The world needs more people like you. I worked in the automotive world for 15 years...was absolutely fed up with all the dishonest scammers and all kinds of wankers. Watching all your videos should be a mandatory step to be allowed to sell or fix cars😁
Very reasonable more honest than many garages out there today. There are those that will sell cars in any state of repair for as much as possible and change the name of the company regularly to avoid any comeback.
If no synchro on rev gear usually selecting a forward gear first to slow or stop gear train revolving, followed by selection of reverse gear usually gives a clean engagement.
As I understand it, there is no synchro on reverse gear, hence the crunching on reverse only. The usual problem being the clutch centre plate not sliding on the first motion shaft splines..... This being sorted by the synchro on the forward gears. Just a thought from an old ex-maniac, I mean, mechanic lol.
James it is so refreshing to see someone who runs a business the way you do. Came across your channel a while back and your videos are brill. Upfront with all customers and a genuine guy. I work in the trade too (as an auto locksmith) but currently off work with Covid until next week. Keep the videos coming! All the best.
I've driven a lot of old cars most of them need to be double clutched to get reverse. You just live with it. A 10+ year old car should have it's gear oil changed. Sometimes that helps.
"Honest James car sales" 👍 love how upfront you are no wonder you have boomerang customers! That Punto with a new clutch is a bargain and ideal first car😃
The gearbox looked slick enough a bit of a crunch into reverse isn't unusual getting the gears to mesh as there's no synchro. Some gearboxes are just more prone to showing it than others. Don't know if I'd have done the clutch either, all the other gears looked to engage easily enough, just wonder if it's one of those 'if it isn't broke don't fix it' things. Probably been owned by someone who rode the clutch or sat with their foot on the pedal putting a bit of constant pressure on the plate springs. Maybe the Fiat Punto 'reputation' swayed you, cheap Punto so there must be something wrong. As usual though James, exceptionally fair and great respect.
@@john1703 You'd be surprised how many run of the mill/everyday cars have a synchro on reverse, the MTX75 gearbox in my MK2 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus does have a synchro on reverse, where as my wife's MK2.5 1.8 (petrol) Focus does not (and it's really annoying when you're used to driving a car that DOES have one).
‘Sometimes I’m too honest, as I’m learning as I go’ - everyday is a school day as far as I’m concerned, if you don’t learn a new thing each day your not progressing. You’ll be a rose amongst thorns with your openness and honesty, it’s a credit to you and your business.
You must be one of the most honest car dealers out there. For anyone like me who likes cars but not an expert I would value your opinion. Keep up the the good work and videos.
Hi honest James just to let you know the reason the fingers wear down on the clutch pressure plate is the user sitting with their foot down on the clutch at traffic lights / roundabouts which in turn gives the clearance issues Love your honest approach to your business 👍
46 years a mechanic you are correct, and it could be a misaligned clutch plate,have done repeated jobs on cars driven by women,(not being sexist)it is what it is,driving style can also cause that ,eg sitting in tailbacks on the motorway,stop start people tend to ride the clutch .
Given the dealings I've had with some car dealers, I'd say your offer was fair. You took the time to explain it all and gave them options without pressuring them to make any particular choice. I don't see how you could have been any fairer than that.
As someone who has bought dozens of cars over the years i have to say you seem to not only be the most honest dealer i have seen but you are more than reasonable how you deal with people or faults. Love the channel. 10/10 from what i have seen. Keep it up
Love your honesty James Keep the videos coming..😉 Understand current car price situations which is hard to keep stock up but always look for your videos 👍
To be fair, any front wheel drive car I have ever had ( ie most of them) baulked/crunched occasionally into reverse. Could it be linkages or the plastic piece at the bottom of the lever that goes with age.
In my humble opinion the most important thing is that you are honest and very up front. Secondly, which is almost as important: you are willing a solution in the given situation. Bravo 👍
Yes you are more than fair. I was in the motor trade 40 years ago and retired from it 20 years ago. I have to say you are very honest and I think these days you have to be as many people comment about people on social media platforms. I always tried to be fair but it never seemed to be enough for some customers.
@@ChopsGarage 90% of the time I tried to be fair in the later years in the trade . Must admit I did pull a few strokes when I was young immature when I first got into the motor trade something I'm not proud of. I think these days being straight and honest is the only way forward what with all the social media and reviews. Good luck anyway I'll keep watching .
Your other commenters are correct, there is no synchro on reverse (usually - I remember an old Carlton once with a ZF gearbox which actually did have a reverse synchro. It was great fun being able to select reverse whilst still travelling forward at 5 mph :-) ). It is very likely to be the clutch (dragging) as the synchro on the forward gears will allow it to push through whereas it won't be so happy to do the same in reverse. So, not an expensive fix and it will make a good car great when it's done
James you have got to be one of the most honest motor traders ever, I've been it the trade doing various different things for over 20 years. Some good traders about but a lot of proper shady ones about. Keep on it 👍
This video could have really helped me out we have a relatively low milage hyundai i20 which usually takes a couple of goes to get into reverse also sometimes grinds only into 3rd gear on the upchange the clutch bite is low. Ive tried bleeding the clutch and changing the gearbox oil but its still the same, now its got me thinking that the problem is very similar to your punto and will require clutch replacing. Thanks for the great videos James keep them coming
What I’ve found with smaller cars is that the gearbox will normally crunch in reverse after a few thousand miles and to be honest I don’t mind a bit of a crunch in these smaller cars I’ve found some drives only getting half way into reverse so the little crunch let’s them know it’s definitely in reverse
I owned 4 panda's. Loved them all. Reliable and cheap to maintain. Only weak spots are the thermostat house leaking and the connector left below the desk making bad connection.
New sub here! Wish id have known about you before! I bought a car off a dealer about four years ago now, two weeks after i had it i had an accident,, the steering went! I nearly lost my life, i had just dropped my daughter at school, i knew it wasn't my fault, turns out after much persistance, it was proven i was sold a dangerous car! Trading standards got involved and got the car inspected, shouldn't have been on the road, i was awarded my money back from court plus 100 quid, (years later) only just got half the money back, a dealer like you is hard to find, i would happily travel to you in the future and buy my eldest daughters first car from you, very trustworthy! Gold dust! :)
You are a very honest person. I just wish all garages could be the same. Don't think I've ever bought a car without having to take back several times because of problems with it. I have always bought from well known dealer's wish there was someone like you near where I live.
The best tyres should be on the rear. Best tyres on the front can lead to lift-off oversteer as the rears are unloaded; better to have understeer than oversteer as understeer is more predictable (especially for a novice driver).
@@chiefrocka8604 As a former driving instructor, I believe I am correct. If you think that your front tyres dry the road for your rears, you are deluded!
@@chiefrocka8604 For the average driver understeer is significantly more controllable by ‘naive’ driver actions than oversteer. Lose front end grip and the automatic reaction is to lift off the accelerator, that reduces the workload of the front tyres, regaining directional stability and eventually some traction. If you do that where there are lower grip tyres on the rear you get snap oversteer which will often result in a spin that is near impossible to catch. Best look at the recommendations of the major tyre manufacturers and trade associations, they will NEVER recommended fitting new on the front where there are worn ones on the back. Some tyre fitting places, the more reputable ones, flatly refuse to fit new ones on the front.
New clutch in the punto. Thats a cracking deal. If there is an old cam belt receipt in the folder, that is an absolute steal. Especially when it comes with the complete warranty on every part lol
I remember Fiat had a spell in the eighties with gearbox troubles in the Uno. We had a 45 Fire from new that we eventually swapped for something else as the box was a constant niggle. One of the local taxi firms were experimenting with Uno 60's and having similar problems. I've been told that it took Fiat a few years before the boxes they used improved much, but that is speculative.
Love the videos James keep em coming. Wish we were near you as my mum is looking for a new car and given your honesty and the prep you put the cars through I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. All the best !
I owned a 1.4 Sporting for 10 years and it would crunch in reverse for a good 3 of them, never an issue and if I leaned on another gear before engaging reverse it wouldn't happen. Very reliable car, sold it for a Scirocco which was a nice step up but the young guy that bought it put it into a telephone pole. Now it crunches in any gear.
Having spent time around the trade as a teenager and buying and selling a lot of cars in my time...I wish i was buying a car from you! Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy for yourself. If the buyer(s) doesnt like honesty then thats their issue. Good on ya mate. Good Karma will come back to you. My mum also has a 1600 C4 Loeb... Its a BLODDY BRILLIANT car. she has had mini coopers, 500, range rovers etc and she loves the C4 above all of them.
I have just subscribed to your channel, and have watched two of your videos so far, and I have to say I am impressed.I have worked in the auto industry myself, and I have to say I have never come across a car salesmen as honest as you seem to be.Good on you.
The kind of dealer that's unfortunately in the minority, good video. Regarding Fiats, I used to have them until I had a diesel Idea 1.3; it was a great running car - when it ran! It was so unreliable I was constantly buying new components for it. The the clutch cylinders were made of plastic! Of course they failed. My son's Corsa had the same basic engine but it hardly gave a problem, the parts were much better quality. The car as regularly off the road and cost me more in repairs than I paid for it - I'll never get another Fiat.
Amazing how much work you've done on that Punto. How many 2k cars can you buy with that peace of mind. That's better than most 5k cars from main dealers. Loving your channel, massive inspiration ❤️ keep up the good work.
After watching a few of your vids i take back anything bad i have said you are a top guy who does a great job and takes pride in your work big thumbs up from me
You really do go the extra mile with all your cars and fantastic that you are probably the most honest car dealer out there. They have a cracking car with the Punto, excellent long video more of the same please.
With these Fiat's we have to hold the clutch for 3 seconds, the owner manual says that. I have tested and when I do as the owner manual says, the reverse doesnt crunch.
I have to say, I wish you were up near Lincoln! Your honesty is excellent I would have paid you to do the clutch. Outstanding customer service, many garages would do well to watch your videos
Sorry to comment again, i had an old c4 for about 3 years, no major breakdowns, they are like marmite (love em or hate em) i now have a c4 selection special edition 1.6 diesel. 13 plate, absolutely love it, better than any ford i have had etc the spec is so good considering the age, very reliable cars if looked after. And very popular cars now
Can you reach out, I have truck with a Bedline spray that I can’t find away to match the color or texture. How did you truck the previous owner to your vehicle? Maybe I can get information on matching my truck. Great video by the way.
Very fair! Honesty is an excellent business practice! Most customers will manage problems well, as long as they feel they are being treated with respect. And everyone makes mistakes. An honest mistake (clutch/reverse gear) is not a tragedy. It is your willingness and effort to resolve the issue that counts. Love the channel! Love the voice! Wishing you all the best! God bless!!
More great work, going above and beyond, you'll be gaining such a good reputation that you won't have to worry about your prices. You won't be competing on price with other dealers as people will just come to you for your service and reputation 👌👍
I always go to the physical auction now they are open, saves nasty surprises, go over and drive one back, or two. I had 5 on my watch list today and when I went over and got the keys they all had faults, I ended up buying 2 completely different cars.
@@ChopsGarage I thought they were all open, I go to Aston barclay and they've been all open as normal for a while now, it's so important to go, if you can, I regularly put some on my watch list and when I go they are usually the ones I don't buy, you can save yourself nasty surprises mate, when they bring the keys jump in, in a few seconds you can check most things, clutch, windows, ease of starting, you know the score, or at the worst walk with it and ask the driver, you'll cut your recon right down bud,
Watched all your videos. I think you are doing really well. I personally would keep things simple especially when dealing with customers. I'd fix the problems first. I think people don't know that much about cars and want to feel the car is perfect at the time they hand over the cash. Gives them confidence. You could have fixed the clutch before sale and sold it when you were happy with it. There's no way I could live with that reverse! Hopefully Cinch don't cream off all the good cars from BCA and leave you with just the ones with problems like this one.
I thought it was clutch drag. Usually a sign of worn splines on the pressure plate or release bearing. Plate and diaphragm plus thrust bearing fixes this usually. Check slave cylinder throw.
Just bought a car from auctions to find the noise I could hear was the timing chain...sold as seen I been told and an extra £600 to have it repaired...love your videos keep them coming 😁😁
Well done mate, the customer will be over the moon with those repairs and even I won't think twice about buying the Punto if it was on offer. I'll be looking for a second car myself soon, so you never know I might be asking.
Repair and 2195 it! Customers like "ready-to-go". Sure, they could "repair it later", but it is most satisfying to know that all is in good order. Future repairs are inevitable. It is good to get customers in the habit of repairing and maintaining their cars, be it Roll Royce vintage classic or daily runabout. It's all in the attitude. If you begin by treating the car as a bit of junk to be used and abused, then this boomerangs back onto the owner -- who then feels used and abused by the car he did not take the trouble to maintain. Your videos show that often mysterious problems are solvable within reasonable cost with a good mechanic. That you are! My motto: "There's nothing in life that a good mechanic, a cup of tea and a piece of cake cannot resolve!"
@@ChopsGarage Well, not in the literal sense in that you claim it as profession. But in this case, you were a "good mechanic" in diagnosing the problems. Anyway, the point is your not and she should have sought one out. The stupid cow. That's the point. I don't expect the person who sold me a car to repair it. What kind of an idiot is that? So, that is the point -- the "lady" is an idiot, from beginning to end. What was that her family wanted? An car expert or something? They should have hired a mechanic to check the car at the time of sale. More figuratively, she didn't need you, because you are not a mechanic. Nobody forced her to buy the car from you. Get it now ....mate?
I had a Pugeot 208 and when it got written off i purchased Punto 1.2, the clutch took a lot of getting used to, unlike the 208 which had a lite cluch pedal and it only required a very short travel to release the Fiat needed the full travel to release otherwise it could baulk at changing,on the Fiat forum some owners had a made cut in the carpet to allow the pedal a bit more travel!!With reverse they all graunch unless you dip the clutch pedal for a second before shifting into reverse,again they all do it. not a nice clutch to operate!!
James nothing wrong in being honest as you see it then find its not as you thought . More car sales need to be like you.i have been looking around at cars down in Dorset and cant believe the crap people are trying to sell. Full marks to you.
I'm looking for another car at present, and totally agree. I'd be embarrassed to sell some of the junk I've seen for sale at the lower end of the market. I've got an old car that I stored over six years ago (due to being given a newer car, belonging to family member). Was going to scrap it, but it's better than a lot of £1500 stuff for sale.
The problem is the Release bearing and the clutch cover , there is no Sincro on reverse on these 👍 Excellent Job common problem the vent pipe on the engine 👍
Gawd...! Honest to a Fault. Great offer re Gearbox issue. Kid can Learn to Drive, with a promise of Replacing gearbox at Cost, what's not to like..! Kid may have passed his test, but We all Learn to Drive for the First 6 mths to a Year out on the Road on your own..! Well I did anyway. About 10mths after buying my first Car. My Dad Was showing me how to Change a Clutch. Big Learning Curve...!! Great Deal and offer with a Bucket load of Honesty thrown in..!👍👍👍👍👍 Cheers kim in Oz. 😎
2000-3000 territory is often a good place to be with cars. New enough that there's life left in them, but cheap enough that you own them (not the other way around!).
The problem is choppy buys the cheapest stuff usually so it’s pot luck , I started out buying selling fiestas escorts which never had gearbox problems , years later I’m selling vans and buying small cars but I paid more for the better ones with low miles so basically I’d be buying under 50k 10 year old cars , chops buying 100k miler stuff and it’s going wrong so personally I’d buy lower miles better cars , yeah they cost more but if I can sell them the next day usually I’m in a better place business wise
It's great that you offer a warranty. Not getting at you in any way, but have any of your customers ever had a successful claim on a warranty? I only ask, because you often hear about all sorts of hoops having to be jumped through to have a claim honoured.
Hi James, enjoyed the longer format video 👍 Totally fair on the Punto, and always up front about everything, no point in hiding faults as they come out eventually, and that does your reputation no good. What a clean thing it was all finished!! The C1... Get it back to the shop and do your checks first, if it needs anything else you can always leave the sill and door, if alls ok that sill will repair all day long, try a big sliding hammer hooked onto a clamp onto welded tabs 👍 Dodged a bullet with the C4, most will imagine they are Loeb while driving it!! Doubt it had an easy life mate 🚗💨
I I had Audi TT for 6 months ...just wanted to try one out ...sold it with no faults to a dealer....only found out this week bca ,we buy any car and cinch .... all owned by the same company....what’s your thoughts on that ?
Mate the best has always been creamed off before small dealers get there, before it was backhanders to sales managers etc. Its not different. They are all focused on the Sub 5year as they have no support network for repair and dont want the hassle so us cheapy boys will just see more low end stock through BCA
That Punto will make the lad a brilliant first car to run around in for a few years, my first one had 36k on when I got it and I sold it at 67k when the power steering completely packed up (but it was an 03 with the early dualdrive module, anything post 2008 is sorted on that front) looks like that one is one of the early ones with the tech in like bluetooth and USB
The world needs more people like you. I worked in the automotive world for 15 years...was absolutely fed up with all the dishonest scammers and all kinds of wankers. Watching all your videos should be a mandatory step to be allowed to sell or fix cars😁
Thanks Peter!
Have the same gear crunch in my Punto. Easy fix, put it in first then reverse, smooth reverse every time
Very reasonable more honest than many garages out there today. There are those that will sell cars in any state of repair for as much as possible and change the name of the company regularly to avoid any comeback.
If no synchro on rev gear usually selecting a forward gear first to slow or stop gear train revolving, followed by selection of reverse gear usually gives a clean engagement.
As I understand it, there is no synchro on reverse gear, hence the crunching on reverse only. The usual problem being the clutch centre plate not sliding on the first motion shaft splines..... This being sorted by the synchro on the forward gears. Just a thought from an old ex-maniac, I mean, mechanic lol.
Same on fiesta gearbox's lol have to put it in first then reverse an I normally don't get the crunchy rice Krispies lol.
I've had a few cars and pretty much all of them crunched in reverse. Most of them are fine if you stick it in 1st and then reverse.
Spot on.
I use third and then reverse. It's closer and works every time without the grind.
Looks amazing that little Punto. You're obviously an honest guy amongst a lot of less trustworthy car dealers out there. Enjoyed this video. Cheers.
Much appreciated!
James it is so refreshing to see someone who runs a business the way you do. Came across your channel a while back and your videos are brill. Upfront with all customers and a genuine guy. I work in the trade too (as an auto locksmith) but currently off work with Covid until next week. Keep the videos coming! All the best.
Thank you so much Adam
I've driven a lot of old cars most of them need to be double clutched to get reverse. You just live with it. A 10+ year old car should have it's gear oil changed. Sometimes that helps.
"Honest James car sales" 👍 love how upfront you are no wonder you have boomerang customers! That Punto with a new clutch is a bargain and ideal first car😃
Thank you David
The gearbox looked slick enough a bit of a crunch into reverse isn't unusual getting the gears to mesh as there's no synchro. Some gearboxes are just more prone to showing it than others. Don't know if I'd have done the clutch either, all the other gears looked to engage easily enough, just wonder if it's one of those 'if it isn't broke don't fix it' things. Probably been owned by someone who rode the clutch or sat with their foot on the pedal putting a bit of constant pressure on the plate springs.
Maybe the Fiat Punto 'reputation' swayed you, cheap Punto so there must be something wrong. As usual though James, exceptionally fair and great respect.
Thanks Alan!
I think that some Ferraris and Lamborghinis use synchromesh on reverse gear, but not for mere mortals!
@@john1703 You'd be surprised how many run of the mill/everyday cars have a synchro on reverse, the MTX75 gearbox in my MK2 1.8 TDCi Ford Focus does have a synchro on reverse, where as my wife's MK2.5 1.8 (petrol) Focus does not (and it's really annoying when you're used to driving a car that DOES have one).
‘Sometimes I’m too honest, as I’m learning as I go’ - everyday is a school day as far as I’m concerned, if you don’t learn a new thing each day your not progressing. You’ll be a rose amongst thorns with your openness and honesty, it’s a credit to you and your business.
Thank you Dominic
Trouble is the more you learn the more there is to forget
I am flabbergasted by your etiquette. Most garages would never be so transparent. Great stuff! I'm really enjoying it :)
You must be one of the most honest car dealers out there. For anyone like me who likes cars but not an expert I would value your opinion. Keep up the the good work and videos.
Hi honest James just to let you know the reason the fingers wear down on the clutch pressure plate is the user sitting with their foot down on the clutch at traffic lights / roundabouts which in turn gives the clearance issues
Love your honest approach to your business 👍
Don't we all?
46 years a mechanic you are correct, and it could be a misaligned clutch plate,have done repeated jobs on cars driven by women,(not being sexist)it is what it is,driving style can also cause that ,eg sitting in tailbacks on the motorway,stop start people tend to ride the clutch .
Top job, your level of preparation is incredible!
If you were in the USA I would buy a car from you in a heartbeat with how honest you are about the cars you sell!
Great video James...the Punto looked well smart at the end. I love your honesty. You are a good man.
Thanks Doktor
Given the dealings I've had with some car dealers, I'd say your offer was fair. You took the time to explain it all and gave them options without pressuring them to make any particular choice. I don't see how you could have been any fairer than that.
Thank you!
As someone who has bought dozens of cars over the years i have to say you seem to not only be the most honest dealer i have seen but you are more than reasonable how you deal with people or faults. Love the channel. 10/10 from what i have seen. Keep it up
I appreciate that!
Love your honesty James
Keep the videos coming..😉
Understand current car price situations which is hard to keep stock up but always look for your videos 👍
To be fair, any front wheel drive car I have ever had ( ie most of them) baulked/crunched occasionally into reverse.
Could it be linkages or the plastic piece at the bottom of the lever that goes with age.
Did clutch in the end
Great content as always James, as for the VTR repair it as that would make more great content and it would be different to just a rattle can job!!
Lets get on it
In my humble opinion the most important thing is that you are honest and very up front. Secondly, which is almost as important: you are willing a solution in the given situation. Bravo 👍
Much appreciated
I do like your honesty James and you made the punto look really nice for the new owner.
Thanks Alan
no synchro on reverse....that will be the clutch dragging a bit...try slave cylinder, could be pressure plate ot friction plate got a bit of warp.
Yes you are more than fair. I was in the motor trade 40 years ago and retired from it 20 years ago. I have to say you are very honest and I think these days you have to be as many people comment about people on social media platforms. I always tried to be fair but it never seemed to be enough for some customers.
Oh for some people it never is bud
@@ChopsGarage I had too people take me to the small claim court I won both cases ,says a lot right ?
@@bigal2417 says allot as generally judge goes in favour of consumer every time regardless. What where the claims made?
@@ChopsGarage 90% of the time I tried to be fair in the later years in the trade . Must admit I did pull a few strokes when I was young immature when I first got into the motor trade something I'm not proud of. I think these days being straight and honest is the only way forward what with all the social media and reviews. Good luck anyway I'll keep watching .
Your other commenters are correct, there is no synchro on reverse (usually - I remember an old Carlton once with a ZF gearbox which actually did have a reverse synchro. It was great fun being able to select reverse whilst still travelling forward at 5 mph :-) ). It is very likely to be the clutch (dragging) as the synchro on the forward gears will allow it to push through whereas it won't be so happy to do the same in reverse. So, not an expensive fix and it will make a good car great when it's done
James you have got to be one of the most honest motor traders ever, I've been it the trade doing various different things for over 20 years. Some good traders about but a lot of proper shady ones about. Keep on it 👍
Many thanks Neil
Lovely little motor...nice work James.
This video could have really helped me out we have a relatively low milage hyundai i20 which usually takes a couple of goes to get into reverse also sometimes grinds only into 3rd gear on the upchange the clutch bite is low. Ive tried bleeding the clutch and changing the gearbox oil but its still the same, now its got me thinking that the problem is very similar to your punto and will require clutch replacing. Thanks for the great videos James keep them coming
Well 3rd does have a syncromesh bud so it prob the box on yours. All my forward gears were fine
Craig, try something which might work for you. When you stop, before to go into reverse, select 2nd gear then reverse. Hope it helps.
What I’ve found with smaller cars is that the gearbox will normally crunch in reverse after a few thousand miles and to be honest I don’t mind a bit of a crunch in these smaller cars I’ve found some drives only getting half way into reverse so the little crunch let’s them know it’s definitely in reverse
I owned 4 panda's. Loved them all. Reliable and cheap to maintain. Only weak spots are the thermostat house leaking and the connector left below the desk making bad connection.
New sub here! Wish id have known about you before! I bought a car off a dealer about four years ago now, two weeks after i had it i had an accident,, the steering went! I nearly lost my life, i had just dropped my daughter at school, i knew it wasn't my fault, turns out after much persistance, it was proven i was sold a dangerous car! Trading standards got involved and got the car inspected, shouldn't have been on the road, i was awarded my money back from court plus 100 quid, (years later) only just got half the money back, a dealer like you is hard to find, i would happily travel to you in the future and buy my eldest daughters first car from you, very trustworthy! Gold dust! :)
James, you really go that extra mile, well done!
Thanks buddy
You are a very honest person. I just wish all garages could be the same. Don't think I've ever bought a car without having to take back several times because of problems with it. I have always bought from well known dealer's wish there was someone like you near where I live.
Thanks Marion. I get cars back as things can break once used regularly, or simply get missed. But I sort them quickly without argument
The best tyres should be on the rear. Best tyres on the front can lead to lift-off oversteer as the rears are unloaded; better to have understeer than oversteer as understeer is more predictable (especially for a novice driver).
Well to be fair was not allot in it tread wise and customer request
@@ChopsGarage No doubt he'll be doing handbrake turns anyway! 😂
@@chiefrocka8604 no the best tyres should be on the rear as per Michelin you can steer the front wheels and not the back wheels
@@chiefrocka8604 As a former driving instructor, I believe I am correct. If you think that your front tyres dry the road for your rears, you are deluded!
@@chiefrocka8604 For the average driver understeer is significantly more controllable by ‘naive’ driver actions than oversteer. Lose front end grip and the automatic reaction is to lift off the accelerator, that reduces the workload of the front tyres, regaining directional stability and eventually some traction. If you do that where there are lower grip tyres on the rear you get snap oversteer which will often result in a spin that is near impossible to catch.
Best look at the recommendations of the major tyre manufacturers and trade associations, they will NEVER recommended fitting new on the front where there are worn ones on the back. Some tyre fitting places, the more reputable ones, flatly refuse to fit new ones on the front.
New clutch in the punto. Thats a cracking deal. If there is an old cam belt receipt in the folder, that is an absolute steal. Especially when it comes with the complete warranty on every part lol
Lol you know me too well
Another nice honest car James you go over and above what some dealers would do to make a sale,
Thanks Tony
I remember Fiat had a spell in the eighties with gearbox troubles in the Uno. We had a 45 Fire from new that we eventually swapped for something else as the box was a constant niggle. One of the local taxi firms were experimenting with Uno 60's and having similar problems. I've been told that it took Fiat a few years before the boxes they used improved much, but that is speculative.
Love the videos James keep em coming. Wish we were near you as my mum is looking for a new car and given your honesty and the prep you put the cars through I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you. All the best !
Thanks Martin!
Great content James. You are right, Honesty is the best policy. Always! Have a blessed one.
I owned a 1.4 Sporting for 10 years and it would crunch in reverse for a good 3 of them, never an issue and if I leaned on another gear before engaging reverse it wouldn't happen. Very reliable car, sold it for a Scirocco which was a nice step up but the young guy that bought it put it into a telephone pole. Now it crunches in any gear.
well, that is certainly one way to hang up the phone.
It is very refreshing to see a there are still fair and honest car dealers around all the best
Thank you
Gearbox is fine it looks like it needs a good valet and a polish
Having spent time around the trade as a teenager and buying and selling a lot of cars in my time...I wish i was buying a car from you! Honesty is ALWAYS the best policy for yourself. If the buyer(s) doesnt like honesty then thats their issue. Good on ya mate. Good Karma will come back to you. My mum also has a 1600 C4 Loeb... Its a BLODDY BRILLIANT car. she has had mini coopers, 500, range rovers etc and she loves the C4 above all of them.
Cheers buddy! Give me a shout when she wants to move it on lol!
I have just subscribed to your channel, and have watched two of your videos so far, and I have to say I am impressed.I have worked in the auto industry myself, and I have to say I have never come across a car salesmen as honest as you seem to be.Good on you.
That you means allot
Sounds like a decent agreement, better than a lot of garages, who aren’t as honest.
Thank you
The kind of dealer that's unfortunately in the minority, good video. Regarding Fiats, I used to have them until I had a diesel Idea 1.3; it was a great running car - when it ran! It was so unreliable I was constantly buying new components for it. The the clutch cylinders were made of plastic! Of course they failed. My son's Corsa had the same basic engine but it hardly gave a problem, the parts were much better quality. The car as regularly off the road and cost me more in repairs than I paid for it - I'll never get another Fiat.
Never had a good reputation for quality
Same my vw punto was problem
Amazing how much work you've done on that Punto. How many 2k cars can you buy with that peace of mind. That's better than most 5k cars from main dealers. Loving your channel, massive inspiration ❤️ keep up the good work.
Straight up honest fella. You don’t hide anything
Great repair info, glad the new clutch sorted out reverse gear problem.
Cheers bud
After watching a few of your vids i take back anything bad i have said you are a top guy who does a great job and takes pride in your work big thumbs up from me
I appreciate that
You really do go the extra mile with all your cars and fantastic that you are probably the most honest car dealer out there. They have a cracking car with the Punto, excellent long video more of the same please.
Thanks buddy!
With these Fiat's we have to hold the clutch for 3 seconds, the owner manual says that. I have tested and when I do as the owner manual says, the reverse doesnt crunch.
I didn't think any warranty company would pay for a known fault! They don't want to pay out when it's a genuine fault!
No they won't, the 6 month would have been with me
I have to say, I wish you were up near Lincoln! Your honesty is excellent I would have paid you to do the clutch. Outstanding customer service, many garages would do well to watch your videos
Sorry to comment again, i had an old c4 for about 3 years, no major breakdowns, they are like marmite (love em or hate em) i now have a c4 selection special edition 1.6 diesel. 13 plate, absolutely love it, better than any ford i have had etc the spec is so good considering the age, very reliable cars if looked after. And very popular cars now
Can you reach out, I have truck with a Bedline spray that I can’t find away to match the color or texture. How did you truck the previous owner to your vehicle? Maybe I can get information on matching my truck. Great video by the way.
Many thanks From the V5 mate. Went to Facebook searched the name along with location.
I hope the young man appreciates all the work that you put into it. Well done excellent job..
Thank you very much!
Very fair! Honesty is an excellent business practice! Most customers will manage problems well, as long as they feel they are being treated with respect. And everyone makes mistakes. An honest mistake (clutch/reverse gear) is not a tragedy. It is your willingness and effort to resolve the issue that counts. Love the channel! Love the voice! Wishing you all the best! God bless!!
Thank you!
If the car is still moving forward when you select reverse, the gear-change will certainly crunch. It is, after all is said, NOT a synchro gear.
Dont get how a punto on only 34k needs a clutch unless it was misaligned at the factory....should have been good for at least 80k.
That business with the reverse gear is so minor, I'm not sure it was even worth mentioning. But fair dos!
You deserve to get a free membership of the Trusted Garage Scheme for great service 🚗🚗👏👏👏👏👏
Thanks David
The only car I have heard of with syncro on reverse was a Lambo back in the 60"s????
I’ve had similar clutches. Friction plate fine, pressure plate shot. Too much town driving with people sat on clutch.
I must a admit that if lived in your area that I would buy from you a very honest person 👍
Thank you
Can't believe I just found and dropped onto this site....What can I say but bloody "WOW"....amazing content for cheap cars.
Thanks Kevin
Thanks for the shout out James I'll catch you another time
lol! Was it you cheers bud
Yes it was 🤭
More great work, going above and beyond, you'll be gaining such a good reputation that you won't have to worry about your prices. You won't be competing on price with other dealers as people will just come to you for your service and reputation 👌👍
Thanks Martin!
I always go to the physical auction now they are open, saves nasty surprises, go over and drive one back, or two. I had 5 on my watch list today and when I went over and got the keys they all had faults, I ended up buying 2 completely different cars.
Which auctions allow visits now bud
Bca unlikely to have physical auctions. Again . They control the new ways of buying and selling stock
@@ChopsGarage I thought they were all open, I go to Aston barclay and they've been all open as normal for a while now, it's so important to go, if you can, I regularly put some on my watch list and when I go they are usually the ones I don't buy, you can save yourself nasty surprises mate, when they bring the keys jump in, in a few seconds you can check most things, clutch, windows, ease of starting, you know the score, or at the worst walk with it and ask the driver, you'll cut your recon right down bud,
Was the gear box fluid low.
Have you been able to sell then more cars recently then
There is no synchro on reverse.
If it crunches into reverse it will be due to clutch drag, not clearing properly.
I guess you wrote this earlier in vid lol
I thought clutch drag, I thought I commented it previously but can't find it now, maybe I didn't 🤔🤷
Watched all your videos. I think you are doing really well. I personally would keep things simple especially when dealing with customers. I'd fix the problems first. I think people don't know that much about cars and want to feel the car is perfect at the time they hand over the cash. Gives them confidence. You could have fixed the clutch before sale and sold it when you were happy with it. There's no way I could live with that reverse! Hopefully Cinch don't cream off all the good cars from BCA and leave you with just the ones with problems like this one.
Cinch are never going sub 5year, the have no support network so all repairs through 3rd party warranty so can't deal with the repair risk
I thought it was clutch drag. Usually a sign of worn splines on the pressure plate or release bearing. Plate and diaphragm plus thrust bearing fixes this usually. Check slave cylinder throw.
Are you allowed to contact the previous owner?
Well I guess if they are ok about it yes
Just bought a car from auctions to find the noise I could hear was the timing chain...sold as seen I been told and an extra £600 to have it repaired...love your videos keep them coming 😁😁
What model bud? Chain kit rarely more than £120 and timing kit £30 so how about getting hands dirty
Well done mate, the customer will be over the moon with those repairs and even I won't think twice about buying the Punto if it was on offer. I'll be looking for a second car myself soon, so you never know I might be asking.
Cheers Mal!
Repair and 2195 it! Customers like "ready-to-go". Sure, they could "repair it later", but it is most satisfying to know that all is in good order. Future repairs are inevitable. It is good to get customers in the habit of repairing and maintaining their cars, be it Roll Royce vintage classic or daily runabout. It's all in the attitude. If you begin by treating the car as a bit of junk to be used and abused, then this boomerangs back onto the owner -- who then feels used and abused by the car he did not take the trouble to maintain. Your videos show that often mysterious problems are solvable within reasonable cost with a good mechanic. That you are! My motto: "There's nothing in life that a good mechanic, a cup of tea and a piece of cake cannot resolve!"
Lol! But I'm no mechanic mate
@@ChopsGarage Well, not in the literal sense in that you claim it as profession. But in this case, you were a "good mechanic" in diagnosing the problems. Anyway, the point is your not and she should have sought one out. The stupid cow. That's the point. I don't expect the person who sold me a car to repair it. What kind of an idiot is that? So, that is the point -- the "lady" is an idiot, from beginning to end. What was that her family wanted? An car expert or something? They should have hired a mechanic to check the car at the time of sale. More figuratively, she didn't need you, because you are not a mechanic. Nobody forced her to buy the car from you. Get it now ....mate?
Can you explain the plates? Do the plates stay with the vehicle forever?
What plates do you mean mate?
@@ChopsGarage license plates.
I had a Pugeot 208 and when it got written off i purchased Punto 1.2, the clutch took a lot of getting used to, unlike the 208 which had a lite cluch pedal and it only required a very short travel to release the Fiat needed the full travel to release otherwise it could baulk at changing,on the Fiat forum some owners had a made cut in the carpet to allow the pedal a bit more travel!!With reverse they all graunch unless you dip the clutch pedal for a second before shifting into reverse,again they all do it. not a nice clutch to operate!!
Just wanted to say that you are being extremly fair ,takking in to consideration of the low Price / value on the punto. Proper job 🚐👍😎
Thanks Stefan
Top class customer service 👏
James nothing wrong in being honest as you see it then find its not as you thought . More car sales need to be like you.i have been looking around at cars down in Dorset and cant believe the crap people are trying to sell. Full marks to you.
Thanks Steve
I'm looking for another car at present, and totally agree. I'd be embarrassed to sell some of the junk I've seen for sale at the lower end of the market. I've got an old car that I stored over six years ago (due to being given a newer car, belonging to family member). Was going to scrap it, but it's better than a lot of £1500 stuff for sale.
I wouldn’t worry about reverse on that punto mine was like that and every punto I’ve ever driven was the same.
Yep agreed, one trick I found was to always put into first and then reverse.
But this no longer does at all bud
@@carlarrowsmith I used to lift the clutch a tad and it would slip in nicely.
The problem is the Release bearing and the clutch cover , there is no Sincro on reverse on these 👍 Excellent Job common problem the vent pipe on the engine 👍
Cheers
Wish everyone was as honest as you when selling cars love watching your videos keeps me entertained cheers
Cheers Kevin
Petrol fume is the hose coming from the carter vent. Very common and easy to replace.
Never mind, you found it at 30:00 😀
Dont all cars have to have a 3 month warrantee as a minimum? (except private sales)
No. There is no requirement under law for any warranty as all sales are covered by the Consumer Rights Act
Honest and very rare good on you nice one enjoyed very much thanks 👍🏴
Thanks Glyn
Hyundai i10 do this - doesn't seem to do any harm! Better after a service when the clutch has been adjusted but improvement doesn't last long!
No Cinco mesh on reverse! problem is more likely to be clutch drag related, I had a Punto which was noisy in reverse never caused any problems
New clutch did sort this one
Gawd...! Honest to a Fault. Great offer re Gearbox issue. Kid can Learn to Drive, with a promise of Replacing gearbox at Cost, what's not to like..!
Kid may have passed his test, but We all Learn to Drive for the First 6 mths to a Year out on the Road on your own..!
Well I did anyway. About 10mths after buying my first Car. My Dad Was showing me how to Change a Clutch.
Big Learning Curve...!!
Great Deal and offer with a Bucket load of Honesty thrown in..!👍👍👍👍👍
Cheers kim in Oz. 😎
Cheers Kim!
Big question
Will you still be buying petrol cars under 2011 registered to sell on due to new fuel e10 rather than e5? Has this worried you at all?
No does not worry me to much they can use super unleaded
Another brilliant video again and really enjoy your longer videos and then news on a new workshop yet then
2000-3000 territory is often a good place to be with cars. New enough that there's life left in them, but cheap enough that you own them (not the other way around!).
The problem is choppy buys the cheapest stuff usually so it’s pot luck , I started out buying selling fiestas escorts which never had gearbox problems , years later I’m selling vans and buying small cars but I paid more for the better ones with low miles so basically I’d be buying under 50k 10 year old cars , chops buying 100k miler stuff and it’s going wrong so personally I’d buy lower miles better cars , yeah they cost more but if I can sell them the next day usually I’m in a better place business wise
@@chiefrocka8604 true. But I was more talking about as a driver - if you want transport to get to work at low cost, it's not a bad place to be.
It's great that you offer a warranty. Not getting at you in any way, but have any of your customers ever had a successful claim on a warranty? I only ask, because you often hear about all sorts of hoops having to be jumped through to have a claim honoured.
Oh my word bud watch more of my vids , Im litterally the Warranty Father Christmas lol!! 100% accepted never declined one
Hi James, enjoyed the longer format video 👍
Totally fair on the Punto, and always up front about everything, no point in hiding faults as they come out eventually, and that does your reputation no good. What a clean thing it was all finished!!
The C1... Get it back to the shop and do your checks first, if it needs anything else you can always leave the sill and door, if alls ok that sill will repair all day long, try a big sliding hammer hooked onto a clamp onto welded tabs 👍
Dodged a bullet with the C4, most will imagine they are Loeb while driving it!! Doubt it had an easy life mate 🚗💨
Lol good point
I I had Audi TT for 6 months ...just wanted to try one out ...sold it with no faults to a dealer....only found out this week bca ,we buy any car and cinch .... all owned by the same company....what’s your thoughts on that ?
Mate the best has always been creamed off before small dealers get there, before it was backhanders to sales managers etc. Its not different. They are all focused on the Sub 5year as they have no support network for repair and dont want the hassle so us cheapy boys will just see more low end stock through BCA
@@ChopsGarage so if dealers want the 5k cars you’re stuffed …..manheim any better ?
@@RumpleXstillXskin 5yr bud not 5k
@@ChopsGarage soz my mistake 👍 ….do you think will be home by 9pm tonight? ITV undercover boss of Bristol st motors 👍
That Punto will make the lad a brilliant first car to run around in for a few years, my first one had 36k on when I got it and I sold it at 67k when the power steering completely packed up (but it was an 03 with the early dualdrive module, anything post 2008 is sorted on that front) looks like that one is one of the early ones with the tech in like bluetooth and USB
Great little cars