@@markmiller5577Have i hit a nerve here mark. Did you buy a 10 year old car and find a stone chip on it? Did you cry like child with a broken toy to the big bad dealer?
From an enthusiast buyer's perspective: There absolutely are exceptionally well kept older cars out there and I will always be very thorough inspecting the cars I intent to buy. But no way in hell will I expect to get both top condition and bottom price in the same example. From the buyer's perspective the most annoying thing is when a car is made out to be absolutely mint and priced accordingly, then when you see it it has obvious accident damage or similar that any trained eye will see in a minute. But with honest salesmen with the right attitude I always try to give them as little trouble as possible - I like to reward those who are still of solid character even in today's rotten world.
i would imagine it was "mint" for its age, and thats the reason the walk around video is provided to allow people to spot things that matter to them???
Great update James, I agree on the cheaper cars stick to your guns, they're well prepared and honestly described, and as you said. Irrespective of the purchase price customers will still come back if the car goes wrong, so at least have the margin to buffer this!
To me as a customer, a good sale is one you both walk away happy with. Last car I negotiated was for my daughter. Paid the asking price but negotiated a cambelt change a longer warranty. Had to go back a couple of weeks later when I noticed fog light lens was missing, dealer fitted one a week later, no quibbling.
Those Altos were known as Suzuki Mehran in Pakistan and Maruti 800 in India. Huge sellers and still fetch decent money in extremely battered states. The are almost bulletproof. They were often used as taxis in the subcontinent.
Great video and content. I am really glad you stick to your guns when selling your cars, you prepare your cars well, and you show off your cars good and bad in videos.
You have the patience of a saint . It would be so easy to lose your composure with some of the nitpicking deadweights that you have to tolerate so well done . You show patience and tolerance which is to your credit .
thankyou James,,wow that suzuki alto is absolutely stunning,and agreed thats a vehicle for a specialist,,the care and attention to detail that you carry out on your stock is a credit to you James,, see you in the next one,,,👍
You did the right think James, that is more like a stone chip than a dent. You're better to stay away from people that want a brand new car although they are buying a 10 year old car, every squeak and they will be on the phone.
Keep this detailer-guy working for you. You can move a lot more cars this way,and he looks to be very very good at it. And you can focus on buying ever more stock. And MGb's,and musclecars,and Lotus Elan's,and...
Those Vans look spectacular. I can't get over the improvement on that Tipi you had! One of my customers many years ago had a Alto exactly the same as the MINT one you have in stock. Great Channel.
James, make sure that Sportage is run on E5 petrol ONLY (Super Unleaded) it's the lesser standard fuel that causes carbon build up on direct injection petrol engines.
Times are tough for people and businesses. I can understand why someone would try it. I get what you’re saying though, negotiating over a stone chip on a 10 year old vehicle is embarrassing.
The Tiny Chip guy would be a never ending pain in the arse. Even if you had relented and took the price down further, it wouldn’t be appreciated. Those customers are never satisfied or even grateful.
Just the hard sell on his car vertical links. But to be fair it's a decent service unlike vehicle score that every vehicle I check or have owned always gets a low score and I am asked to pay more for a thorough check.
Really enjoyed that video James, ive always liked them 2 swiftys you had. People really don't realise how tight the margins are. That £1500-£2000 margin soon gets swallowed up. On the pricing in one of my videos I talked about my brother going to see a £1600 mondeo and complained that it had a noisy clutch release bearing....I pointed out that I would have it at 2995 with the clutch done, full service and cambelt but then nobody comes because they've seen one on Facebook at £1600.....tricky isn't it
My father law bought a mondeo estate automatic petrol. For £1800 it was a coupleof years ago now .. its got rust here and there along all the doors laquar peel and looks really tatty. He moans about how bad the condition is. But I told him if it was tidy it would have been £3k
@@chrishart8548 exactly this Chris, it's just managing people's expectations. Anything sub £1500 in this market now gets you on the road with some MOT. Had to do the same with a young lady tonight who wants me to find a first car for £1000....I've said I can but it will be a car with bumps, scrapes, high miles and and MOT. It won't be serviced/cambelted etc etc and she understands that which is refreshing.
@DanielGallivan-qt3fz I've got a 2008 focus. Has a slight coolant leak. Sometimes comes up with a power steering assistant's fail (very rare) under hard braking it has a slight shake. Also has a clutch release bearing noise. It flies through mot's has no rust. Its only a style so its a painfully basic model. Even that car is worth at least £1k. Its never had the cam belt done. And I don't even know if it has a wet belt or not.. its the lynx engine.
I got a Toyota Yaris 2014 diesel with 88 k miles full history catagory N , nice tidy car , drives great , no issues ! No interest @ £3395 ! The bodywork is great .. can only tell the rear passenger door has been previously been sprayed ( I used to be a car sprayer ) If it wasn’t a catagory car it would £4795 !
Another fab video. I’ve been looking through all your old videos trying to find out what you use on black plastic bumpers and trims. I remember you saying what it was previously but i can’t find them relevant video. Keep up the good work 👍
I have a 2004 Mazda MX5 nb arctic, in razor blue with 8000 miles on the clock in time warp condition from new, garaged all of it's life, OCD cared for ( keen cyclist so hardly any use ) only been in the rain twice, hardly ever washed but the alto is another 15 years older.
Love your open / frank explanations, albeit fast talk like a used car salesman(😉😉) BUT I believe you are telling us exactly how it is in your business. Great vids / channel.
Tell Nick to get his own YT channel if he doesn't already have one. I always see his cars listed on FB Marketplace and he gets in such an interesting variety of stock. Your detailer is smashing it as well - those cars look impeccable! I think you have to stick to your prices, James. You've got competition for your stock, so all you have to say is no.
For a tiny little paint chip like that wouldn't bother me, since you can easily get a touch up kit from main dealer or eBay if you trust the 3rd party ones and it'll look perfect.. never understood people who nit-pick on tiny things like that on older cars
I can see both sides of the equation, I used to tend to deal hard with dealers and would not shy awake from walking out on a dealer if I felt the deal was not right at that time. I think you are the exception to the normal car dealer who would try and punt out poorly prepared cars at top prices and no follow up once the money is in their sticky hands.
I wish that I was still in the UK Chop , I'd have a car from you in a heartbeat , but I'm in Ukraine now , living with my partner and doing voluntary work. Unfortunately I cannot import a RHD car here and the cost of getting a car to here wouldn't be worthwhile , hey ho , good luck Chop ❤
It’s already reflected in the price, in the sense that it’s not £20,000 for brand new. That’s why things are worse less once used! 😂 Some people don’t get it
Your customers don’t know how lucky they are. I live in Ireland now and buying a small car aged around 2010-2012 here for under about 8k is a nightmare, we have been to see 4 in the last week and all have been a waste of time. One has been written off structural last year, thank goodness I used car vertical. One wouldn’t go into gear due to clutch issue, one had terrible overspray in places it shouldn’t and one was just rough old dog.. all were described as perfect and two of those were had driven for hours to go see them. Importing from UK used to be easy but now with customs duty and VAT as well as a the Irish registration taxes it’s just a nightmare.. but still may be our only option. cars in the UK are so cheap, and so is your insurance and road tax compared to Ireland
100% agree, i have seen some sh*t boxes advertised as perfect condition by both private sellers and dealers here in Ireland, utter waste of ypur time .Toyota owners in Ireland are the worst offenders. They are under the misconception because they have a reputation for reliability its an excuse not to bother servicing them. The last couple of Avensis ive seen have had no brake pads left and the discs needed replacing too. Wiper blades about 3 years old and no history of oil , brake fluid, coolant or aux belts or water pumps changes. Dealers couldnt care less and not bothered with replacing anything either. Wash them, top up the oil and onto the forecourt it goes with no service, yet advertised as perfect, serviced and ready to go? Sure why would they bother, most people dont know what a water pump is. Get it out the door and hope it doesnt fall apart within 3mths. Its the wild west out there. I wish we had more 2nd hand dealers like James, he is an example of how it should be done
Theres an alto on facebook the same year as this i think, he wants 1250 for it with 85k miles on it. Needs a little love though not much. I quite liked it myself.
My car buying strategy is to pay the screen price but negotiate a longer extended warranty it always seems to work, you have to have realistic expectations of what you are buying having an extra three months of peace of mind is worth more than knocking the price down.
I've been cleaning cars 25 years and it's true that Vauxhall carpets are rubbish, but give them a bit of carpet cleaner and a gentle scrub with a stiff brush and they come up easy enough - the trick is not to waste time going in light first time, just get stuck in - even when they are quite clean they are a bit of a pain.
James. You should tell these type of tyre kickers if you don't like the price p..s of and go and buy something elsewhere. They expect a new car for for secondhand money
Agreed But I'm not the type of person to spend 10k on a 63plate either no matter what the make or model Late 30's on a Caravelle Not a chance.......waste of Forecourt space in my opinion The Cow would have to literally Jump over the Moon😂😂
hello James, that Suzuki Alto was just a dream to see - such low milage too! I thought your garage is just so full, with NO room for that Lotus maybe?? sticking to your prices with the customer(s) is good for you and not to be bullied!! Some good cars for sale so lets hope they have gone before the next video? Like the chap who valets your cars - really good!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire.
Hi, I don't really know a lot about trading cars insights and I would like to know your opinion on autotrader packages (Starter,Standard,Enhanced,Super,Ultra) do you think it makes any difference on the sales you do ?
When you have 2 people interested in the same car, it's first come, first served surely? How hard is it especially with the phone buyer you had and the car price point?
He's covered this question before - first to lay a deposit claims essentially; however in this case as someone local was already driving - it would be rude to turn them away after 15-20min drive with "Sorry, someone rang while you were driving and I've taken a deposit, better luck next time!". If someone is planning to view the car tomorrow/in a few days and a long journey - he'd recommend leaving deposit to secure the car, in case someone else turns up. At the end of the day, it's a balance to strike in trying to avoid disappointing customers and keeping stock moving.
Thing is you never know if the guy on the phone is gonna haggle you down once they show up or find something they dont like about it. Seems like it gives you extra bargaining power when someone is there and you can tell them someone is already offering you full price too.
It seems to me with phone ringing off the hook, you might as well ask a higher price then let them beat you down a bit, so they think they’ve got a real bargain. What is the point on always starting low ? Everyone wants or thinks they have got a bargain.
As a new trader who has started up this year, I used to have the same logic as you. However, the problem is that if you advertise it just a couple of hundred quid too high the phone doesn't ring. The market and internet make it so difficult, people will literally just go see the cheapest 1-3 cars. I do all my cars the chops way, full services, cam belts, advisory free etc etc and price accordingly, but people don't factor that in.
@@ChopsGarage thanks James, I'm learning. Got a 1 owner Fiat 500 going up this week, I would normally 3995 it, auto trader recommends 3850, but I'm just putting it at 3495 and fingers crossed it goes fast. The faster I can sell a car the more stock I can buy, which is the bit I enjoy.
This chops, is why i quite selling older used cars, even if you put a car out at a good price, that'll just attract the cheap asses who will bid you even lower. Now, i only sell 0-3 year old EV's , im sick and tired of having to deal with these kinds of costumers. Of course theres great ones in between but, in general, im so tired of old car issues.
Good rant mate, but original buyer might have only wanted 50 quid off, you reduced 100 quid anyway, 9 out of 10 buyers ask about discounts, I'm fairly firm, unless it's sticking around, on the suzuki looks like you've done an over allowance, so still a form of discount, whatever you do it's a problem, but if you making money ifs fairy snuff.
I know someone who crashed one of those Elans on the test drive when they were new. He then didn't buy one. To be fair the other car in the crash was 90% at fault.😊 And that wonderful Suzuki needs to go to an enthusiast. It could win the Festival of the unexeptional. Please advertise it where that can happen.
i bought a car yesterday and the headgasket blew up on the way home what would you suggest on this? private sale. no way i could have tested it. rac said had cooling problem for a while. lost 1200 i couldn't afford to
No comeback I'm afraid. Unless they said headset was perfect there is no comeback at all. Unfortunately people bemoan the 500 more for dealer sales but that's what buys the protection.
Great vlog as always James but I have a question for you if you don’t me asking……can the trade only purchase from auction ie Manheim, BCA, Aston barclay as a friend of mine is looking for a transit connect and he is not allowed to register as he is a private buyer….😢🤔
No wonder that Syzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris sold quickly because they are very good cars in Australia both these cats are every were in Australia most people buy Toyota's l own a 1997 Toyota Hilux and my wife has a 2021 Suzuki Baleno GLX both vehicles are worth more than what we paid for them l saw a Suzuki Baleno GL at a dealer sell for aud$22000 and when they were brand new they were under aud$20000 because Suzuki Australia are no longer importing them into Australia there are plenty around all appreciating and there are a lot of Toyota's driving around new ones and old ones because most Australians like reliable cars
Don't fret too much over the Elan. IIRC back in the day magazine reviews of them weren't that great. Be interested to see how the vans go now finally on sale. Might have been camera flare but could the Merc do with new pedal rubbers?
Too bad you're not in the states I'd happily buy that Alto off you, I had one years ago (here in the US those were called Chevrolet Sprint, mine was an 87).
I've said it before after watching another video: James, you are living my dream life. To say that I envy you would be an understatement. Just not sure about your " soft spot " for small automatic cars.
I like what he does but he sure puts the hours and the work in. In any other skilled job he would probably be getting £100k with all the weekends he is in the shop.
Absolute Nutter 😅 ,A well known car Dealer year's ago Told the customer that the brand new cars are in the Showroom 😅when he started picking on small marks on a 6 year old car ,Very True keeping too your price for a nice Second hand cars you have for Sale ,Yes keep your price higher will hopefully keep them off your yard 👍😮
The scarey thing is if the INSURANCE company repair it YOU NEVER KNOW! Doesnt seem a very fair system if a vehicle is damaged and repaired they should all be recorded on the log book full stop Its just another way for insurance companies to pull your pants down, If we have it fixed you will never know if we sell it back to you and you fix it it will have it plastered all over the log book so you cant get as much for it Its all a fiddle
trouble is with all the online info everyone thinks they are a dealer, but have zero clue about what it takes to be one, quite right sticking to your guns, if they realy want it they will buy it, if not then someone else will be along soon after
I don't think you are that good at mind reading. You either are a dealer or you aren't. There is no guessing game involved. 😂 BTW. turnaround time is important, too. You cannot "sit" on your stock forever. 🙂
Good grief it's a 2013 run around, go buy a new Yaris if you want a fresh one! I really don't know how you keep your cool, I worked in shop retail for years people are crazy
I'd want to be 100% sure on that 10 plate yaris p ex mate if you've given 2k plus, not saying I hope its OK, if it's hookey it's your profit and some of the capital gone, I'd only take a banger in at that price point.
Don’t understand how people are so unaware in life. I have looked at loads of cars. Remember looking at a 3 year old montego from a garage, it looked pretty scruffy and had cracked interior door trim. Dealer told me take it as it is , we don’t do cosmetics. I think if a dealer is too helpful, people take advantage. Be polite but firm and a bit dismissive.
Too many people watch RUclips videos where people "negotiate" fortunes off car prices. Not staged at all...... I dont understand the discount culture on cars, but no other sector. Do these people get to the checkout at Tesco being told their shopping is £90 and ask the teller if they will do a deal at £75. No they dont. People need to understand, the price is the price
Had a guy wanting me to measure an mgtf we have for sale as he had an elan that he said was two wide for him, yes he was saving 3 inches, then it was do the mg mirrors fold back to if they are hit as elan ones are solid, so he said anyway, end of the day he didn't buy, mgtf probably still two wide....
After years of pandering to people who were expecting a brand new car for the cost of half a dozen decent meals out I belatedly changed tack. The cars I sold were always decent honest cars, local main dealer px's. Anything I wasn't sure about I auctioned but you still got the whinger who spent £1500 and 3 months on the cigarette lighter broke and it would be a major issue and had to be fixed within the hour. Now early on if they start being unreasonably picky I will say something like, rather than me wasting your time as this car obviously isn't what you were hoping for you might find something more suitable at another dealers. My life is now much easier and hasn't affected the amount of cars I sell. I completely understand people wanting the best they can get for their money but when people's expectations far out weigh their budget you're best letting them go.
That light blue Chevy Spark is fast becoming the new hole 🕳 in the roof Micra, sitting out the way, feeling sorry for itself.... mind you, it is the same colour as the Micra lol.
Cheaper cars as much tighter , but you said the solution ,, add the 100 or 2 onto the car and let the customer bargen you down , customer feels they get the win then
Why worry about surface condition on a 10 year old car. More important is condition of the engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, brakes, and electrics.
My god what is wrong with some people a 10 year old car with two small stone chips is bloody good for that age of car
True. Mine is 10 year old and the bonnet was absolutely peppered with stone chips. It’s expected.
Always moaning old choppa ,just wants to skank people without challenge
@davercs. Too many people expect a brand new car for used car money
@@Primerules do you get invited to many parties?, thought not.
@@markmiller5577Have i hit a nerve here mark. Did you buy a 10 year old car and find a stone chip on it? Did you cry like child with a broken toy to the big bad dealer?
From an enthusiast buyer's perspective: There absolutely are exceptionally well kept older cars out there and I will always be very thorough inspecting the cars I intent to buy. But no way in hell will I expect to get both top condition and bottom price in the same example.
From the buyer's perspective the most annoying thing is when a car is made out to be absolutely mint and priced accordingly, then when you see it it has obvious accident damage or similar that any trained eye will see in a minute.
But with honest salesmen with the right attitude I always try to give them as little trouble as possible - I like to reward those who are still of solid character even in today's rotten world.
Pp
i would imagine it was "mint" for its age, and thats the reason the walk around video is provided to allow people to spot things that matter to them???
Great update James, I agree on the cheaper cars stick to your guns, they're well prepared and honestly described, and as you said. Irrespective of the purchase price customers will still come back if the car goes wrong, so at least have the margin to buffer this!
Exactly mate
To me as a customer, a good sale is one you both walk away happy with. Last car I negotiated was for my daughter. Paid the asking price but negotiated a cambelt change a longer warranty. Had to go back a couple of weeks later when I noticed fog light lens was missing, dealer fitted one a week later, no quibbling.
I wonder if Suzuki UK would be interested in that Alto, all manufacturers have a museum section and that would be perfect for it.
It’s a great advert for Suzuki build quality, and being a small car, wouldn’t take up much space to display.
At last you are standing your ground well done 👏 why should you suffer financially when your already offering an excellent
service
Those Altos were known as Suzuki Mehran in Pakistan and Maruti 800 in India. Huge sellers and still fetch decent money in extremely battered states. The are almost bulletproof. They were often used as taxis in the subcontinent.
"They were used as taxis".
That's perfect. This one's registration even says 'CAB' 😄
I wouldn't be surprised if Suzuki themselves want the Alto for a heritage fleet. Definitely too good to daily!
Great video and content. I am really glad you stick to your guns when selling your cars, you prepare your cars well, and you show off your cars good and bad in videos.
You have the patience of a saint . It would be so easy to lose your composure with some of the nitpicking deadweights that you have to tolerate so well done . You show patience and tolerance which is to your credit .
It comes with the territory, mate.
2012-2016 Swift is bulletproof, only sometimes a spring breaks on the front and the gearbox cable goes at ~150000km
thankyou James,,wow that suzuki alto is absolutely stunning,and agreed thats a vehicle for a specialist,,the care and attention to detail that you carry out on your stock is a credit to you James,,
see you in the next one,,,👍
Glad you enjoyed it
You did the right think James, that is more like a stone chip than a dent. You're better to stay away from people that want a brand new car although they are buying a 10 year old car, every squeak and they will be on the phone.
Keep this detailer-guy working for you. You can move a lot more cars this way,and he looks to be very very good at it. And you can focus on buying ever more stock. And MGb's,and musclecars,and Lotus Elan's,and...
Those Vans look spectacular. I can't get over the improvement on that Tipi you had! One of my customers many years ago had a Alto exactly the same as the MINT one you have in stock. Great Channel.
All the bargains are on Facebook marketplace,you still occasionally find people on there that have no idea what they're selling.
James, make sure that Sportage is run on E5 petrol ONLY (Super Unleaded) it's the lesser standard fuel that causes carbon build up on direct injection petrol engines.
Times are tough for people and businesses. I can understand why someone would try it. I get what you’re saying though, negotiating over a stone chip on a 10 year old vehicle is embarrassing.
The Tiny Chip guy would be a never ending pain in the arse. Even if you had relented and took the price down further, it wouldn’t be appreciated. Those customers are never satisfied or even grateful.
Totally agree
I like Chop, he's an honest no BS guy.
Much appreciated
Just the hard sell on his car vertical links. But to be fair it's a decent service unlike vehicle score that every vehicle I check or have owned always gets a low score and I am asked to pay more for a thorough check.
Really enjoyed that video James, ive always liked them 2 swiftys you had. People really don't realise how tight the margins are. That £1500-£2000 margin soon gets swallowed up.
On the pricing in one of my videos I talked about my brother going to see a £1600 mondeo and complained that it had a noisy clutch release bearing....I pointed out that I would have it at 2995 with the clutch done, full service and cambelt but then nobody comes because they've seen one on Facebook at £1600.....tricky isn't it
You got it exactly this. I get , I've seen a cheap one all the time. Its never had same prep, miles, condition or warranties
My father law bought a mondeo estate automatic petrol. For £1800 it was a coupleof years ago now .. its got rust here and there along all the doors laquar peel and looks really tatty. He moans about how bad the condition is. But I told him if it was tidy it would have been £3k
@@chrishart8548 exactly this Chris, it's just managing people's expectations. Anything sub £1500 in this market now gets you on the road with some MOT. Had to do the same with a young lady tonight who wants me to find a first car for £1000....I've said I can but it will be a car with bumps, scrapes, high miles and and MOT. It won't be serviced/cambelted etc etc and she understands that which is refreshing.
@DanielGallivan-qt3fz I've got a 2008 focus. Has a slight coolant leak. Sometimes comes up with a power steering assistant's fail (very rare) under hard braking it has a slight shake. Also has a clutch release bearing noise. It flies through mot's has no rust. Its only a style so its a painfully basic model. Even that car is worth at least £1k. Its never had the cam belt done. And I don't even know if it has a wet belt or not.. its the lynx engine.
@@chrishart8548yes it’s a wet belt, 06/07 onwards wet belt fitted.
I got a Toyota Yaris 2014 diesel with 88 k miles full history catagory N , nice tidy car , drives great , no issues ! No interest @ £3395 ! The bodywork is great .. can only tell the rear passenger door has been previously been sprayed ( I used to be a car sprayer )
If it wasn’t a catagory car it would £4795 !
Make sure the Elan is a Turbo version, if you buy it, not all had the turbo engine.
Another fab video.
I’ve been looking through all your old videos trying to find out what you use on black plastic bumpers and trims. I remember you saying what it was previously but i can’t find them relevant video. Keep up the good work 👍
I have a 2004 Mazda MX5 nb arctic, in razor blue with 8000 miles on the clock in time warp condition from new, garaged all of it's life, OCD cared for ( keen cyclist so hardly any use ) only been in the rain twice, hardly ever washed but the alto is another 15 years older.
That Alto is fabulous. (Imported) I wish cars still looked like that outside and in.
I'd love that but going to be out of my budget.
Love your open / frank explanations, albeit fast talk like a used car salesman(😉😉) BUT I believe you are telling us exactly how it is in your business. Great vids / channel.
Many thanks
Tell Nick to get his own YT channel if he doesn't already have one. I always see his cars listed on FB Marketplace and he gets in such an interesting variety of stock. Your detailer is smashing it as well - those cars look impeccable!
I think you have to stick to your prices, James. You've got competition for your stock, so all you have to say is no.
Yes I did tell him to get on YT
Trader to Trader, your helping sales we work hard. Cheers mucker.
Cheers
enjoyed the trade chat in the video, very informative and realistic
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love the Alto - i think it should be sold with a Tartan 4 Wheel Shopping Trolley that old ladies push around.
For a tiny little paint chip like that wouldn't bother me, since you can easily get a touch up kit from main dealer or eBay if you trust the 3rd party ones and it'll look perfect.. never understood people who nit-pick on tiny things like that on older cars
My mate had a lotus elan, in British racing green. Had a drive in it and agree, it handled very well and was pretty quick too. Great little car.
Diesels aren’t going out of fashion 🎉😊
You clearly don't sell cars, they are and in a big way
Sam was doing a fantastic job just felt bad for his exterior works due to the current weather situation
I can see both sides of the equation, I used to tend to deal hard with dealers and would not shy awake from walking out on a dealer if I felt the deal was not right at that time. I think you are the exception to the normal car dealer who would try and punt out poorly prepared cars at top prices and no follow up once the money is in their sticky hands.
Many thanks
I wish that I was still in the UK Chop , I'd have a car from you in a heartbeat , but I'm in Ukraine now , living with my partner and doing voluntary work. Unfortunately I cannot import a RHD car here and the cost of getting a car to here wouldn't be worthwhile , hey ho , good luck Chop ❤
Much appreciated!
It’s already reflected in the price, in the sense that it’s not £20,000 for brand new. That’s why things are worse less once used! 😂 Some people don’t get it
Your customers don’t know how lucky they are. I live in Ireland now and buying a small car aged around 2010-2012 here for under about 8k is a nightmare, we have been to see 4 in the last week and all have been a waste of time. One has been written off structural last year, thank goodness I used car vertical. One wouldn’t go into gear due to clutch issue, one had terrible overspray in places it shouldn’t and one was just rough old dog.. all were described as perfect and two of those were had driven for hours to go see them. Importing from UK used to be easy but now with customs duty and VAT as well as a the Irish registration taxes it’s just a nightmare.. but still may be our only option. cars in the UK are so cheap, and so is your insurance and road tax compared to Ireland
100% agree, i have seen some sh*t boxes advertised as perfect condition by both private sellers and dealers here in Ireland, utter waste of ypur time .Toyota owners in Ireland are the worst offenders. They are under the misconception because they have a reputation for reliability its an excuse not to bother servicing them. The last couple of Avensis ive seen have had no brake pads left and the discs needed replacing too. Wiper blades about 3 years old and no history of oil , brake fluid, coolant or aux belts or water pumps changes. Dealers couldnt care less and not bothered with replacing anything either. Wash them, top up the oil and onto the forecourt it goes with no service, yet advertised as perfect, serviced and ready to go? Sure why would they bother, most people dont know what a water pump is. Get it out the door and hope it doesnt fall apart within 3mths. Its the wild west out there. I wish we had more 2nd hand dealers like James, he is an example of how it should be done
The Suzuki is probably worth more now than when it was new
I do love when people want a second hand car like new when they are 10 year old and cheaper enough
Exactly
Theres an alto on facebook the same year as this i think, he wants 1250 for it with 85k miles on it. Needs a little love though not much. I quite liked it myself.
Yes the mega low miles and out of box condition easy merits the extra. A respray alone is 5k.
My car buying strategy is to pay the screen price but negotiate a longer extended warranty it always seems to work, you have to have realistic expectations of what you are buying having an extra three months of peace of mind is worth more than knocking the price down.
everything u siad about the customers on the Jazz and the Suzuki is exactly why i got out the car game 25 years ago, the VAT system never helped also.
I've been cleaning cars 25 years and it's true that Vauxhall carpets are rubbish, but give them a bit of carpet cleaner and a gentle scrub with a stiff brush and they come up easy enough - the trick is not to waste time going in light first time, just get stuck in - even when they are quite clean they are a bit of a pain.
Be strong James, don't give the Karens an inch.💪 Low quality customers are a potential risk in the cheap runabout market. 😊
Fantastic Suzuki Alto I think its undervalued !!
Keep strong Chops !! Don't buckle down to the tight wads.😊
James. You should tell these type of tyre kickers if you don't like the price p..s of and go and buy something elsewhere. They expect a new car for for secondhand money
Agreed
But I'm not the type of person to spend 10k on a 63plate either no matter what the make or model
Late 30's on a Caravelle Not a chance.......waste of Forecourt space in my opinion
The Cow would have to literally Jump over the Moon😂😂
That blue KIA looks very nice!
hello James, that Suzuki Alto was just a dream to see - such low milage too! I thought your garage is just so full, with NO room for that Lotus maybe?? sticking to your prices with the customer(s) is good for you and not to be bullied!! Some good cars for sale so lets hope they have gone before the next video? Like the chap who valets your cars - really good!! Best wishes from Lincolnshire.
Saw an r reg 2.2 camery today being used as a wedding car, unfortunately a rear tyre was flat as well.
Hi how much should you pay too have a car machine polished . Great video James .
Garage I bought I car from doesn’t haggle over the price on the windscreen- great practice
Good practice
Probably the most honest second hand car dealer i have experienced. Were are you based??
Much appreciated. North Devon
Am struggling to purchase stock from big auction any recommendations of other auction or alternatives ?
Can't go wrong with a Yaris any Yaris apart from one with a pimple sized dink which will make it totally unreliable and not fit for purpose lol
Hi, I don't really know a lot about trading cars insights and I would like to know your opinion on autotrader packages (Starter,Standard,Enhanced,Super,Ultra) do you think it makes any difference on the sales you do ?
Nope! Don't bother
When you have 2 people interested in the same car, it's first come, first served surely? How hard is it especially with the phone buyer you had and the car price point?
He's covered this question before - first to lay a deposit claims essentially; however in this case as someone local was already driving - it would be rude to turn them away after 15-20min drive with "Sorry, someone rang while you were driving and I've taken a deposit, better luck next time!".
If someone is planning to view the car tomorrow/in a few days and a long journey - he'd recommend leaving deposit to secure the car, in case someone else turns up.
At the end of the day, it's a balance to strike in trying to avoid disappointing customers and keeping stock moving.
Thing is you never know if the guy on the phone is gonna haggle you down once they show up or find something they dont like about it. Seems like it gives you extra bargaining power when someone is there and you can tell them someone is already offering you full price too.
It seems to me with phone ringing off the hook, you might as well ask a higher price then let them beat you down a bit, so they think they’ve got a real bargain. What is the point on always starting low ? Everyone wants or thinks they have got a bargain.
As a new trader who has started up this year, I used to have the same logic as you. However, the problem is that if you advertise it just a couple of hundred quid too high the phone doesn't ring. The market and internet make it so difficult, people will literally just go see the cheapest 1-3 cars. I do all my cars the chops way, full services, cam belts, advisory free etc etc and price accordingly, but people don't factor that in.
Nailed it. 2 Ads on AT at high price is £100 lost when phone does not ring
@@ChopsGarage thanks James, I'm learning. Got a 1 owner Fiat 500 going up this week, I would normally 3995 it, auto trader recommends 3850, but I'm just putting it at 3495 and fingers crossed it goes fast. The faster I can sell a car the more stock I can buy, which is the bit I enjoy.
Wake up John! The poor dealer never wins whatever price he advertises at. Moron!😢😢
Wow, that Alto is a stunner!
Great isn't it
Do you have contact details for the chap selling the Suzuki please?
If you email me cgcars@jnbhltd.com I'll forward them
This chops, is why i quite selling older used cars, even if you put a car out at a good price, that'll just attract the cheap asses who will bid you even lower.
Now, i only sell 0-3 year old EV's , im sick and tired of having to deal with these kinds of costumers.
Of course theres great ones in between but, in general, im so tired of old car issues.
How are you finding range issues. Do you deal with a lot of "oh it's not lasting long etcetera etc
Good rant mate, but original buyer might have only wanted 50 quid off, you reduced 100 quid anyway, 9 out of 10 buyers ask about discounts, I'm fairly firm, unless it's sticking around, on the suzuki looks like you've done an over allowance, so still a form of discount, whatever you do it's a problem, but if you making money ifs fairy snuff.
Over allowance on suzuki?
@@ChopsGarage sorry mate on the 10 plate yaris, just keeping you on your toes.
@roystonvehicles9129 ah! Gave 1300, its 2995 all day I'd say
@@ChopsGarage cheap that bud for a 10,sorry I doubted you, I've bought 2 bikes today as have no room for any more cars.
I saw that Suzuki Alto on Autotrader months ago, wondered where it had gone, quite fancied it!
I know someone who crashed one of those Elans on the test drive when they were new.
He then didn't buy one.
To be fair the other car in the crash was 90% at fault.😊
And that wonderful Suzuki needs to go to an enthusiast. It could win the Festival of the unexeptional. Please advertise it where that can happen.
Love the alto. I've had 2 over the years love those cars
i bought a car yesterday and the headgasket blew up on the way home what would you suggest on this? private sale. no way i could have tested it. rac said had cooling problem for a while. lost 1200 i couldn't afford to
No comeback I'm afraid. Unless they said headset was perfect there is no comeback at all. Unfortunately people bemoan the 500 more for dealer sales but that's what buys the protection.
i should have known this feel like a right idiot. thanks for the advice@@ChopsGarage
You know where they live ? That’s a good start ! 😉
Great vlog as always James but I have a question for you if you don’t me asking……can the trade only purchase from auction ie Manheim, BCA, Aston barclay as a friend of mine is looking for a transit connect and he is not allowed to register as he is a private buyer….😢🤔
Yes trade only mate
No manhiem and Aston are open to private, you'll need id and 500 quid deposit
@@roystonvehicles9129 thank you very much indeed I shall let him know kind regards Mark 😀👍👍
@@marcusmaximus451 OK bud, watch to fees tho, high for private, plus vat for most vans as well.
@@marcusmaximus451 it's only bca that is on line only and trade only.
At auction. 8/9k? The little Suzi. If I still lived in the UK, I would be happy buying a car from you.
You're a good man James
Matt on High Peak says sometimes the best deals are the ones you don't do
No wonder that Syzuki Swift and Toyota Yaris sold quickly because they are very good cars in Australia both these cats are every were in Australia most people buy Toyota's l own a 1997 Toyota Hilux and my wife has a 2021 Suzuki Baleno GLX both vehicles are worth more than what we paid for them l saw a Suzuki Baleno GL at a dealer sell for aud$22000 and when they were brand new they were under aud$20000 because Suzuki Australia are no longer importing them into Australia there are plenty around all appreciating and there are a lot of Toyota's driving around new ones and old ones because most Australians like reliable cars
Great video as always. Where's the link for the elan?
Don't fret too much over the Elan. IIRC back in the day magazine reviews of them weren't that great. Be interested to see how the vans go now finally on sale. Might have been camera flare but could the Merc do with new pedal rubbers?
There's no way I just saw a MK2 Alto in this video in such immaculate condition!
Didn't that little Suzuki have a two speed automatic gearbox? I remember looking at one in the early 90's but the auto box put me off.
Too bad you're not in the states I'd happily buy that Alto off you, I had one years ago (here in the US those were called Chevrolet Sprint, mine was an 87).
Cheers!
Great videos - you do a great job
Thank you very much!
I've said it before after watching another video: James, you are living my dream life.
To say that I envy you would be an understatement.
Just not sure about your " soft spot " for small automatic cars.
I like what he does but he sure puts the hours and the work in. In any other skilled job he would probably be getting £100k with all the weekends he is in the shop.
Absolute Nutter 😅 ,A well known car Dealer year's ago Told the customer that the brand new cars are in the Showroom 😅when he started picking on small marks on a 6 year old car ,Very True keeping too your price for a nice Second hand cars you have for Sale ,Yes keep your price higher will hopefully keep them off your yard 👍😮
I like that saying
The scarey thing is if the INSURANCE company repair it YOU NEVER KNOW! Doesnt seem a very fair system if a vehicle is damaged and repaired they should all be recorded on the log book full stop Its just another way for insurance companies to pull your pants down, If we have it fixed you will never know if we sell it back to you and you fix it it will have it plastered all over the log book so you cant get as much for it Its all a fiddle
trouble is with all the online info everyone thinks they are a dealer, but have zero clue about what it takes to be one, quite right sticking to your guns, if they realy want it they will buy it, if not then someone else will be along soon after
I don't think you are that good at mind reading. You either are a dealer or you aren't. There is no guessing game involved. 😂 BTW. turnaround time is important, too. You cannot "sit" on your stock forever. 🙂
who is mind reading ?@@worldhello1234
Have your still got the Citroen Arcadian ?
Good grief it's a 2013 run around, go buy a new Yaris if you want a fresh one! I really don't know how you keep your cool, I worked in shop retail for years people are crazy
Mate I would have bought that little Suzuki just to keep a cool older pristine condition car
Some of your customers are like Blackpool seagulls looking for chips 😂
lol
Those old small cars are nice to see but I wouldn't want to pay the tax on one with the automatic box if one is on the wrong side of 2001
Unfortunately if you need auto and you are on a budget no real choice
I'd want to be 100% sure on that 10 plate yaris p ex mate if you've given 2k plus, not saying I hope its OK, if it's hookey it's your profit and some of the capital gone, I'd only take a banger in at that price point.
Don’t understand how people are so unaware in life. I have looked at loads of cars. Remember looking at a 3 year old montego from a garage, it looked pretty scruffy and had cracked interior door trim. Dealer told me take it as it is , we don’t do cosmetics. I think if a dealer is too helpful, people take advantage. Be polite but firm and a bit dismissive.
Too many people watch RUclips videos where people "negotiate" fortunes off car prices. Not staged at all...... I dont understand the discount culture on cars, but no other sector. Do these people get to the checkout at Tesco being told their shopping is £90 and ask the teller if they will do a deal at £75. No they dont. People need to understand, the price is the price
Prices aren't really that firm. It is part of automotive business. Is it so hard to understand that a pack of butter doesn't cost a couple of grand? 😂
Had a guy wanting me to measure an mgtf we have for sale as he had an elan that he said was two wide for him, yes he was saving 3 inches, then it was do the mg mirrors fold back to if they are hit as elan ones are solid, so he said anyway, end of the day he didn't buy, mgtf probably still two wide....
Ffs,people are,daft
@@ChopsGarage happens all the time these days mate.
You must sleep easier selling a Swift or a Yaris compared to a Corsa?? 😊😊...both looking very nice.
Absolutely lol
After years of pandering to people who were expecting a brand new car for the cost of half a dozen decent meals out I belatedly changed tack. The cars I sold were always decent honest cars, local main dealer px's. Anything I wasn't sure about I auctioned but you still got the whinger who spent £1500 and 3 months on the cigarette lighter broke and it would be a major issue and had to be fixed within the hour. Now early on if they start being unreasonably picky I will say something like, rather than me wasting your time as this car obviously isn't what you were hoping for you might find something more suitable at another dealers. My life is now much easier and hasn't affected the amount of cars I sell. I completely understand people wanting the best they can get for their money but when people's expectations far out weigh their budget you're best letting them go.
Good call
That light blue Chevy Spark is fast becoming the new hole 🕳 in the roof Micra, sitting out the way, feeling sorry for itself.... mind you, it is the same colour as the Micra lol.
I bought one new in that colour. Has the distinction of being the first car I had that never went back for any warranty work.
Another good video James 🚘🚙🚗👏👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️👍👍👍👍👍
Is it still Available
I've got a 19 plate c3 up at 5k,I'd rather have that than an old alto, but if he gets it, well that's great, if....
The jag still looking lovely l see .... bought tickets but wasn't lucky enough this time ... smashing looking motor 😉
Not ended yet
@@ChopsGarage awesome ... back to being excited again then! 😂 ... I might get my driving gloves and cravat ready again
Got another few hours yet
Cheaper cars as much tighter , but you said the solution ,, add the 100 or 2 onto the car and let the customer bargen you down , customer feels they get the win then
Why worry about surface condition on a 10 year old car. More important is condition of the engine, transmission, clutch, suspension, brakes, and electrics.
A barchetta went thro aca classic auction this weekend bud