metcars

RIP Local VRO's

Cleaning. I find it almost therapuetic. Or, sniffing around auction websites. Just out of interest why does BCA get so many 'supercars' compared to Manheim?

Good topic. I'm Mike. Been in the trade since the early '90s. Two divorces and I've been a single parent for nearly 20yrs, which has been more of a struggle than work to be fair. Working from home these days, given up empire building I've often wondered if this forum needs a 'lounge' or 'off topic' for socialising.

OK, fair enough. The place I use is along a small independent place on a busy high street with lots of large dealerships so they are used to traders

But, it is something that you grow out of. I think that depending on your age, you either see, two beautiful Ferrari's or two huge piles of cash?

I'm on my own too, and I find that having a friendly tyre depot is a must, once they know you're a regular you'll get a better deal and jump the queue. I even sold a car to my tyre guy?

Sadly, its where I am too. It makes me shudder when I read about guys 'smoking around' in a nearly new BMW. Although back when I was in my 20s/30s I probably wouldn't have been able to keep my hands out of the cookie jar either

Just a suggestion MJ but most tyre shops are well kitted up to remove locking nuts. Let them buy the tools?

This. I think Euro Car Parts were doing a kit like this last time I was in there.

I ran an old diesel 4x4 for 10yrs. It did everything other than a track day. Towed my bangers, carried white goods home from Makro without having to put the back seat down, even slept in it once. But the winter and snow experience wasn't what you'd expect. I'm guessing it depends on whether you live in a rural location or inner city, but I live in North East London and regardless of how capable your 4x4 is, if the council/police shut the road because of snow you've had it; if the super hero in front of you gets stuck and blocks the road, you've had it; everybody wants a tow then complains about damage afterwards; Nobody seems to understand the consequences of using a kinetic tow rope. These days when it snows I prefer to stay indoors

Service book and any other 'valuable' docs should be kept at the office and signed for on collection?

I used to do this, but however thorough you are, after a couple of weeks sitting on the lot, it will develop a puncture/misfire/exhaust blow the first time you start it up

,,,,,,, but they are trying to squeeze this under the auction banner of "sold as seen/no refunds"

'02 Focus 1.6 ghia 130k that cost me less than you guys spend on a takeaway

Question "what's your best price" Answer "the highest price" Question "will you accept an offer" Answer "offers above the asking price"

I was going to say that, if you are trying to chase service history, nothing beats the personal touch. Within reason and considering distance and potential value of a 'history'. Where they might find it easier to turn you down over the phone, if you are standing in front of them with the vehicle docs and a smile it helps?

Just an observation, but when did CAP clean change from meaning 'ready to retail' to 'auction reserve price'?

Its odd how, and I know its a contentious subject, but there 'is' a place for 'bottom end' traders?

Best reply I've heard is "If I'd wanted less I'd have advertised it for less"

also..... Why doesn't autotrader allow punters to filter out all that 'Cat C' junk in the search options?

Punters that think having an MOT every year is the same as having a service!

When a punter is on the way to see a car and the airbag light decides to stay on!

Saleability wise they are. If I find one that's not rusty I'll have it. How old is yours. Unfortunately I only buy stock at the block and Pinin's that find their way there are usually 'sheds'. Buyers tend to know what they are looking for in that respect so you've been warned

They seem to rust overnight. Get it on a ramp and get a screwdriver on it. Welding is expensive

Did I mention 'rust'?