James Baggott

Surely a customer is a customer at the end of the day? Where there purchase is being funded from shouldn't matter. Give these people a brilliant service and they'll tell others - isn't word of mouth the strongest form of advertising?

You should see some of the puns I've been sent on Twitter from this. Check out this status and the replies to it - very funny... https://twitter.com/CarDealerEd/status/392264530618621954

Escort RS Cosworth all day for me. It was a car that was on my bedroom wall when I grew up. They're mostly under £20k now but I'm convinced they're a solid investment. Should put my money where my mouth is really...

Ps. The button is visible on the desktop version not the mobile one. You can switch to the desktop version via mobile at the bottom of the page.

Hi Jim. Thanks for the feedback. You can get a prompt via email on any thread or 'topic'. In the top right hand corner of each thread there is a 'follow this topic' button which will mean you get an email every time a reply is posted in that thread. It works well. I use it on topics I've started to keep an eye on them - like this one! Thanks for the feedback though. Much appreciated and glad this is complimenting yours. We think the more areas there are for free discussion between the trade the better.

Why not set up a site selling the cars? Sometimes if you have to wait for others it never happens! Might be the excuse you need to set up on your own with a showroom...

It shows the incredible power of social media! How has Twitter affected your work? For us, it's vital. We're constantly finding stories on it for our different outlets and it's a great place to publish content and interact with readers. Have you guys sold much via the site? Or is it more about building relationships? Or a means of contact?

What Dan? Even the great TV's The Dealership is seeing quiet times? Then something must be wrong...

There's talk that there was a huge push on pre reg end of September and many dealers chasing sales for Q3 targets could have seen their lead bank used up! Is it a seasonal thing. There's talk if Christmas around the corner and some consumers may be taking stock and thinking about cash flow as the pricey time of year comes around. Also, with regards to servicing, September is always really busy in line with registrations three years ago requiring their first MoT. Perhaps the lull is apparent because dealers have just had a very busy few weeks?

Agree Jim. Not sure we'll ever know why the decision was made, but it's a very sad situation. But you know what they say about business with family and friends...

There was talk of dealers offering the reg plate transfer service when post offices stopped. Do you think that would work?

From my experience Twitter is all about interaction - chat to others in there. Don't always broadcast but talk too. It's called social media for a reason. Gaining followers takes time and effort. But it shouldn't be about integrating it into your business but finding a way to make it part of what you do naturally. Good tweets aren't forced... Good luck!

Congratulations Jim. A huge acheivement and we're delighted we could include all walks of the motor trade in this list. I think what guys like you and Umesh and others do on Twitter is to be commended. It gives your business a personality and that's something I think customers love. I'll add my congratulations to all those included on the list - influence on social media takes time and effort, and our research shows it's worth putting the effort in.

I take it you've seen the size of the boot on the Jaguar F-Type... you'd be lucky to get a small (empty) carrier bag in it...

Without doubt sir. I remember my first spin in one like it was yesterday. The editor of the local newspaper I worked for had one on test (he did the motoring column too) and took me for a spin around the Surrey lanes. The sound it made on the overun won me over. The flared arches and the colour were works of genius. I would definitely have one in my dream garage. I'm very jealous. Can't believe there's only 250 left!

Here's the cover of the next issue of Car Dealer Mag. A cracking image by Max Earey, I'm sure you'll agree. As you can see the next mag is all about our Road Test of the Year 2013 featuring Jaguar F-Type, Porsche Cayman S, Fiesta ST, Range Rover Sport, Bentley Continental GTC, Audi RS6 and BMW M6. Which do you think took top honours? You'll find out next week when the issue arrives on your desks... but for now have fun guessing.

We've had a fantastic response to our Used Car Awards so far - but there's still time for you to nominate your dealership or those that you work with for our gongs. Deadline is October 31...

Spotted a BMW 1M in flame orange on the M3 yesterday. That will defo go up in value. I want one - what a brilliant car. We had one for our Road Test of the Year two years ago and I loved it. Shame it was slightly over shadowed by the Ferrari 458 we also had along for the ride...

I don't know Batch, I think a recall on cars costing £150k ish is rather newsworthy. I think when people are spending so much on a car - be it a Kia or a Lamborghini - they expect it to be faultless. That's why these recalls worry people so much...

Tell me about it! We jump in and out of cars all the time and they're situated in completely different places every time. Surely it's a 'premium' gimmick - you don't see them on many lower priced cars and maybe they make owners feel more 'special'... Helping in the pub bragging rights!

It's the same with electronic tailgates - I don't need the help! It's actually quicker to shut it myself. Same with these parking brakes. Why do they take so long to disengage? Grrrrr.

Totally agree. Love the fact I can get in the XR2 and it starts (sometimes) with just a twist of the key (and a wiggle to get the steering lock off). Modern cars are getting more complicated. When did the depress the clutch before you can start procedure come into force? Who decided that was needed? And don't get me started on electronic hand brakes...

Also spotted on the road today - Mk1 Ford Focus RS. Bit of a parts bin special, but I love it.

I'm not sure - I haven't heard of any research but I'm sure there's someone out there willing to do it. The Motors.co.uk team often run this type of research. Maybe they'll spot this and pull something out of the bag...

Now that's interesting - 'Of 40 dealerships approached by the Motors.co.uk team on Twitter, just 12 responded to requests for information on their latest deals and only half of those managed to do so within an hour.' Only 12 responding?! What's the point in having twitter as a channel of communication if you're not going to use it? Don't set up an account unless you're prepared to monitor it. What if those requests had been genuine? That's a lot of potentially lost sales...