Mark101

I have been really quiet and so have the enquiries until today: Sold 2 so far this month then today, sold my Q7, have more or less told someone to go away and think about a Mini I'm selling (I could have nudged them to buy but that's not my style + I'm using it myself) and almost sold that Pug 308 CC (Ebayer never contacted me - surprise) but another guy wants it but now the roof has just malfunctioned despite working faultlessly previously.

In my couple of weeks on Shpock, this is how I would sum up (almost knew this anyway). Loads and loads of enquiries through the instant private message thing but............. If Jeremy Kyle owned a advertising portal......wow

I am considering re-profiling my stock to £3-4k cars. All the lumpy stuff people want finance (I don't have FCA), I have too much tied up in the stuff, so lengthy stock times start to hurt and I don't seem to make any more per deal relative to the outlay. Most people (the ones I want to deal with) can lay their hands on £3-4k or use a CC and the phone rings a lot more for this gear IMO. That's my findings in my limited couple of months trading.

Lol - I wish My first proper pitch was similar to trade vet: £100 week + minimal rates 25 cars Very little advertising - Ebay + website In a line of 4 other much larger dealerships - their huge adverts pulled customers down the road (one way dual carriageway, so had to drive past me and my cars appeared so much cheaper, because they were) - sold more by passing trade than any advert. That same pitch would be £350 week now (it's now a KFC) and the internet has reduced the passing trade. Having said all that, I would still like a small pitch, with small (double garage sized) unit and ramp for prep but at the moment I cannot justify the additional overheads.

+ 1 Top job = powder coat Budget job = can of silver aerosol, doesn't need much prep for a relatively tidy finish on a cheapie

I think I know what you're talking about - good idea but you're wrong - genuine sale (I hope) and I have no idea who the French bidder was (despite my dad living in France, with no Ebay account).

He means this....surely

That's amazing Simon - I have just looked to see who's winning and saw they were based in France - hopefully this isn't going to turn to rat shit......again. I have had two people say how nice this car is, unfortunately one was my neighbour and the other, my dad. Plenty of watchers but let's see. (I am at break even now)

When I was 28, I thought (divorced with 2 children) that I was old and wise - Now aged 44, I look back at under 30's and realise my many mistakes and how young (and a risk) I was to any insurer, bank or any other organisation. I am sure there are some 60 somethings on here, whom think the same about 44 year olds.

Whether you invest in cars or leave your profit in the bank, cost of buying stock (reinvested from profits) is taxable.

What’s the point of 0-20 if in the very next test you do 0-30?

My only critique, accepting you are sorting the car and have offered a refund is, stop texting them; pick up the phone and confirm your conversation by email (more for your protection). Texting is so unprofessional, it is akin to those irritating buyers texting "how much for cash m8" and implies you're hiding something or fearing/avoiding confrontation. In offering to unwind the deal, you have nothing to fear by talking to them. Rather than responding to their call, be proactive and call to update them, even if it isn't the news they want. There's only one thing worse than bad news......no news. Just my opinion.

I regularly offer my advice, same as me asking my plumber or builder mate for advice in their trade. I make it clear, it is not fool proof but I can spot when a car is just wrong, whereas the untrained eye doesn't notice panel gaps, overspray, orange peel, dash lights, no. Owners, service history BS.

Good luck enforcing b)) agreed, if made aware and documented then no problem. if I bought car from a reputable dealer and the air con didn't work, then unless I was told at POS, or it literally was a banger where faults are to be expected (being realistic), I would seek a fix. if there's a button, it should work - just omitting it from your ad is absolutely not going to cut it - it is advertised on the dashboard. to be honest the air con is something that I have overlooked in the past but the PDI prompts me to check now.

+1 no doubt

How's this any different to us all slating BCA Assured and Manhiem?

Refund, Repair, Resell - no doubt - they will have the preconception that the car is a nightmare and hit you with every squeak, rattle and glitch for ever

That's more like a brisk walk

My longest day/drive was Cardiff to Newcastle Upon Tyne (quick board meeting) and back to Cardiff in one day. I've also driven in one stint - Cardiff to Munich I don't mind driving and when I transported cars (as part fo my former business, Class 1) I dread to think how many miles per day/week I clocked up.

I too have a guy coming on Tuesday to supply, cut and program a Seat key and fob (with buttons) from basic spare key for £135 + travel He is also repairing my (sealed unit) Mini key battery for £40 same day (no travel) Not sure if it is a franchise but the company is called autolockmaster.co.uk Hope this helps

Probably car shit

Thanks trade vet - that's my old mans gaff

Never rated them, had a 3.2 DSG TT and a Merc 350CDI and the Merc would beat it from a standstill and top end, not to mention mid-range, and get 41mpg average

Beautiful car and they go like stink. I had switchable/dynamic mode on my XKR and like you, after unlocking the doors, the next button I pressed was the dynamic exhaust - 7.7mpg was a killer though