Mark101

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Posts posted by Mark101

  2. Posted

    Hi Guys

    Got a Mini Cooper sold, back in for EML

    P0015 - B Camshaft Position Timing 

    Over-Retarded Bank 1

    Replaced cam position sensor inlet and sent away, after about 40 miles EML back same code. Swapped and cleaned both sensors (exhaust and inlet) and all seemed good for 46 mile test drive. Second test drive from cold and up pops EML again, same code.

    Before we start pulling chains and tensioners, anyone have any other less instrussive insights. Car was serviced prior to sale.

    Thanks

  3. Posted

    Not sure if it relevant but....

    Had a Sportage Pan Roof that was really, really struggling. Helped it open and pulled out a forest of debris from the runners, freshly lubricated and worked a treat.

    I would just use any old lube before spending serious money at a dealer for their specialist slip. Or buy spray PTFE type dry lube?

  4. Posted

    1 minute ago, Rory RSC said:

    I hate price boards. I adjust prices 3/4 times a week up and down and can't keep up adjusting them.  

    Exactly. I had stopped using them before going appointment only for the same reason.

    Personally, I think stock looks better all neatly lined up with price boards and silent salesman in the windows but it was just another thing to do.

    If I had your army of staff Rory, I would be tasking someone every day to marry the stock pricing to the boards, it looks so much better IMO.

  6. Posted

    3 minutes ago, Rory RSC said:

    Do you know how much they make off youtube?  

    Shmee150 posts on pistonheads and has been quite open with revenue and even a fairly modest subscriber base with regular contents and adverts brings in quite a lot of money. It was considerably more  than I ever expected. 

    I'm well on my way to Youtube fortune. I now have 6 Subscribers and I bet they all reside here :lol:

    • Haha 1

  17. Posted

    4 minutes ago, James Baggott said:

    I don't want to piss people off but it would certainly help! 

    Most costs for the events have gone out already too which is even more painful - plus one of the venues trying to charge us 50 per cent again to move it, despite it being cancelled by the virus.

    Yes Farnborough International I'm looking at you...

    For all forum members who don't subscribe to the magazine, I think we all should. Many of us pay thousands a year to advertise our cars and this is something like £50 a year a no brainer.

    I know what I would be telling Farnborough International by the way, time to find another venue hastag shortsighted.

    Good luck.

  18. Posted · Edited by Mark101

    7 minutes ago, James Baggott said:

    Our revenue is bolstered by our events - CDX and the Used Car Awards - both of which have been put on hold. Our advertising revenue is down 90 per cent as suppliers shut up shop during this time. It's incredibly tough for us. The magazine is paid for by the advertising, we have very few paid for subscriptions - they're here if anyone else wants to support us by the way, CarDealerClub.com - but we are trying all we can do to keep things going online. The forum is free, click on a few of the Google Ads for us as that will help a little, but we're fighting for our survival just as many others are.

    That's the honest picture, but there's no point masking it. We may look busy and successful, but publishers firms like mine are hit severely when there's a downturn as advertising is usually the first thing to get cut.

    Thanks for the note and for subscribing - you won''t believe how much difference the £50 makes to us right now.

    Thank you for your frank explanation. To be honest, I hadn't considered CDX or the awards. Hopefully, you can batten down some hatches, furlough the staff (I guess you have) and minimise outgoings.

    I just thought the fixed costs would be relatively low as things like CDX only cost when they go ahead.

    All my best James.

    PS: I would be making the subscription of the magazine a requirement to gain "free" access to the forum by the way. It may get rid of some spammers too.

  20. Posted

    On 5/2/2020 at 9:58 AM, James Baggott said:

    we could do with the cash desperately!

    Hi James

    I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing cash flow issues too. It may be my naivety but I thought businesses such as yours, Online, Publications, Media etc would be fairly resilient to the lock down. I thought it would mostly affect those unable to trade, carrying large stock values with or without stocking loans (all business sectors) with no means of selling (or certainly well below normal numbers). I guess your advertising subscribers have drastically dropped off which would explain your issue. I am so pleased (thank you) that you have managed to maintain the forum. It is free and the contacts I have made is incredible and to be fair is the main reason why I subscribed to the mag to offer some revenue back to Blackball Media. Fingers crossed we all make it through.

    • Like 1

  23. Posted

    32 minutes ago, James Baggott said:

    After pausing deliveries at the start of the coronavirus crisis, Cazoo has now restarted sales and deliveries.

    Interesting to see a sales business operating in this current situation. Thoughts?

    https://cardealermagazine.co.uk/publish/online-seller-cazoo-restarts-deliveries-targets-key-workers/190178

    I think you should limit it to one word to describe:

    1) Irresponsible

  25. Posted · Edited by Mark101

    21 hours ago, James Baggott said:

    What practical tips would you give to customers when it comes to negotiating - I don't mean don't do it, but what would you advise them.

    I advise all my customers and potential customers that the price is fixed (I do very occassionally knock a very small amount off but it is rare). Instead, I say my cars ALL come with:

    New, advisory free MOT whether it has 364 days or 1 day remaining, it gets done.

    A minimum of an interim service, whether due or not so we know the correct grade of oil and all other levels are right.

    3 Months meaningful warranty that covers everything except tyres.

    A proper PDI, where we check all the things not included in an MOT such as radio, bluetooth, interior lights, air con, locking wheel nut, servicable spare wheel etc.

    All this comes at a cost. You are buying a car that shouldn't need anything done until the next MOT and Service in 12 months time. On the rare occassion the car fails within the first 3 months, I will fix it, no quibble.

    All that comes at a price Sir/Madam and that in my opinion is worth far more than £50-200 off at the front end. Please read my reviews and decide for yourself whether my car really is too expensive, consider the cost of ownership.

    Sensible people agree, the rest can shop elsewhere.

    • Like 1
    • Thanks 1