July 2006
A week and half ago had my car up on Autotrader, a Polo 1.9CL 97/R 73K full history for £1895. Had a few calls and and the third person that looked at the car bought it. Came about 70 miles to view and was waiting outside my house when I arrived home from work. It was pouring with rain. He looked around it and found a rust spot on the sill but otherwise seemed happy, Declined to go on a test drive or look at any paperwork and after a bit of negotating handed over the full asking price. (yes I did check the notes, he even gave me £80 too much!) Broke so many golden rules about buying used cars,, looking in heavy rain, no test drive, no docs check. Luckily for him apart from some peeling lacquer and some paintwork being done previously that wasn`t brilliant he got away with a reasonable Polo. Wish I had him as a buyer for some of my other cars a few years back...... Read more
When did they finish building the Maestro? I only ask as I saw a T reg. one in Wem (Shropshire) last night.
I vaguely remember dirt cheap ones being sold off after production finished, but thought it was way before T reg! Read more
Don't know here that price came from !. My wife's exactly the same car TD Clubman was £8080.00 new in 1993 with no trade in.
Perhaps trying to bump the price up at auction?.
Well its on its way back from service
Radio, sorry sir, needs a new part - dont have that in stock
New key sorry sir dont have that in stock, plus we need your V5
Aircon, stone in condenser sir, we dont have that in stock.............................
Why the hell did I bother. This pile of putrifaction is getting right on my goat.
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TourVanMan TM < Ex RF > Read more
I remember the same service with a Neff appliance - part of the same Bosch/Neff/Siemens repair outfit. I had a dented cooker hood panel (not noticed on delivery or fitting)...and I was flabbergasted that the guy had one in his van. I was seriously impressed. That sort of thing you remember and spread as good news....so many businesses don't understand how to deliver good service even if it hit them in the face....Every single modern garage i have been to seems to have at least 2 customers arguing over servicing or parts at any time of the day and night and the topic is nearly always "you said you would get it fixed today....oh no sir we need to order a part.....but I told you what was needed why did you not order it in? ARGH ARGH etc etc".
The industry has alot to learn....still....
Perhaps they should experience the world outside a car dealership and experience real world customer relations....
One of my colleagues has an R-reg Renault Megane. A breakdown-firm has told him that there is air in the cooling system.
Does anybody know the easiest way to bleed this out, please? Read more
Thanks for all of the help - I'm not too sure of the details of what happened. The breakdown mechanic did a CO test so the HG should be OK.
Dear all
I have received an write off offer of £3000 for my T plate Honda Accord 1.8 SE Exec (120k miles) - book value c. £2400 (no fault accident). I paid £7000 for it in August 2002.
Is it worthwhile to ask for a bit more, or should I count my blessings and accept their first offer?
I am considering GAP insurance for my replacement purchase, a Polo 1.9 SDI 05 plate (£7000). Best price so far (3 years) is £150 from www.click4gap.co.uk (Hitachi finance) [no connection].
Is GAP worthwhile? Are there better providers out there?
Views / answers welcome
Mark Read more
I have yet to find a model of similar spec and condition as my well cared for car.
In searching for a direct replacement, most if not all of the vehicles I have seen are tired and very worn (Civics and Accords). I've seen cars that look in a poorer condition that have only done 60,000 miles (if you believe the mileometer) at £3600 (franchise dealer).
So in brief. It will be very difficult to prove.
Hello
This is my first post (and first brand-new car purchase) so please be gentle!
I've been quoted £8699 otr including floor mats and mudflaps for a Suzuki Swift 1.5 GLX 3-door in pearlescent paint to be delivered on 1st September. The list price is £8999 plus the cost of the 'flaps and 'mats.
I've been led to believe discounts on these cars are a little difficult to come by so presume I've done quite well - any thoughts please?
Read more
If you do take it, make delivery on 1st Sept a condition of the contact.
I am thinking of getting one of these estates to add to my collection of cars. I am looking for one of the last made in 1993. On Autotrader the best ones seem to be a long way from home so I shall have to keep looking.
The CBCB seems to focus on the poor driving experience but I'm not bothered about that, I just want one for its classic 'built like a tank' qualities and keep it in good condition for years to come.
Does anyone have one and any particular points of weakness I should look out for - apart from obvious age related issues on a car which is going to be at least 13 years old?
I was thinking of a Torslanda model with nice leather seats. Read more
Many useful comments, thanks.
I shall have a good look around when I get back from holiday. There are a few nice ones on Autotrader but they're too far away. I am not in a hurry, I shall wait for a nice local one - I want the best Torslanda I can find.
For those that have not already seen these undisguised pics, I was personally looking forward to the new CRV launch, but can`t say I like the shape of the rear side windows, which I reckon spoils an otherwise reasonable design.!!!
www.hondasuv.com/ Read more
Well TL, I think the ill-starred and now defunct 4x4 Megane Scenic fits pretty much everthing you said...
I was passed by a Rover 75 on an 06 plate yesterday. Any know who is still selling them or where? Read more
Not to worry. Thommo has already conceded defeat and returns to Blighty on 9th July to pay his dues.
Apparently its hotter there than it is here in Thailand...
Another site I use for info (tdiclub.org) only make reference to the Audi chassis numbers (A3, A4, etc).
Does anyone know what the 1998 - 2004 Toledo used? I think it's the A4 chassis but I'm not certain. Read more
Lol. I know what you mean, but trust me - it is most definately harder. None of them have the agility of a 306 or Focus...I doubt even the TT...
Browse
My FIL just sold his car in Brighton to 2 guys from somewhere up north. The arrived at 2330, checked over the car, and he told them about a few problems he knew about. They paid full whack and took it away. Next day they called him up to tell him, great car, but the pump failed this morning - no powersteering brakes etc! They didn't mind though, think they saw it as a project!