metcars

How long does a chain last (how long is a piece of string I know) because, I’m not a mini expert, but I do see a lot of these in the ‘auction system’ with intergalactic mileages. Easy over 150k? They do actually look as though they stand the test of time as far as rust and interior trim is concerned at least? Maybe not?

Wax on, wax off! I’ll just leave that there!

Yeah like mechanics and paint, if you put a lot of work their way the prices drop. Upholstery is different, unless you’re into classics.

But if the prices go up, the prices go up don’t they. I mean, supply and demand works both ways? The price increase goes on the sale price, doesn’t it? The problem for us is whether CAP/Glasses can keep up?

Thanks for the replies. My immediate thoughts were to just replace it anyway? But I can see there are reasons to repair on a new/expensive seat though.

So, unusual for me, I have a Mini knocking about the place. It has a split seam on the drivers seat side cushion (part leather). I suspect the previous owner was either a policeman or a cowboy? But It needs doing. So would I be better off just replacing the seat, or would restitching the 'seam' on the seat be more cost effective? I'm concerned that a new piece of leather will make the seat look like a patchwork quilt? Anyone been involved with car upholstery repairs recently?

When you say hard hit areas you mean everywhere?

Just don’t do it!

I always thought that once they stuck you on it you were there until the death? When the vendor does the after sale tally-up they might let you have it. Usually, and in my experience, if they come back it’ll be a one price take it or leave it offer that I wont take thanks. Other opinions may follow? Again today, some stuff has some fat in it other stuff makes way over. But what are they doing this overpriced stock? I’m mean, these are all trade purchases, no private’s allowed any more, so we can assume every car is bought to make money! Scarey?

Isn’t that the way! At least you get some joy! It would be tough if neither auctions made you happy!

It's probably a subject for another thread. But if only Manheim had BCA''s stock? Personally, Manheim customer services and/or back office staff are always more approachable than BCA. BCA have always been shitty, back in the day I had a big fall out with them over a car. Promised myself I'd never deal with them again. But business is business and sometimes you have to 'dance with the devil'. So a few years back I restarted with them but that same sort of surly unapproachable 'treat the customers with contempt' attitude is still there. Let's be honest, the lady I spoke to could have easily just buzzed me through to the person I needed, 10 seconds out of her busy life to keep a customer happy? EDIT: I've just had a message from BCA customer service to say "we are able to deliver most vehicles....". Contact branch for prices? Nothing about 3 car limits? It would be nice if they could go 'definitive' on delivery requirements on the website (if anyone can point me towards any official wording I may have missed I'd be grateful). You'd think that would be a priority.

I spoke to Manheim today and they will deliver anything with 4 wheels? I called transport and a nice lady answered the phone, even gave me a price. They'll evaluate and either plate drive or transport. They say, five days from payment to delivery. That's what I was told today? **sigh** I've tried getting info from BCA and they are useless. Sent two messages, one to their logistics and one to customer services (again) and no replies. I rang them about an hour ago and the nice lady couldn't answer my question and didn't know who I should speak to? Customer services doesn't have a number? Jeez it's hard work dealing with BCA, it's almost like they don't want to communicate, hiding behind the COVID firewall of unhelpfulness! Contacting BCA deliveries should have been one of the twelve labours of hercules?

+1

Where did you get them. I've been on ebay and they tend not to describe the bulbs in lumens?

I'm full of admiration. I'm a one man band and its hard enough sitting here with multiple windows open watching multiple halls in multiple auction sites. I'd rather sit and watch one auction with 70 cars on my list than watch a dozen different bloody halls. And don't get me started about clicking off to look at a cars details and the bloody thing freezing. Endless refreshing. Tech fail!

I’ve been reading that they’re just not as powerful? I want this place to look like a space ship is landing when the lights come on!

For me, a mixed bag. I'm really hurting not being able to see, hear, touch and smell the cars before I bid? The prices are a mixed bag, some winners and some losers. The auctions I watch seem to be mostly supported by a regular 'crew' that don't get silly (the odd one goes silly, usually something luxury/high powered). But, I have noticed there's a price difference North and South. I'm guessing delivery costs is an issue for us southerners. I've also noticed that those old 'shitters' that still find there way onto the lists are making strong money. The '04 focus 1.6lx in wine red made 450 at the hammer. Plus fees and delivery and an MOT; that's all of itself isnt it? And the 2003 'Skoda' saloon in silver made $400, again plus fees and delivery, what the hell is left in it. There was a time when I could put it down to 'noobs' or privates but not any more. Traders bought those cars. There can't be any fat left in them whatsoever, even selling it in a layby? It reminds me of the last recession when a few of the big sites round here were buying old shitters for silly money and selling them for equally silly money? I'm finding, with Manheim at least, that faults are declared more often than the old physical auction days. I wouldn't say there's complete disclosure, but an attempt is made at making big faults known at least. More than I remember before. I also much prefer Manheim's auction interface to BCA's, I seem to get lost in BCA software with how they are listing cars not by branches. It is also a huge bummer not being able to get vin numbers on the BCA vehicle descriptions (or at least, I can't bloody find it!) How are you guys finding it?

I've got various halogen security lights around my place. But, I've decided to upgrade the bulbs to LED. My issue is, what spec of LED bulb produces the equivalent lighting power (lumens?) as a 400w halogen bulb?

True, French cars do sell well, and i've sold plenty. Never got stuck with one either. But I don't think they are quite the style leaders they were. The clio doesn't stack up against Fiat 500 and Mini. Shame. Didn't Renault originally aim the clio at a typical 20yr old woman, and they got it right! But, not any more?

To be fair they’re not my usual quarry! But I’m responding to a request, and when you start looking on auctions they clearly don’t all have them? I assume there’s a high failure rate. And I assume the replacement cost is high compared to what you can buy aftermarket. I won’t be buying any 208s that’s for sure!

Cars owned by people who think having an mot counts as a service!

Ok, thanks. But, all 208’s, regardless of trim level, should come as standard with the touch screen?

So, for example. Has probably had a problem with the screen and had this fitted to replace it? https://www.manheim.co.uk/vehicle-detail/PEUGEOT/208?id=2514485&returnUrl=%2Fsearch%3FPage%3D1%26PageSize%3D30%26Make%5B0%5D%3DPEUGEOT%26Model%5B0%5D%3DPEUGEOT%7C208%26RegistrationYear.Start%3D2012%26RegistrationYear.End%3D2013%26IsKm%3DFalse%26SortBy%3DCAPCleanPrice%26SortAscending%3DTrue%232514485&indx=16

As I remember, fair haired Tall thin guy. He wasn’t a young guy even back then. But he was the star of the show! Back in the old two hall days. When Thursday night sales were still going about 10pm. And the daytime sales were empty!

Back in the day (90s), who was the guy at Colchester that used to say stuff like “up we go again” and “.......for the sporting gentleman?”. Really nice entertaining guy, they don’t make them like that that any more?