Q&A special: Brokers - Is a £1000 finder's fee okay?

Q: I've seen a broker who is charging a finder's fee of £1000. Is this right?
David Robertson, Bath

A: Our advice is to shop elsewhere. There is nothing to stop brokers charging high finder's fees, providing they make the figure perfectly clear before the buyer signs up.

However, unless the car is very exclusive or you're jumping a long queue for an in-demand model, £1000 is a very steep amount. To give an idea of rates, long-established broker Carfile charges 1% of purchase price.