trade vet

Hi Phil, I have had several small claim court experiences and this is what could happen.Firstly the judge will probably just look at the established facts of the case.Forget your 30 day warranty or whatever you give,new MOT,forget the LTD company defence,that is a clerical error,it's not the high court.The car was returned for repair within 30 days.Subsequently,the customer called to reject the car on the grounds it was unfit for purpose.The judge may want to know why you did not collect the car and inspect it.The customer will probably say he could not return it because it was too dangerous.The customer will say because you rejected his claim,he was forced to get an independent inspection.He may bring his mechanic as a witness. While the reality is that your customer has probably been put off the car and has been unreasonable,the judge may differ in his opinion.While I have won small claims prosecuting banks,architects and others,I have tried to defend some rediculous car sales small claim cases ,even offered proven evidence showing the claimant has lied.I have never won one yet.The bottom line is judges do not like car dealers and you are taking a chance by defending the case.

Hi,with your knowledge and expertise in Army stuff, I would suggest that is what you should deal in.The MOD flogs off loads off stuff that you will know all about.Niche market-good profit margins!,better than being a car dealer. Good luck

Definitely insist and give this punter a full refund,the quicker the better.Old Freelanders are good sellers anyway,you won't lose out.Sounds like this punter was probably always going to Halfords to have it checked out rather than use Mr Cannyblokes small garage nearby ,like all his friends.

That's what we do.WBAC are generally easy to beat.If it's a 5 grand car e.g.,we explain and emphasise the downside to the sales process and how we need an £800 mark up to net £250 etc.

Good luck with your sub prime pitch,you will need to be a good player to make money.My experience ,awfull punters,even worse swappers ,usually with negative equity,no repeat business.Then down the line,the VAT man comes and picks holes in invoicing and finance agreements and gives you a big bill.Dont let me put you off,this was long ago and you are probably more switched on than we were.

get a small unit,rent / rates £20k,stock no more than 20 ,specialise in one type of vehicle ( cuts Auto Trader rip off costs),only need to advertise 1 car.Insurance is what it is. The bottom line is if you work hard ,( very hard)employ 2 staff,comply with VAT and PAYE regs etc. you will make a reasonable living,but you wont make any money.Those days are gone !