Del Boy

I actually lol’d at this

Hahaha brilliant

+1. I also avoid these nowadays.

I know this doesnt help, but I always get issues with this engine (BMW 4 cylinder petrol) and it always seems to be oil related! Had a couple so far this year.

I’ve got no problem with newcomers. Well done for putting your hands up and coming here for advice. What really fucks me off is when people try it for 2 weeks, ask us every question under the sun, get the ump when we’re hard on them, then give up because they didn’t get rich over night.

Haha true!

It’s because you’re not rubbing the wheel down first. You need to make it smooth THEN paint it. By spraying over the damage you’re just covering it with fresh paint rather than fixing it. If the wheel was later jet washed, the loose damage would come off and show the silver paint underneath

What kind of bad finish?

Once you can master it, it’s a huge money saver. Tbf it took me ages, over a year at least. But now I can spray other things too like bumpers etc.

This is a good/quick way of doing them if you wanna spray then all black. Using this method with silver won’t be as good. The real way to do it is rub them down this a dual action sander first.

I refurb all my wheels myself. I used to use rattle cans but then invested in all the right equipment etc i.e compressor, guns, paint etc. The result is better but the main thing is the cost. You can buy a litre of colour which will do about 10 sets of wheels for the cost of 2 sets of wheels with cans.

Benji??

I had an interesting conversation with my rep this morning. I am on the free account and have been for about 2 weeks now (had 3 ridiculous "leads" through). He said I can see you have had 3 leads through, have you replied to them? I said yeah but he doubted me for some reason, probably because the email address they give is actually a Car Gurus email address, I am assuming CC do this so they can monitor what is going on. I told him I expected more leads in 3 weeks and he agreed. Anyway after putting the phone down I got an email literally 2 minutes later maybe not even 2 minutes, and guess what, it was another lead with a weird name, who hasnt responded to my email. I have a feeling something funny is going on here????

I buy all my stock from auction. However I’ve recently seen a few potential bargains on Facebook etc. I bought a couple privately 3/4 years ago but remember having a breakdown in relationship with the seller when I told them I was a trader. They were reluctant to sell, and certainly wouldn’t move on the price. Any advice you guys can give on this matter?

Like

Lol for now...... 'hands in the till' springs to mind!

You were brave buying a car with CVT box at that age!

As I have said so many times, I like/admire Simons way of doing business. Since using video at the beginning of the year I have noticed a difference in my customers. It has reduced the amount of 'in depth physical inspections' I had before video. Dont get me wrong, i still get idiots, but they have definitely been reduced. Also, im recieving more deposits over the phone now than I did before. I seem to remember about a year ago, Nick said he doesnt like videos because it can sometimes put people off. For example they may see a scuff or dent that they would normally not see in the pictures. Then when they arrive it might not be as bad (as it WOULD have looked in the video) and not bother them. I guess this is true to a certain extent, however I still prefer showing the car in depth so if a customer doesnt like what they see, they dont call! I would much rather it happen this way round, rather than making an appointment then moaning in person as thats wasting everyones time!

Me, he’s only had it a week lol

haha yeah im a villain... he can have it back if he wants, no problem. might even do me a favour not having to keep phoning him

Update... The leak (as mentioned) is coming from the core plugs. However, this mechanic is great for stuff like cam belts etc but not repairs (clearly)! He has changed the plugs but they're still leaking. I am taking the car to my usual mechanics tomorrow as this is obviously too difficult for him lol. I have informed the customer who is happy to continue smokin around in my loan car.

its a 2007 1.4 petrol. Seems to be coolant that has leaked in there

Hi guys, I have an issue with a fiesta I sold a couple weeks back. The customer returned the car to me for a cambelt change (i agreed to do it for him at point of sale). I asked my mechanic to do it for me - i dont usually use this particular guy due to issues he has caused in the past but never had an issue with him changing cambelts (he is cheap!). Anyway, the belt and water pump were changed now water is leaking into the coil plugs causing it to badly misfire. Obviously i havent told my customer this, but he wants the car back ASAP! The mechanic is saying he will seal around the plugs but im not convinced - im worried this is going to cause further problems - particularly if the leak is still there? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

How many of you guys have had to stop the test drive and drive back yourself?

Well done that man! I love it when that happens, I mean proper margins for the month... maybe 5 figures? I’ve done it a few times. It makes me wonder if that’s why these ‘newbies’ get into the trade thinking it will happen over night and consistently every month with no losses! It’s no surprise they only last 5 minutes then go back to their day job.