Hugh Jardon

Interesting reading, lots of different views coming through. We all sell cars and I can't believe after over forty years in the industry that there are people out there making the margins we used too? Autotrader not only sting us on price per car but now they are experts in valuing part exchanges which they are not qualified to do as they are like estate agents they have an opinion but do not buy the cars! They add complication to the potential customer because every new car is different we pay a grand over for some and a grand under for others because of desirability, spec, ownership and condition, with them valuing the cars on our behalf they either make the customer think mine is worth more than it is and put us on the back foot or undervalue it and the customer says that's awful so I don't think i will bother. At least we buy any car like us are actually prepared to buy it. Now they want more money to advertise by affordability via finance budget search then feed those enquiries to another lender and we loose the finance income oportunity. Where is it all going they are controlling everything we do, also telling everyone our cars are too expensive and forcing us to constantly work off less margin or not appear on the top of searches. In my opinion unless things change we will soon be working for Autotrader.

They do say they are transparent and add value! I think they just exploit any oportunity to get as much out of their customers as possible and their is no long term customer loyalty. Arthur time to get the MTAU back on the case.

Hi Arthur, it does appear that businesses are paying different amounts, but even on your low pricing based on what you have said then even you are paying to much cost per sale, some people must be paying aver £300 per sale and therefore working for less than £500 per unit?

In my opinion everyone hates Autotrader for all the right reasons but are terrified to come off, if enough people would do it then believe me they would react and then all of us would benefit. Arthur lets go again with the MTAU dealers are closing every week and it's going to happen week in and week out I think the support will be even bigger than last time. People multiple search now and if less cars on Autotrader they will look elsewhere.

Arthur am I right in thinking you set up the MTAU a few years ago taking on Autotrader then it all went quiet? Guess you had a deal with them? Obviously your disgruntled again now how about getting it going again? I am happy to get involved and let's open up to everyone who pays them top dollar the truth?

Welcome Vauxhall dealers to the world of PSA! We have had Citroen for 10 years along with other franchises and if I can tell you your heading for nightmare on Elm Street. I worked with Vauxhall for a few years in the early 2000s great years great profits. Citroen are a tiny franchise by market share but are bullies and complicated, disorganised,arrogant and that's their good qualities. You will have no margin, unacheivable targets, expensive furniture and be told you're useless every day. We terminated them a year ago and it was the best move we made, they are loosing dealers every week and taking over Vauxhall the griffin won't be smiling over your doors soon but his eyes will be closed because he will be bleeding and in pain.

Arthur, you are right, Autotrader is making us pay more and selling cars for as cheap as possible and the costs of buying are increasing with auction fees!! Very soon I will have to sell double the amount of cars to stand still.