metcars

I think punters are starting to get fed up with grey/silver/black. Bold bright colours are found on high performance/prestige vehicles now. These trends usually work there way down.

Yes, I remember that. Didn't they used to advertise in Car Auction Magazine (remember that!)

As far as auctions are concerned CAP clean seems to now be the reserve they aim for. CAP average and below average don't exist any more?

Exciting when it says no history and then that large envelope arrives from the auction after a few days

Sounds great, I'm full of stories but what's the deal. Are you offering a one off fee or a percentage of the profits?

Maybe it's just me being paranoid but am I the only account holder that seems to have unwanted changes made to their watchlist. I seem to regularly 'acquire' new vehicles that don't even fit my buying profile and then lose some that I do want? Today I 'acqujired' in my watchlist a 4x4 double cab?. It's hardly problem of the century but when I have a simulcast running and I hear the 'horn' to warn me a car is coming up it's sometimes not one of mine! I'm guessing its just a glitch but it also shows big brother is watching?

It's my understanding that the changes will affect both debit and credit cars. So even your local takeaway delivery will be taking a hit too? Price rises expected everywhere, keep calm and stay tuned!

Sounds like the same car, not what I'd expect top brass to drive around in unless it's 'for the wife'?

Those Copart charges can rack up quickly. And as with all auctions, if it 'doesn't' sell the nightmare begins?

I thought the Car Dealer Magazine collective thought traders selling cars under £1k should be stood up against a wall and shot!

Thanks, I'll check

Personal plates usually leave me cold but I tend to notice the odd, odd one. Today I was following a high end VW Golf with the plate "I VW" and the plates were marked with Inchape Volkswagen dealership. Happy coincidence or someone that really likes Inchape VW?

No not BCA. To be honest it is silent when cold but just starts ticking when fully hot. I followed it through from when they started it to in the hall and it was silent, but its down to me sadly. The 'tap' doesnt kick in until above 2k rpm but its not coming from vct units I'm sure. I can't seem to find anyone that's done this job even though these engines expect a 'shim' at 90k ish, wired?

Looks like I've 'rat fucked' myself for the first time in 2018. With what I thought was a nice little 1.6 Focus '06 with good miles and history. Starts and drives fine from cold but when warm the engine is tapping like a stuck lifter. Trouble is they're solid lifters. Can anyone give me an idea of what it may cost to check/adjust the valve shims (which obviously will involve new cam belt as camshafts have to come out)? I know I am going to choke on the cost quite apart from wiping out the profit..

Yes, as above. Don't just check the oil filler cap, but checket dipstick and coolant too. As far as Vauxhalls are concerned its often an advantage to see some milky residue from condensation as it keeps the 'amateurs' off the scent!

... same for me at Manheim Colchester last night. I understand these things are relative, and I wasn't looking at the prices of every car under the hammer but just the ones I was interested in, but I came home empty handed. Couldn't even be bothered to drive into Clacton from some chips!

I remember watching a program about the banking system and how they are trying to move to a cashless society. The cynics amongst us will realise that there's nothing stopping them from charging for 'every' transaction with a debit card.

Don't forget "We're all in it together"

You're not wrong, Sytner was a quality brand that would sell cared for p/x's but sadly no longer.

Where are you based Paul?

Bah, humbug!

.... and stick one of those £5 Halfords exhaust repair things on it! Did they hit you with any 'advisories', because if you're trade there's always advisories?

Hard as nails up Norf!

I go on my gut feelings and not any hard and fast rules over 'goodwill'. I recently had a lady pick up a car from me on a Sunday afternoon and rang me on her way home to say she'd got a flat tyre. I went out and changed it for her. I'm generally not a soft touch though.

Not for a long time. Seemed to be a decent stand up independent auction to me, or at least it was back then. I keep meaning to go back for a look see. The old boy that started it was quite a character!