Hi I work for TATA in the UK and don't seem to be having much luck getting a good deal purchasing a Freelander via the Privilege scheme.

The main dealer in South East Wales (the national chain) is playing me for a fool. Their original promise of 5.9% APR being available were withdrawn for an offer APR of 11.9% plus the part-exchange offer has left me in negative equity where as VW and Honda quoted around £1,000 equity in the car.

I get the impression they are not interested in supplying me a car given their cavalier figures and the take it or leave it approach. Its a shame a it is a nice car and as a TATA employee I'd like to support the brand. Are there any dealers out there with a better reputation with organising a privilege purchase? Happy to travel if needs be.

Would Likes, Guy Salmon or Lookers PR be any better? Not yet an owner but looking to buy in 2013.

try speaking with Sponsors Hadley Green LR too, James has past history with another well known dealer on here for doing good deals

I'm sure i read on here, another TATA workforce member said they don't offer the same APR as normal, but you do get the discount on the car, or something along those lines, maybe a search will shed more light  Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

Would look at buy a car website.

Can build your spec and value your px all in the comfort of your home with a cup of tea.

Certainly the figures I have been coming up with are looking very attractive whereas both local dealers are not interested unless the full asking price is paid an poor px offered

If I decide to change then will take the quotes in to compare against main dealer.

As a current JLR worker & ex Ford employee the experiences I’ve had over the years using privilege deals I suggest you contact as many dealers as possible & be prepared to travel for a deal. The differences in APR’s and part ex prices are considerably different. The deal you get is dependent on many factors; currently dealers are giving less favourable APRs for Privilege customers mainly due to buoyant sales across the Land Rover range.

If you aren’t too bothered about colour or spec a better deal can be gained from a dealer stock vehicle rather than raising a new order. Good luck.

Disappointing to hear

I spoke to Privilege helpdesk and they stated that the nice finance rates aren't included for employees.

As 3lander says, shop around - e.g. suggest you try a little further along the M4 perhaps - TH White at Ro-Woo-Ba?

In addition it may also be worth arranging your own finance versus said dealers "black donkey" contracted finance arm...


It'll involve a lot of number crunching to see which comes out on top between total amount payable for good finance and public list price vs employee-list and own finance!

victims of our own success

His Landy, don't lose the faith! As you say, you just need to find a Privilege-friendly dealer... remember the savings!

Out of curiosity, what are you trying to p/x


Any suggestions for a dealer 3lander?

Hi we bought are Freelander with the JLR priviledge purchase which the discount price is set and are local dealer in liverpool the deal was poor. So we shopped around and bought our car from Leeds. We got £1500. more for our PX plus a full size spare wheel, Auto Glym Life Shine paint finish. When our first service is due I will take it to the Liverpool dealer.

Shop round and you will get a better deal, good Luck  2013 hse auto, black, almond leather, exnon lights, factory privacy glass, exhaust finisher, rear boot spoiler, mud flaps. Body door side moulding and steps.

Gone and fondly remembered
2012 XS (2013 up-grade LED lights front & rear)
2007 hse (2011 facelift)

I believe Guy Salmon Manchester Road Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 0ST 01565 632525 are currently giving best JLR employee deals in my area, according to colleagues currently changing vehicles. But as I’ve previously stated its worth doing the research.

Could be worth being a little cheeky - phone the privilege helpline and ask who most of the deals are being completed through at the moment! Two chances of them giving you the information though...

Hi His Landy,

We'd be happy to help. As mentioned above, the low rate finsnce subsidy is not available to Employee discounted deals as the contribution from LR exceeds that of the subsidy already.

There is virtually no margin for a dealer in an Employee deal, therefore this will explain why you have been given stronger offers elsewhere for your part-exchange. The first thing a dealer will do to attract a customer who's PX has outstanding finance on it is to use some margin (if its there) as an over-allowance to settle negative equity and try to provide a deposit for the new vehicles finance agreement.

A good PX value is always the best way to please a buyer, however you have to have margin to offer anything over the market value, which sadly isn't available in this sort of deal because of the huge saving.

I would ask your dealer for two different scenarios.

#1. A standard employee deal, getting the on the road price as low as possible.

This will mean a higher APR and you contributing to settle out of your PX.

#2. A hybrid deal to give you the APR and equity you are looking for.

Instead of offering the discount they may be able to use some of it as an over-allowance on your PX, some of it (a fair chunk I'd guess) to subsidise the finance rate, leaving the remainder (if there is any) to reduce the price of the Freelander. Hopefully this will result in a lower monthly figure than a non-employee would get, the APR you'd like and you not having to contribute to clearing the PX's finance.

There is a huge cost to subsidising finance to the current offer rate which is why LR are unable to offer the Employee contribution AND the finance subsidy.

I hope this helps?

James  Follow us on Twitter: @GrangeBarnetJLR

Hi James

Thanks for clearing that up for me. I had guessed that the APR wouldn't be competitive as there is nothing in the deal for the dealer or Land Rover when 20% has already been taken off but I was surprised at the poor value on the P/X. Just had the feeling that the dealer was after a nice margin for themselves out of me to make up for the zero margin on the car. Left me feeling a little disappointed.

Interested in a hybrid view however. Would you be willing to explore some numbers?

Thanks. Not yet an owner but looking to buy in 2013.

His Landy wrote:

Would you be willing to explore some numbers?

Of course, no problem at all. Could you PM me your contact details so that I can arrange for our LR Sales Manager to look after you? I'm sure that there is a solution in there somewhere.

James  Follow us on Twitter: @GrangeBarnetJLR

PM sent

Thanks again James. Not yet an owner but looking to buy in 2013.

Yep got it (and the first one which I missed ). I have explained my plan of action to Matthew (Sales Manager) and also David who you spoke to, and David will call you tomorrow to discuss in a little more detail.

Thanks very much for getting in touch and hopefully we can put something together for you.

James  Follow us on Twitter: @GrangeBarnetJLR