Cambelt question.

[DCS01 27]

(I did try and search this but couldn’t see this discussed)

So I have been doing more research on making a go of it. Trying to source a few more cars. 

One thing I have noticed is cars seem to go for such a fortune on dealer auction that even with my current situation I think the margin is a bit tight for me (bearing in mind I can’t really go to bca or manheim as I don’t want a potential conflict of interest)

I have done a few cheap fords which have always needed a cambelt, for my ownpeace of mind and selling point I make sure they are done

Is it a case that some traders simply aren’t bothering with something like that and are just happy to take the risk that it won’t go in 6 months, or just not bothered if it does.

Or are people just working on such little margins because the have a greater number of slots to fill?

 

[Stalker 180]

I think personally, it all depends upon the age, car and price. 

If you are adding value by renewing the cam belt in theory your car is worth more and should sell for a higher price. 

Mind if you are talking about cars under £2k, I would sell them as is and recommend that the customer has it renewed themselves or arrange to get it done for them at your local guy. 

[DCS01 27]

Thanks for the reply, but surely even for a cheaper car if it is sold as a retail sale from a trader you have to provide 6 months warranty? I must admit I was assuming that would have to get it done to save a comeback, unless you put it in writing on the order form?

[EPV 631]

16 minutes ago, DCS01 said:

Thanks for the reply, but surely even for a cheaper car if it is sold as a retail sale from a trader you have to provide 6 months warranty? I must admit I was assuming that would have to get it done to save a comeback, unless you put it in writing on the order form?

Firstly, conflict of interest? I must be missing something very obvious here?

Secondly, you don't have to give a warranty of any description. 

Thirdly, you can't put on an order form that the customer can't comeback if their belt snaps and bolloxes their new car.

My opinion on cambelts is that they are a great selling tool, people want them done but don't want to pay for them. Every DIY mechanic wannabee and every car buying forum the punters have read talk about cambelts like they make the car go faster or something. So, if it's due, get it done, shout about it and put the car up by £300. If it's not due one for a year, don't bother.

[justina3 518]

I presume conflict of interest is you work for an auction house, in which case sod politics use your advantage and get in there. 

As regards belts question take the advise above job done. 

 

[DCS01 27]

I currently work for a main dealer and don’t want to poop on my own doorstep.

I know technically you don’t have to give a warranty but I just think it’s best practice as under their consumer rights they have 6 months for repair replacement or refund, I just think a warranty gives you a safety net.

To clear confusion I don’t mean cambelts that are due in a year or so, I mean one that should have been done but hasn’t (as is often the case)

 

1 minute ago, justina3 said:

I presume conflict of interest is you work for an auction house, in which case sod politics use your advantage and get in there. 

As regards belts question take the advise above job done. 

 

No I work for main dealer. Chances are someone that knows you will see you and it is easier not to have questions asked. All the time you are performing it’s fine, the second you aren’t it is presumed your eye is off the ball.

[NOACROSS 414]

 Buy private, although you may get the odd one or two off DA very occasionally.

My advice is to find a niche or specialise in something and stay reasonably down market price-wise  

I don’t understand why you can’t buy off BCA etc if you want to? Your employer has loads of potential competition including the general public already.

I always do the belt if it’s due or nearly due.

Remember, the cheaper the car, generally the more of a messer the buyer will be as it’s often all their money  

Particularly when buying private, you may well get a better deal on something that hasn’t had the belt done -or it’s nearly due- as for some reason it’s almost the end of the world for a punter-and only just behind that terror that is a head gasket (gasps)!

Good luck with it.  Let us know if there’s anything sensible you need to know. 

[DCS01 27]

Thanks for the advice.

Funny thing I think the same thing about prestige punters buying a 30k car with all their money, they think they have brought a new one.

if I make a go I might have to do the private thing, just don’t have the time at the second.

Re not going to BCA, this trade is incestious, someone sees you there and no doubt mentions it to someone else and then questions get asked of why you are selling cars on the side. I want to keep this as far apart as possible until I decide I can make the jump.

[EPV 631]

7 minutes ago, DCS01 said:

Thanks for the advice.

Funny thing I think the same thing about prestige punters buying a 30k car with all their money, they think they have brought a new one.

if I make a go I might have to do the private thing, just don’t have the time at the second.

Re not going to BCA, this trade is incestious, someone sees you there and no doubt mentions it to someone else and then questions get asked of why you are selling cars on the side. I want to keep this as far apart as possible until I decide I can make the jump.

Do it online. 

I’ll say one thing mate, this industry is fucking hard work. Don’t make it harder for yourself. Give yourself every edge you can. 

[NOACROSS 414]

Ditto. Don’t jump too soon!

[Mark101 536]

What area are you in DCS, I might have a solution....

PM me if you prefer.

Edited August 29, 2018 by Mark101

[BHM 994]

In all of my life I’ve only ever had ONE timing belt kit changed & that was on my own car - an old Cavalier Automatic Estate. 

Belts/kits/pumps;

45% of punters don’t have a clue about them.

45% of punters don’t give a f***.

The remaining fussy 10% will find a problem anyway & go elsewhere cos they usually can’t afford to maintain their cars and want everything for free - often these people are referred to as Volkswagen Buyers. In my book these people are welcome to f*** off elsewhere.

[Arfur Dealy 823]

I have never had a cam belt changed. 

[Mikey360 68]

I tend to get it done if it needs doing within a year / 10k miles. More peace of mind for me, wouldn't want that dreaded phone call at 2 in the morning!

[metcars 397]

25 minutes ago, Mikey360 said:

I tend to get it done if it needs doing within a year / 10k miles. More peace of mind for me, wouldn't want that dreaded phone call at 2 in the morning!

Oh, the one where the punter calls to say the 'new' belt tensioner failed?

[Mikey360 68]

29 minutes ago, met said:

Oh, the one where the punter calls to say the 'new' belt tensioner failed?

Tensioner and water pump (if powered by the cambelt) always done at the same time, can't see the point in not getting them done if it's an extra half hour to change them.

[It's me 615]

every car is different

why you would worry about fords in particular beats me

 

[DCS01 27]

Just because they seem to be the ones that end up with the least margin to afford to get it done. 

A few less mainstream bits seem to have enough that I can cover the cost.

[It's me 615]

rare that ford buyers at the bottom ask about belts

its usually teachers that buy renaults for their sprogs

or it was when the the mk2 clio was the middle class darling

im ford free these days,refuse to pay spanky dealer prices for parts

[have a word with the wife 299]

recent  question by a muppet=

"when / has the timing belt been changed, because i have been told it should be done by you before sale" 

its a timing chain not a belt

"has that been changed ?" 

no

"why not ? "

you dont change them unless they become noisy 

"is this one noisy ? 

no

"oh, how much would it cost to change that then if it goes noisy?"

just service it every year, use quality oil and it wont go noisy

"oh right, so anyway, what will you take ?" 

[BHM 994]

For the sake of a few nuts/bolts all I do is take a look if there’s nothing recorded in the book. If the belt looks recentish (writing visible etc., not worn) I take a photo & tell the punter’s to make up their own mind. 

I’ve never (yet?) had an issue with a customer’s belt/pulley failing. Obviously I wouldn’t wish a failure on anyone but if one did occur then from a legal viewpoint my stance would be the car was ok at point of sale - the failure/fault obviously occurred under the owner’s watch.

Cambelts don’t add value, although they MAY make it slightly more attractive to a sensible punter (if you are lucky enough to find one).