MattR

If only to check for signs of life

im going facebook

Pour milk on the carpet. close the car. go back 3 days later, it wont smell of smoke anymore.

I'd be thinking of it this way - If you are checking the MOT history and cant work out whats going on, what will the clio 197 nerd be thinking? He'll be thinking 'thats dodgy' and looking at the next one on AT instead.

Did you get the car back? Maybe a few more details in the private room?

A tough lesson to learn. I doubt it will get you anywhere but is it worth checking if your trade policy has any protection regarding fraud? It will also be peanuts in comparison, but I would be harrassing your credit card machine providers. I bet they've still charged you the percentage of the 7750 for processing the transaction....

Repeatedly pressed the button by mistake? Of course. Buyers remorse more like. Pay up, if you dont, bca have every right to suspend your account. Theres a sign up in the auction I use to say they have a responsibility to the vendor as much as the buyer. The trade has a habit of remembering a car when it comes through for a second time and doesnt normally bid as high, so BCA aren't going to help you out on this.

Chancer. He is an absolute chancer. Ignore texts, and call him. If he doesnt respond, send him an email stating you will only correspond via that medium. That stops the text noise binging at you at 11pm and winding you up. He is only entitled to payment for work you have authorised. And you should be paying that directly to the VAT registered garage carrying out the repair after receiving an invoice. Make that part of your terms and conditions. As for an issue with the brakes at 100MPH? No chance. He has provided evidence of abuse of the vehicle. Think about it. Is this guy ever going to go into a small claims court against you when he has sent you that information? No. So stand firm, wait for an email back detailing his intentions and send him a firm one back. When you have control, he will shut up.

or Mis Sold a Gap policy or PCP

Ask BCA?

Heres a good old fashioned idea - fill the reg doc in with a pen and post it to DVLA! I Still do this with all my sales (send a bundle of docs every couple of weeks), never an issue, even an old blue doc. I think its as quick as filling it in online and means I get a walk off site for 5 minutes with a justified reason.

Going well so far. Do you have any Motor Trade Friends local to you? They could recommend a Garage to give you a fair inspection. It would also be sensible for you to consider the time and mileage covered since the sale when (or If) this detail needs to be presented to the court. I'd like to say I'm stunned the customer has continued this, but very little surprises me these days.

This is the sort of thing that does make us want to stop. It is often said on here that a return and refund is too soft, but I can imagine that after what you have gone through,you would have done it. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. I truly wish you well today. Do let us know how you get on. And if this comes up again, seek advice, be it Lawgisitics or a general feel from everyone on here

Does your credit score matter to be able to offer Finance? I know youve said historically that you have credit cards, the amount you owe doesnt always affect a credit score, its how good you are at paying it back!

If you're selling 'bread and butter' are you competing with main dealers or larger garages? something like a 4/5 year old Corsa, Polo etc will be available from any franchise and irrespective of the level of service you offer, Joe Public is swayed by the big glass showroom. At 6-9k range you can get stuff that's a bit different and likely to stand out more. Make sure you can offer Finance. I dont think the location is as much of an issue as you think. It wont stop the phone ringing. If its a real shithole they won't find out until they're nearly there, so no shows for keen sounding appointments are your only guide on that.

Justin, I know you werent asking for yourself! Likewise, I was trying to 'help' the newbie

Pop into your local branch of Evans Halshaw. Ignore it when they tell you they are 'auction only'. Take Jaffa Cakes in every day for the sales team. Perseverance is the key.

£1000 off because the pads are low? It sounds like youre selling nearly new stuff, this should be done before it goes out at that age and price range, as should a service, that way you can command the asking price. Mapped cars will surely attract someone likely to use the performance to the full and if the launch control is there, he's within his rights to use it assuming its safe to do so. The car will prevent more launch controls than it can cope with itself (unless the map change over rides that function) so whether you can get that info or not is fairly irrelevant. How will this go in front of a magistrate? Well the fault occurred within a couple of weeks of purchase, I think that will be your issue. He may be forced to pay a little if he has ignored the 'dont drive it ' advice, but other than that i've a feeling this is down to you

Nick's back.... Mrs AD must have hidden his phone in the sand

I think he just wanted to make a statement, maybe hes busy reconditioning a knackered plod car

No major garage would cover a side job. So he isn't insured by anyone except you. If you declare everything, and declare your VAT status correctly, let it go to a court if necessary, sounds like you have nothing to hide, but he has plenty. He has driven it without your consent, with no insurance cover, and recklessly. An S3 overtaking something that speeds up? I wouldnt mind betting he was racing his mate. Lesson to learn, find a new mechanic.

Well Spotted Rory

I sold these from new. They came out on a 53 (just) and though the mk5 shape runs to 2008, this style of GT finished in 2006/7, and was replaced by the gt sport model. Sorry to sound geeky, the gt sport will have 17" alloys ( those are 16") and a different grille. Absolutely no way is that a picture of a 2008 car.

Did you replace all of them?

I think you should stick to noreservereading. You will get a high quality car from them.