sparky

Do you think so Rory? I think that most years and yet we get to March and prices are still strong, I can't see things being any different this year, far from it in fact. Like above, my most profitable cars are ones that need some recon that take the big boys out of the game. Cars that require paintwork obviously and then those cars you know inside out that have an EML on for example which you feel is nothing to worry about. This is when BCA comes into it's own IMO putting plenty off with their flashing orange reports, keep flashing I say!

I love a diesel estate, especially if it's made in France. Feed me till I want no more.....

Merry Xmas guys and girls, and as it's the season of goodwill, Merry Xmas Frank!

Well last week it was looking like I'd be doing my xmas shopping at farm foods and poundland. Thankfully the month has been saved over the last week and I have ebay to thank for that. That would be the same ebay I was about to cancel in the new year! I'm off to waitrose now. Holidays are coming, holidays are coming....

Frank has sent the 'recorded letter' but seems to be confused. According to the letter, he left a £200 holding deposit to hold the car until he was able to return for a second visit and inspection of the car. Hmmmmmmm Me thinks Frank is telling fibs. Anyway, after considerable thought he goes on to say it was not suitable for his use hence his request for his £200 holding deposit back. He was interested in an SW I have until I 'developed a bad attitude towards him regarding his deposit'. Oh well. Any normal honest customer would have had the £200 back by now, not worth the grief, but I do feel strongly about Frank's attitude to the motor trade and someone needs to educate him that his behaviour is just not cricket. Let's see where this one goes.

That having well presented, well priced desirable stock is all well and good but ultimately, balloons sell cars. Never forget that kids.

On the surface, nice old chap is Frank in his old trusty Renault Scenic. Fancies a change though and at his age, who can blame him? Frank lived with me for a day here, a day there, until he finally took the plunge after the longest test drive in history. Deposit paid and the process begins. Sadly, a few days later Frank has a change of heart and is really sad when I explain about deposits and contracts. Not to worry, I've seen something else you have, that might do the job. Hmmmmm. Frank turns up again and gives me some cock and bull which I accept to a point but explain that really, you shouldn't be entering into contracts without being 100% sure. Not fair on the dealer and potential customers I explain. Frank looks at me puzzled as if there is not a problem and then goes on to explain if he wants to change his mind he can ( which I agree with) and of course he should have his deposit back (which I don't agree with). He then drops the bomb that this has happened six times recently and every time he has eventually got his deposit back and is still considering buying the car he first left a deposit on back in September! At this point I ask for my keys back and kindly ask him not to come back or contact me ever again. #bewareoffrank

Cracking little cars, although I'm not quite sure why they thought it was a good idea to put a diesel engine in it. Very price sensitive cars though which I struggle to buy as I do like a four figure mark up.

I'm off for a weeks sun next week. Got me some mafia and golf books, downloaded season 2 of Narcos and have dieted to allow me to eat like an American. Emails will not be looked at, calls straight to voicemail. For one week only Mathew, I'm going to play at being a normal human being. The job can go and **** itself.

I've sold 2007 cars with them this year. From memory they were 3 year terms. Compared to what they were, I think they are a now fantastic company to deal with. Applications are speedy, the docs are simple and payout is super quick. I get £50 a car but to be honest that's the icing on the cake on a sub prime deal. Customers also seem to be happy with them and you do get repeat business from them. Most importantly though, their complimentary mugs are great, especially this time of year. Get on board would be my advice.

Post of the year 2016.

Shock horror, but I actually dealt a AT part ex last week and for car I would have given more money for as well, a nice little Mini. Double shock horror, the Mini which has now been sold required little prep because everything worked and triple shock horror, hasn't come back under warranty, yet. Sorry Mat

With regards to ebay, I think they are the one player in the current markey who really could take on AT if they wanted a bigger piece of the pie.

Couple of years ago I sold a 50k Megane diesel to a bloke who after a few weeks was convinced the clutch was slipping. It wasn't, and this was backed up by several independent garages. Months later, he had taken his car to his local main agent as this time it did need a new clutch. The estimate was around a grand and both he and the finance company expected to pay this, unfortunately for them their demands didn't hold much water as they were trying to charge me for a flywheel when the car didn't have one! Got the car in, did the clutch and sent the old one away which confirmed my suspicions, that the clutch had been burnt out. I still have the clutch plate and report in my office.

Slightly off thread but any sensible explanations for what I saw at BCA yesterday? A 59 plate focus titanium diesel estate, 50k, grade 2 booking cc at circa £3500. Hammer price ladies and gentleman, £5200. Go figure.

You're a braver man than me. Good luck.

Not saying James has been brainwashed, but someone told me it's now an extra you have to pay for as part of the journey.

Seeing as the 'like button has vanished, I do like this post. Sorry

Just sold a car to man who lives in Bermuda, and it's not a scam!

Just had an email regarding a 2011 c max. According to the experts at cargurus it's a 'great deal' and at 5 grand is £1601 below where it should be. No wonder Mr Jones is interested, whether he is still interested when he sees it's a mark 2 c max is another matter

Eastleigh! They've got no fans, they've got no ground. Does he want some?

Still no access. Izit cos I iz welsh?

Absolutely. I suppose it also shows the dangers of partnerships which more often than not, fail rather than succeed. The lads seem to be full of energy so I'm sure they will be ok, I wish them well for the future.

I've done a couple of deals with them and almost cried when I look at the repayments. I wonder how many customers stay the full term with them? No doubt it's big business though and I've just started to notice a few dealers are actually using their own money and stock to sell cars this way. £35 a week for 3 years for a car that owes you around 1500 quid. As the folk at Dacia say, you do the maths.

Twice I've given Motors a fair crack over the last few years, and twice I've ended up pulling the the plug and I know a few more who have done the same. It's cheap and it provides a ROI but that's about it. Facebook provides a far better ROI for me than Motors and I've also signed up with Motonovo for their new platform. My ebay contract expires at the end of the month and I'm in two minds whether to renew it and although I don't want to, I might give cargurus a crack instead. Folk seem to be doing ok with it and clearly they have given AT food for thought. It goes against what I believe in but when in Rome.....