metcars

I worked as a compositor in the printing industry until Rupert Murdoch'new technology' put an end to it

As far as auctions prices go, Its always been the same, if you buy popular stock then you will have to compete for it. Personally I dont tend to buy 'trendy' bits. I have mates that insist on buying 'privately', but I couldnt spend all day driving around the world looking at cars mis described by private punters! I understand that Japanese auctions are run purely on computer, you sit in a room with a computer and selected stock, press buy and its delivered to your site. This is obviously where our UK large auction houses are intending to go. But, and its a big but, the Japanese style auctions are built on totally "honest" descriptions! Whereas in my experience, the big UK auctions house will always be up to their old tricks!

I source everything from 'the block' both Manheim and BCA. I trader friend of mine fom my local BCA branch has got the 2 minute inspection down to an art. When there are some private punters hanging around a car he is interested in he jumps in and 'tests' the clutch. Loudly revving the engine and not clearing the clutch so everyone hears grating gears.

Well, to be fair, I wonder how much tax they are paying on those earnings. And I wonder exactly 'where' and 'how' they are living, if they are not claiming any benefits?

Personally I think customers pick price (the absolute lowest price) and expect quality. Reputation is something that mattered 'pre' internet days when the trade was a local community. 30yrs ago I knew every trader in my local area, probably went to school with them or my dad knew thier dad, now its a very different and "everybody" is trade

I'm quite a keen photographer and wouldnt bother getting my kit out to take car pics, especially with the limitations of the websites. I've been told the iphone has an exceptional camera with some very professional features where 'metering' is concerned. I would be more concerned with the subject and background than the camera to be honest

This! I'm pretty sure that ' in the trade' will soon disappear. I dont think they want to admit 'trade' even exists

I certainly wouldnt trust the DVLA for this sort of info. And I wouldnt want to be explaining it to a copper at the side of the road. Unfortunately the police have the ability to check MOT/TAX/Insurance 24/7 with the ANPR built into most traffic cars, but as motorists we dont have the same power to update our information, or to be sure its done correctly!

I'm not a fan of the TopGear mob but I did catch the back half of the Russian episode. Quite interesting until they went all "topgear" and dropped the thing from a helicopter for some inexplicable reason other than to impress 14yr old boys!

Anyone else seen this? http://www.unicominsurance.com/vehicle-tax-rules-changes.php?utm_source=MailingList&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Are+you+prepared+for+paperless+Tax+Discs%3F+%282%29

+1 this. Will "in the trade" exist any more?

Interested in the definition of 'customer'; does that apply to auction buyer?

It is a worry, although many EU countries seem to be at war with businesses. Try and start a small business in France! But there does seem to be a new breed of savvy customer who knows just enough about consumer rights to be able to 'work it' for themselves. My ex wife had a friend who would always complain after any purchase. Even if she was completely happy with the service and the procuct, complaining was the last piece of the transaction that she hoped would always bring a good will discount. She was particularly good at complaining about holidays; inventing the smallest problem to use as a lever for a discount. Who protects 'traders' from customers like that?

I don't get involved with vans, but I'd always thought that they were a winner regardless of the economic climate. After all, when times are hard, many people get a van to use at the weekend to pick up a few quid, whether its gardening, DIY, cleaning etc. I think the difference is that in the boom times the vans are newer/better condition! I have to say that in my area window cleaners now seem to favour old Focus estates

You forgot the inevitable 'coffee morning' on the day of the big relaunch! I dont know about you guys, but car dealers are down there with double glazing salesman and estate agents. Try mentioning what you do for a living at a barbecue and see what happens. Usually later on when everyone is drunk they want you to find them a 5yr old BMW!

I hate TopGear, but I have to agree with Clarkson in that you dont look cool sitting in the back seat of a 4 seater convertible

I blame Ebay for inventing a new sort of seller, that is, one who is clearly 'trade', but doesnt obviously advertise the fact. Sort of trade but with a very small T!