XFS

I remember a few years ago around this time of year or a bit earlier, knowing decent stock would be like hens teeth at anything close to sensible money, I saw that EH and sometimes Car Giant to were retailing some apparently Saleable German metal at 1k and more behind BCA prices. In the true spirit of Blackadder, I came up with a cunning plan to do a spot of Bowler hatting even though it would mean my name on the log book. In common with Blackadder, it was doomed to failure. The EH stuff was generally such shit, I wouldn’t touch it and their staff simply should not be allowed to sell cars to the public. Car Giant was slightly better but way to time consuming to be viable. Bowler hat rapidly back in the cupboard.

Looks like a tourist promo shot for one of the less appealing former Soviet block countries... I can identify one of the features in the photo. Best that I don’t expand on whether it is the lady, the car or the backdrop.

I think that legislation is often very lax in relation to deliberate fraudulent practices in the motor trade compared to how severe it is with regards to often, non-deliberate sale of goods related matters.

Thinking of the current thread which was such an obvious scam it almost defies logic that anyone was taken in. So, in the Internet age is the motor trade more or less honest or just the same? I,m sure motor traders are the same, some good, some bad, but the business as a whole? Buying cars pre internet and pre-digital was far more hands on and organic. Shady practices were more physical. Cars with haircuts were common and everyone knew the guy who could provide the dodgy ticket or who the local “watchmaker” was. Auctions were less corporate and allowed a lot more dodgy stuff to go on. You really had to have your wits about you. You would think nowadays there is less scope for physical dodgyness, although nobody seems to have told members of let’s say...the itinerant travelling community... that advertising obviously clocked cars with a dodgy service history on AT is very 80’s. I guess these scams clearly still work on some, but really it’s not that difficult to check the history of a car and a seller very quickly now.

Thanks Thanks Arfur. I remember from previous exchanges that our business models and attitudes are very similar in terms of how we deal with customers and I believe we have a similar attitude to fools and time wasters

That’s helpful and makes sense. Thank You for taking the time to reply.

Thanks for the welcome...but I’ve been a member here since 2016, longer than most it would seem. As I have not lived in the U.K. since 2017, having got fed up searching for suitable premises to expand my business, I sold up and moved to, variously, the warmer and more pleasant parts of Europe where I can earn a decent enough living in my other occupation. I am now bored, ready to return and will resume the car trade in May when I return to the U.K, having previously been relatively profitable and successful. I am not an amateur or dodgy doorstepper. My business has always been legitimate, honest and run more professionally than a lot of main stealers in my experience. I know how to run a car business to a high standard and have the financial ability to do so. My question is simply in the main, do people find that performance diesel cars are still in demand with customers in the U.K. and has anyone found any demand for hybred cars outside of the city. Generally, where I am now, people are very worried about diesel car prices dropping through the floor over the next couple of years. I will be trading rural and will be setting myself up somewhere central, north of London and South of Leciester. My target market will be the same as always. Sensible people with the wherewithal to buy without finance and who won’t waste my time. I only allow viewing by appointment and don’t deal with idiots. If nobody wants to engage sensibly that’s fine. This certainly seems a less friendly and helpful place now.

Is senior member a euphemism? I can remember when VAT was 15% Is Artur Daley Arfur Daley’s Polish cousin? I,ll go for Valdek The same as the floggle-toggle valve setting on a Fiesta .75 Ecoboost, but on the Fiesta you must do it with your left hand.

Lol...looks like I have been a member here longer than you have. I’m not sure if I,m the one who has to prove anything

I’ve been in and around the trade for...well to many years...since well before the internet anyway. My first mobile phone cost me £300 with £30 per month line rental and 50p per minute for calls...that’s how long. Anyway, I sold all my stock, and I’ve been bumming around Europe for a couple of years, but it looks like Brexit is going to make that sort of life harder and I’m getting bored anyway. I,m looking to start trading again in May. What has changed in 2 years? The main petrol cars I did well with are getting a bit long in the tooth. Alfa Spider, Alfa Brera, Audi TT Mk 1, and the others are in a higher price/insurance range than I want to get into ie. Jag XKR, Audi S, RS range. Other than the above I did nearly all diesel. Audi’s, BMW, Jaguar XF...usually the performance versions. I love Jags, but would never have dreamed of buying a petrol XF. As my user name suggests my favourite is the XFS. Great blend of performance and economy and always turned me a great decent profit and minimal comebacks. Always attracted the right type of customer to. So, do diesels still sell? When does it all go tits up for diesel’s. How about Hybred’s do they do ok? Is there a market for Audi A4/ A5/A6 Jags, BMW 5 series with Petrol engines?

I’ve been in and around the trade for...well to many years...since well before the internet anyway. My first mobile phone cost me £300 with £30 per month line rental and 50p per minute for calls...that’s how long. Anyway, I sold all my stock, and I’ve been bumming around Europe for a couple of years, but it looks like Brexit is going to make that sort of life harder and I’m getting bored anyway. I,m looking to start trading again in May. What has changed in 2 years? The main petrol cars I did well with are getting a bit long in the tooth. Alfa Spider, Alfa Brera, Audi TT Mk 1, and the others are in a higher price/insurance range than I want to get into ie. Jag XKR, Audi S, RS range. Other than the above I did nearly all diesel. Audi’s, BMW, Jaguar XF...usually the performance versions. I love Jags, but would never have dreamed of buying a petrol XF. As my user name suggests my favourite is the XFS. Great blend of performance and economy and always turned me a great decent profit and minimal comebacks. Always attracted the right type of customer to. So, do diesels still sell? When does it all go tits up for diesel’s. How about Hybred’s do they do ok? Is there a market for Audi A4/ A5/A6 Jags, BMW 5 series with Petrol engines?

It’s not a bad car, it’s just a bad model/bad spec/bad colour in a market is full of basic spec 3 series. Most customers would rather pay a bit extra for a bit of spec. This car is basic spec in a poor colour so it’s a hard sell. How did you land with it? It’s the type of car you would only buy for stock if it was very cheap or you had to take it as a trade in surely. If it was very cheap then there should still be something in it at a low price. If I had a car like this stuck up my bum, I would make it the lowest priced example of that model and mileage on AT. Its the type of car which appeals to those who buy purely on price. I would just get shot of it, making something hopefully or at worst losing as little money as I could, so I could invest the money in something more desirable and likely to yield me a decent profit quickly.

Indulgences. XKR ... a beast. Porshe Cayman...mmm, ok when driven like your arse is on fire, but just irritating for normal driving. Alfa Brera Prodrive X5 for long distance trip..very comfortable Audi S4 Avant. Merc E class Coupe TTS ..all round better than Porshe Cayman A6 Avant Black Edition 520Msport Tourer. Amazingly economical. Over 53 mpg average on 1000 mile trip to Scotland. BMW 4 series drop head ...heated seats and air scarf and kicking the arse of 60 mpg Several Jag XFS Models. Just a great all round car. Currently a Disco 4 ...been all over Europe with it. A posh van. Love it.

I,m not sure that the common ideal that the courts are against the motor trader holds up. The fact is the motor trade, particularly at the lower end is inherently corrupt. Most courts and most judges are relatively fair and judges are seldom stupid. Legitimate motor traders with a valid case, in most circumstances, will get a fair hearing.

I think people in the trade are generally to fearful of standing up for themselves. If you are in the right then it’s unlikely you have anything to fear in court despite the horror stories. Most full time magistrates will make an informed decission using a sensible interpretation of the law. They rarely take chances as they do not like to be appealed. Part time magistrates are trickier, as they often lack the in depth knowledge and experience and can let predudice get the better of them, but if you think their decission is wrong appeal it. Generally the higher the court and the more senior the judge the more the likelihood of a just outcome. Appealing a small claims decission is not necessarily complex or expensive.

I have no fear of the courts or customers. But then I feel that I have always been honest and fair. You cannot be weak. You can and should be fair and reasonable, but if you are weak you will get shafted. If you feel you are right stand your ground. Most people will back off.

Thanks for the link Looks pretty good but I don’t fancy the location. Quoted the wrong poster, sorry. Thanks for the link

I appreciate what I’m looking for is not easy to find or I would have found it. I’ve only been looking for over a year...

After taking some time out, I,m looking for a fresh start. My business is appointment only, not interested in walk ins or tyre kickers. I want somewhere out of the way, preferably rural. The ideal would be a decent agricultural building with water supply, but I,m open to any decent building really. Minimum size about 2500 square feet. I would also consider existing rural car pitches. South of Nottingham and preferably North of London and Centre to East. I,m in no hurry and I am constantly checking the normal places. Just in case anyone knows of anywhere Thanks

Back on topic. I think the OP is reaping what he sowed. Saying the car has a service history is bending the truth to breaking point. All he had to do was say the car is well maintained (if it looks like it was) and recently serviced. No ambiguity in that. customers can be no angels for sure, but avoid giving them ammunition. My opinion of the motor trade is not that good generally, so I,m not surprised the general public don't trust us and the courts often find against us. In my opinion it's no more than we collectively deserve, which is pretty unfair on the people who try to do it right. I bought a car from a local dealer once. Which was being offered to the public as an RAC inspected car with full warranty. I said are there any faults .? Do I need to drive it? No mate it drives perfect, honestly, we wouldn't rip if another trader. I thought well, this operation are virtually neighbours so they would need balls to rip me off. Paid for the car, starts it and the exhaust is blowing, then I realise the gearbox needs attention and by the time I had driven it as far as their offices I realise the suspension ball joints are shot. I stop at the office and say I thought this car was spot on...exhaust, gearbox, ball joints.... Well you could have driven it mate, was the response. I didn't argue the toss, just turned on my heel and said this will cost you more than a few repairs. And I can guarantee it has. If they do that to another trader...how on earth do they treat the public?

I,m considering buying a retail car (for myself)for the following reasons....or at least I was 1. It's cheaper than auctions at the moment. 2. The prep is somebody else's problem 3. I,ll be looking for a good warranty. 4. I can get cheap finance, no point tying up my own capital. So, seeing things from a customers perspective and listening to the bullshit some of those trying to sell me a car are throwing around...especially the know it all's on who's shoulders I can still clearly see schoolbag marks... Its actually been quite entertaining, if a bit of a waste of time. Every car is a great price, fantastic condition and "you'll have to be quick Sir, I,ve had a lot of interest" Actually, just about every car on most dealers forecourts is a disgrace. Most of what I have seen I would be ashamed to sell myself. A full service history apparently means it has been serviced at some point in its life. Excellent condition... a credit to its owner means it needs about 1k prep. "It's a used car sir it will have a few marks"... I,m actually considering a main dealer assured vehicle...

Well, this is my last month anyway. Got 2 to shift. Anyone want a 58 plate Audi TTS roadster. One owner, full history with less than 34k miles. Black, Red and black leather. In top retail condition. Had it 2 months and not a phone call on it. And an S3 in grey. 08, 52k, amazing service history, recent service inc brakes and prop shaft , invoice from Audi for 2.5k! Retail ready.

I think the Q7 is probably the most sensible option, but I just don't like them for some reason...never have. The newer ones are more attractive, but originally it's like Audi set out to make the most visually unappealing car they could, which is strange I,m usually a big fan of Audi,s style.

R350 drives great, very comfy bus. Just not what I need.

R350 is a good shout but I want a SUV. I,ve always found X5's reliable. A Disco certainly tickets all the boxes the best, maybe I,ll take a chance but it would need to be HSE spec, so may have to up the budget to 20k. That should by me a decent 11 plate with 60k up