Mark101

+ 1 All done and dusted, filed - next. Worst case - + 1 keeper and a delay - happens once in a blue moon and rarely affects the cars value IMO. If is needs work, by the time it is done, readvertised, found a new buyer - then the log book shouldn't be too far behind. It's just part of the job.

My only criticism is of "us" not the mag/forum. This is a public forum and I think we should be using the Private room more often (I am guilty too). I hate the idea of a rogue trader, dodgy doorstepper et al benefiting from the free advice us tax paying, law abiding, warranty honouring, properly preparing traders do. I also don't like to share my wins and fails with everman and his dog, whereas occassionally I like to share my joy or tears with fellow traders outside of the public domain.

I always tell people to call me before they set off to ensure the car is still available, out of courtesy I give them a "reasonable" amount of time to arrive based on their starting point/distance to travel and temporarily "hold" the car until they have seen it. Easy to manage as a doorstepper/appointment basis - less so if you get a walk on at the pitch waving cash at you - what to do. I am currently holding a car until Monday (old boy can't do Internet banking himself) despite having another guy begging for the same car. I perosnally prefer the sound of the original guy anyway and believe he will be less hassle, so worth the risk.

OK, so what happens if punter pays in full for tax - returns the vehicle yet you havent sent the V5 off. Refund goes to registered keeper, no?

It just makes you feel that you're not "alone" when many of us are sole traders or sole directors. This job can be lonely, troubling even but knowing others have been there and survived is a great reassurance. Personally, I love this trade and I learn something everyday, partially through my activities but a lot from here too.

I really like Kia, Hyundai and the like but I wouldn't chose one becuase I am a petrol head, car snob or whatever you want to call me (stupid perhaps) even though they're probably better and almost certainly carry a better warranty than the types of cars I want/do/have own(ed)

If it were me and all presuming it's now back with me and indeed chucking out white smoke, no power etc. I would say; Sir, I am so sorry, we do everything we can to prevent this kind of situation. Would you like a refund or would you like me to perform the repair and then have the car back? This goes to court and the customer will win. Doesn't matter if it's 20 years old, done 500,000 miles and the owner has ragged it in 1st gear everywhere - you're going to lose in court because you can't prove his driving style with any certainty. Sorry to bear bad news but that's my opinion and a refund would be my preference (rather than have someone ringing every day asking when it will be ready).

I always Google - Sold a car tell DVLA - goes straight to the page and it is a doddle. I hand the customer the New Keeper Supplement, even if I have taxed it for them and I retain the actual V5 (you're supposed to destroy) with my records for that car (in case of any future discrepency.

The money saving expert?

Et moi

9 times out of 10, I tax online for customers, they appreciate the added value and costs me nowt. I then sort the V5 when they've left - again Online.

At least you're open an transparent about it all

45 is old - I turn 45 this year too. Welcome and may I say, what a great introduction, not like the usual Newbie questions. I wish you every bit of luck. Where are you based. Please say Midlands, please say Midlands...............

You'll need some good accounts and plenty of collateral. No chance as a Newbie I reckon.

I hate to sell cars for friends - all they see is £2k across them and think I'm having them over. They forget, the prep, servicing, comebacks are all on me. Would rather not get involved, personally.

Personally, silver is absolutely right on a Merc and red leather, lovely IMO

It worked - no more double advert writing

When using aerosols, there's a fair amount of buffing afterwards (low pressure/low volume). Mix my own 2K and can get a nice gun finish, no mopping.

I have just reduced a Jag on my web, will update you by tonight to see if AT matches the change. Thank you

Fit a stereo with handsfree bluetooth (media and phone) - that way you're saving money on OEM and adding value.

Lucky sod. By the way and I have often wondered - if I adjust the price on my web (CD5), does that automatically change the price on AT during the next feed? I have been doing it manually until now.

^This^ Unless OE manufacurer supplied and fitted new, say nothing as 100k is nothing nowadays. Peoples interpretation of "new engine" varies - complete engine, short engine, head, rebuild or new - ancilliaries etc You'd be opening yourself up to 12 months engine warranty if you're not careful.

We're in a similar place, except I am F/T. I gave my pitch up years ago (and had a long break). The ex's kill you. In May and June, I earned a fantastic wage (stayed with business, not drawn down) but July and August so far would barely cover the cost of any premises. I certainly wouldn't be looking for premises on a P/T basis, no way. Having said that, I do keep my eyes peeled for a small cheap and chearful (but presentable) unit as my driveway looks ridiculous - 12 on the front as we speak.

I have an older 240V version of this and it is very good. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/352147744124

Thanks mate, great shout