Mark101

It's easy enough (on Ebay anyway) to manually do it, especially since Ebay put the countdown timer on. Previously, I used to put my watch on the desk next to me and bid in the final second. I did that because I was once bidding on a boat, placed my highest bid and went out for a BBQ convinced it would be in my basket. I was outbid by about £25 in the final few seconds and didn't have the time to react, I was gutted. That was back in the very early days of Ebay - now I don't buy or sell much on there apart from the odd office requirements. Don't use Sytner Online, so not sure whether you can see how many seconds are left.

Sniper bidding - a classic Ebay trick.

Is that an oxymoron? Sorry Joao, couldn't resist. If you are mechanically trained then you are probably in a better position than a lot of us to appraise a car at auction. For me, it is gut instinct, no obvious noises, service history and general condition of the car. Good luck and welcome.

I was running the Disco this morning to clear the frost and warn the cabin whilst watching from my front window. Saw a funnel of smoke coming from under the front bumper (I have noticed on occassion some smoke infront of the headlight but presumed it was just passing from the exahust in the wind). I thought here we go, something serious but apprently they have a coolant pre heater for when the temperature is very low - relieved I am (Yoda esque). Going in for major 10 yr service on Tuesday having the "lot" done (all fluids, all belts, new oil pump, both EGR etc etc etc) - couple of £grand I reckon.

I had 2 in all day yesterday, 1 sold, 1 I deliberately detered/didn't sell Only 1 in today for a test drive, gone for a think (yeah right). So glad I bring my dog to work, otherwise I would have no one to talk to. Anyway, 24 minutes until lock up and pub

Just FYI - I deal mainly in the stock you are planning to move up to but I am now starting to prepare to double my stock unit value, so I can offer much newer, lower mileage stuff because I have had more than a bad run of claims leading up to Christmas despite some serious mechanical prep. I would rather stock fewer higher value cars and that is my plan for 2019 once the sub £5k stuff moves on.

Sorry, I may have misled you there. None of my cars go out with scratches or dents (unless a PX clearance). I avoid buying cars which require more than a touch in or smart repair as opposed to bodging them through.

I spend far too much on mechanical prep (prevention is better than cure and all that). This means I change timing belts if overdue or near due, always MOT everything now regardless how recently it was done, change all filters (not just oil), PDI, two keys, A/C, Parking sensors etc etc etc. I therefore cannot compete (or I have to sit on stock much longer than many) with the plastic traders as I throw £200 to 500+ at every car just on mechanicals. Paint, I try to limit to touch-ins or at worst smart repairs because the cost (but mainly time) for bodyshop is a nightmare.

I have had an open main road pitch, been a doorstepper and now a unit trader. Out of the three, the unit is my preference, especially this time of year - no scraping ice from windows every day, no misted up windows or damp, less flat batteries, far, far, far less repeat cleaning and not weather dependant.

Couldn't agree more Simon, yacht not cruiseliner - just the wife, me and the dog (see avatar)

Spain doesn’t appeal but onboard a yacht somewhere hot during UK winter.

I always seem to recall the school summer holidays lasted for ages and ages (and weather was mostly proper summer). Now in the blink of an eye - it’s back to winter (age 45). If I earned enough money, I would never see another winter, hate it.

You have a side window cam, I’ve seen your videos

Crap December only 4 sold but decided to close from 21st to 2nd, so undoubtedly lost some sales and had considered any sales in December a bonus. Have popped in today just to get the place clean and tidy, filing done etc ready for 2019 and the half dozen or so enquiries already chasing to view stock.

Bet it was silver or certainly a light metallic

I haven’t watched that depressing soap for years but isn’t his stock capacity 3? Must be full on.

You simply say that home is your base (if you do any work at home, admin or otherwise). Then travel to your trading premises is business mileage.

You missed that James - EK was throwing a red herring.

Stock cars form part of your balance sheet (and profit). For example, let’s say you earned £100k profit in the last 12 months, you cannot simply buy 10 x 10k cars to “wipe the profit out.” Your stock will be valued each year and form part of your total assets. So whether you keep the £100k in the bank or £10k in the bank and 9 x £10k cars - you will be taxed the same way.

What? I am lucky if they help me find a car that I have a pass out for.

Thanks Umesh

I was about to join today but have relatively few contacts for the reference section - could I use BCA and ECP. I am not sure that my Indi garage, smart repairer or valeter would be sufficient (or can I use those I regularaly converse with here, Umesh for example?)

Yes - it's the PDI sheet List all faults and/or damages under the comments section which the customer signs

To sell on DA - you need to be a franchised dealer I use Wilson’s but the bids are pitiful in the General section.

Just to be awkward, I like a Mini and have always done well with them (touch wood). Got 3 in stock as we speak: 06 Cooper S Convertible Automatic (PX) 59 Cooper S Camden Edition 61 Mini One D Having said that, all I am getting lately are warranty claims (we self admin) BMW 1 Series - Oil leak DS3 - Service light keep reappearing Focus ST-3 - steering rack Just done DPF on V70 Always when it's quiet. I wouldn't mind but I always go OTT to mechanical prep but my crystal ball can't tell me what will fail a couple of months down the line.