c_cars

Saw this this morning, clears things up a little. www.gov.uk/government/news/vehicle-tax-changes Just wondering how this will affect us, taxing cars that arent showing on the insurance database as not all cars are covered all of the time? Anyone seen any more information anywhere?

We've all had them, the things a customer will say to get away from a deal there and then.. Just had the worst one Ive ever had just now: Girl has been emailing me about our very competitively priced Astra SRi sporthatch for the last few days. Usual questions, when can I view, can't get there straight away, can I finance it, can I drive it away,etc etc to which Ive tried everything to close her and get a deposit. Finally turns up today with boyfriend and father in tow, yet stays sat in her fathers car. Father and boyfriend are in and out of the car, over it, under it, looking down the sides, touching the tyres like they do. Didnt even get to the drive it stage when the father comes out with 'Its too expensive, its been a lease car. Thanks anway' and they both walk off. Im left in a state of shock wondering, 'is it only me that gets these?'

Didnt know you could do that, thanks!

Personally I think its impossible to check every stamp in every service history, we'd spend more time on the phone than actually selling cars! I think we should all have enough experience to get the 'feeling' if a car or history isnt quite right and have enough knowledge of how to take appropriate action where necessary.

Allow yourself an hour to ring DVLA and eventually get through to the right person and find out if the car is in 'trade' If it is then it can be taxed at a Post Office with a V62.

Fuel and tax is the one for me as I only live a mile or so from work. Just moved house and my neighbour actually asked me the other day what I do for a living 'as theres always a different car outside!'

Just wondering how everyone deals with their 'trade' part exchanges and what results do you get? You know, the half tidy £500-£1000 cheapies that aren't too bad but are have the potential to bite you on the a$$ if you retail them? Over the years at different dealerships I've tried various things with mixed success, from ebaying, to local auctions, to traders, to retailing them. What are everyone elses experiences, what do you find works the best?

Theres nothing like a simple phone call with the DVLA. Press 1 for this, 2 for that, 9 if you want to be held in a queue or the best one yet, 'all of our 270 operators are currently busy, please call back later' Most frustrating organisation in the motor trade.

Was going to click 'Like This' but thought there would be something not quite right about that...

Dont know if any of the regulars on here are members of Pistonheads but I spent an hour or so last night reading this topic regarding test drives and the difference in opinion between customers / forum members and dealers regarding test drives and our 'qualifying' of customers... http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=23&t=1381598&mid=0&i=0&nmt=Denied+a+GT86+test+drive+because+I+wouldn%27t+commit+to+buy&mid=0 Interesting reading!

Used to love the Motorshow as a kid and have got a massive collection of brochures as a result, all from around the time when Ka, Mondeo and Vectra were launched, and some even before that!

Standard fault with the 6 speed box, normally a whining noise through the gears; we've had quite a few as we sell a lot of Astra SRI CDTIs. Also had it in Zafiras with the 1.9 Z19DTH engine and Fiat Grande Punto Sportings with the 1.9 diesel Multijet engine, all using the same gearbox. Its a common fault and doesnt seem to be age or mileage related, just assume it to be down to how the car has been driven from new!

As above, the history isn't likely to turn up after 18 months especially with a dealer like Arnold Clark.. Id be trying to knock them a few hundred quid for the service history, if they don't accept get the sold car back on sale rather than waiting for the history to turn up.

Ive experienced this first hand... The place I worked previously was a main road 70 car used site. Back 6-7 years ago when it was busy it was selling 100-120 per month. When I left in July last year it was stocking the same amount of cars but struggling to 25-30 a month. Now working for a smaller site on the corner of a business park 'out in the sticks' stocking 40 and doing 30 a month easily with internet and satnav being the AutoTrader magazine of the past. Times have definitely changed!

Someone somewhere has just repaired their Cat C one very cheaply!

As a side note to this, what are everyones views on holding deposits subject to viewing? I know quite a few dealers who take a car off sale with a refundable £100 until the customer gets there to view, sometimes often days later.. possibly missing other opportunities in the meantime only for customer A to say 'sorry its not for me, Id like my deposit back' therefore loosing two sales?

Im always amused by the mechanic that people bring with them whos mechanical ability seems to be to look down each side of the car, touch the tyres and dip the oil! Does anyone else have customers that always seem to find more faults with the car your selling when you dont bid them when they want for their part ex?