buyers of nearly new cars from Richard Nash also benefit from a lower hourly workshop rate compared to a main dealer when they require future servicing.

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

The family-owned, independent motor group prides itself on its personal service and has some of the best used cars and nearly new models available.

'We are very fortunate to have a lot of repeat customers. We look after our customers and offer some unbelievable savings on cars. Because of this people recommend us to their friends and family.'

'It's very easy to buy a nearly new car from here. You can see it, touch it, take it for a test drive, agree a deal and drive it away the same day, if you want to. There is no hassle and no pressure.

'We are happy to take your current car in part exchange and give the fairest possible price. We always do our best to help you find that perfect car. We can also arrange finance tailored to suit your needs and you can normally have a decision within minutes.'

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

The Norwich-based group also has two other local car dealerships – The Drive In Family Car Centre on Mousehold Lane, stocking quality used cars up to 10 years old and under 70,000 miles, and the Rouen Road city centre showroom specialising in cherished, older prestige used cars and more unusual models. All of its used cars for sale either have the remainder of the manufacturer's warranty or a minimum of 12 months guarantee.

Contact Richard Nash Nearly New Car Centre, in Vulcan Road South, Norwich, by phoning 01603 495000 or log on to www.richardnash.co.uk

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)

Eastern Daily Press: Richard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy RussellRichard Nash Nearly New Cars also sources cars for its loyal customers. Picture: Andy Russell (Image: Andy Russell)