Can't find it? We'll source it for you
Tell Columbus Vehicle Specialists what you are after — make, model, spec, budget — and we'll find it through our trade network, inspect it, and deliver it to your door.
Tell us what you want
A quick conversation by phone, WhatsApp or email — make, model, year window, mileage cap, must-have spec (e.g. heated seats, panoramic roof, towbar). The clearer the brief, the faster we lock down a match. We also flag specs that are realistic at your budget vs. ones that push the price into a different bracket.
Trade-network search
We search across UK trade auctions, private trade groups, manufacturer dealer-to-dealer feeds and our own ex-customer database. Most briefs surface 3–8 candidates within 5 working days; rarer specs (low-mileage hybrids, full-spec executive saloons) typically take 2–3 weeks.
Pre-purchase inspection on every candidate
Before we recommend a vehicle, we (or a paid third-party inspector) view it in person — engine and gearbox health-check, paint depth gauge for accident history, full HPI / Experian check, service-history audit, and a road test. Anything that fails inspection drops off the list before you see it.
Transparent pricing
Our sourcing fee is a fixed 3% of the agreed purchase price (minimum £450). That covers everything — search, inspection, transport to our preparation bay, valet, V5C transfer and delivery to you. No hidden margin on the vehicle itself; you see the original purchase invoice.
Refundable commitment deposit
A £500 deposit confirms you are serious — it's deducted from the final price when the vehicle lands. If we can't find the right vehicle within 60 days (or the agreed extended window), the deposit refunds in full. No questions, no commission claw-back.
Works for cars, vans and bikes
Sourcing covers everything we stock. Common briefs: 3–5 year old executive saloons with low miles, family SUVs under £20k, working vans (panel and crew), specific motorcycle models (sport, touring, A2-legal). Anything we wouldn't list ourselves we still won't source.
Common questions
How long does sourcing typically take?
Mainstream stock (popular hatchbacks, mid-range SUVs, common vans) usually surfaces within 5–10 working days. Niche specs (manual diesel estates, specific colour combinations, low-mileage prestige) can take 3–6 weeks. We give you a target window upfront and a weekly update by WhatsApp.
What if I find the same vehicle cheaper elsewhere?
We price-match on identical specifications (same year, mileage, options, service history). If the comparable is at a private seller or auction with no inspection or warranty, we are usually still cheaper once you factor the post-purchase risk. Show us the listing — we will be honest about whether it's a like-for-like.
Can I add finance to a sourced vehicle?
Yes — finance applies to sourced stock the same as forecourt stock. We submit the application once a candidate is confirmed, so the rate is locked against the actual vehicle. The 3% sourcing fee can be rolled into the finance or paid separately.
What's the warranty position on a sourced car?
Sourced vehicles get the same 3-month inclusive warranty and the same upgrade options as forecourt stock. We don't treat sourced as second-class — the inspection is the same and the after-sales support is the same.
Can I cancel the search?
Yes — cancel any time before we confirm a candidate. The £500 deposit refunds in full as long as we haven't already committed to a vehicle on your behalf (we always confirm with you first, so this rarely comes up).
Drop us the make, model and budget — we will reply within the same working day with realistic options.
Start a sourcing brief