the old novice 13 Posted October 31, 2019 Our existing business(transport) tends to go a bit quiet in the winter. So I've often bought a few auction cars to keep a flow of work going through the workshop. Stuff im buying tends to be from £2,000-£4,000.I'm trying to do things right and get my cars presented to a decent standard and offered with a full mot. The one thing I have realised though is that my car buying 'compass' is in severe need of a remap!.....If I've bought something that was nice (in my opinion)with a good history etc and been confident that it would move quick, invariably its been hanging around and had to be price dropped down to nigh on break even and yet stuff that was high mileage/poor or no history has gone pronto.Just took a hefty blow on a golf with a DSG 'box.Probably doing 2 cars a month .Enjoying the forum and finding it useful Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHM 994 Posted November 1, 2019 Welcome, I guess we all find what sort of cars are good news and what are bad news. However I’m sure we’ve all had a type of car that sells quickly whenever you get one in stock then all of a sudden one stalls & is there 6 months. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chrishowie 14 Posted November 1, 2019 Welcome! Its a funny old game. Everything that has moved super fast, I've bought more of and not opened the door on them for months. Funny isn't it! I find I have more luck with some brands than others although it maybe down to my enthusiasm level rather than the car itself? Hard to say, Good luck : ) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark101 536 Posted November 1, 2019 (edited) 9 hours ago, the old novice said: If I've bought something that was nice (in my opinion)with a good history etc and been confident that it would move quick, invariably its been hanging around and had to be price dropped down to nigh on break even and yet stuff that was high mileage/poor or no history has gone pronto. Almost every time this happens (except I rarely price drop, just sit it out) I am guessing your miley, no history gear is cheaper and unfortunately, cheap always outsells proper gear. Unfortunately or perhaps fortunately, I have zero tolerance for the punters they attract. Edited November 1, 2019 by Mark101 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the old novice 13 Posted November 1, 2019 Hi Mark101 Even with the higher mileage/poor history stuff i've maybe bought newer to keep the prices to a minimum of £2000,like yourself i have a low tolerance level to some bulls knacker bringing his mate round who is a master mechanic for Lada or some other such premium brand,then watch as he struggles to open the bonnet.Priceless!! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
trade vet 704 Posted November 1, 2019 Hi Good intro.We all get stuck with stuff and get it wrong.At least with cheaper stuff,the downside is reduced.You have a workshop,it is a sideline,why not try some higher risk stuff.Big petrol barges with a new test.Some people say that if you want to make money in this job ‘ you have to swim upstream ‘ . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Horgan 564 Posted November 1, 2019 2 hours ago, the old novice said: Hi Mark101 Even with the higher mileage/poor history stuff i've maybe bought newer to keep the prices to a minimum of £2000,like yourself i have a low tolerance level to some bulls knacker bringing his mate round who is a master mechanic for Lada or some other such premium brand,then watch as he struggles to open the bonnet.Priceless!! HI Old Novice . Welcome aboard Bet you just watch the experts struggle with that bonnet don't you . I do then stop them taking any caps off , big no no round here. Seen all the tricks they get up to with removing caps . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BHM 994 Posted November 1, 2019 6 minutes ago, David Horgan said: Bet you just watch the experts struggle with that bonnet don't you . When a Johnny Big Balls know-all mechanic start their gobshiteing (if there’s such a word) and fall at the first hurdle of trying to open a bonnet I’m the master of going silent & standing back watching them get flustered. It’s usually after about 90 seconds of making a twat of themselves (90 seconds is a long time with someone staring at you) in front of the potential buyer that they ask for help. It’s at that point I pounce............ Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
the old novice 13 Posted November 1, 2019 when the car buyers expert friend says "there's nowt i dont know about cars" is when you just know that in reality he's actually just bought a snap on beanie hat off ebay dipped it in some engine oil and watched a few you tube vids.....i think i might buy a dog and train it to bite people with snap on merch. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casper 272 Posted November 1, 2019 Welcome aboard the forum and motor trader family and community here and thank you for the introduction good luck . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
David Horgan 564 Posted November 1, 2019 49 minutes ago, the old novice said: a snap on beanie hat off ebay Had one of those on Toyota , Bought the car and came back with his mate dressed from top to toe in SNAP ON , hat , coat boots gloves the bloody lot was brand new They came back to announce the clutch was make a loud clicking noise , metallic click Mr Snap On said . My son confronted him with , " Mate its the Air Con Clicking " and proceeded to explain how the air con worked and why it clicked , then pointed to where the clutch was and said" its on the other side of the car pal , " I chirped up that i thought he would have known that dressed in SNAP ON Then they left 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Casper 272 Posted November 1, 2019 1 hour ago, David Horgan said: Had one of those on Toyota , Bought the car and came back with his mate dressed from top to toe in SNAP ON , hat , coat boots gloves the bloody lot was brand new They came back to announce the clutch was make a loud clicking noise , metallic click Mr Snap On said . My son confronted him with , " Mate its the Air Con Clicking " and proceeded to explain how the air con worked and why it clicked , then pointed to where the clutch was and said" its on the other side of the car pal , " I chirped up that i thought he would have known that dressed in SNAP ON Then they left Now That's funny Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark101 536 Posted November 1, 2019 5 hours ago, the old novice said: Hi Mark 101 No need to use my surname, Mark will do 2 hours ago, BHM said: When a Johnny Big Balls know-all mechanic start their gobshiteing (if there’s such a word) and fall at the first hurdle of trying to open a bonnet I’m the master of going silent & standing back watching them get flustered. It’s usually after about 90 seconds of making a twat of themselves (90 seconds is a long time with someone staring at you) in front of the potential buyer that they ask for help. It’s at that point I pounce............ Ford badges which conceal the bonnet release used to be a favourite, even happened the other week on a Ford Connect.....priceless. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
