That's it I have had enough!

[JEREMY HAWKE]

Of everybody moaning and groaning about money
How can you not have any money your all driving new cars and wearing designer gear everywhere I go you are all spending money.

Oh don't tell me those G wagons on your SM are not yours . They were just parked when you walked past

We had nothing growing up and people where a lot more happier than this crop of moaners
Stop moaning its not my fault you probably voted for it anyway

 

[HFE Signs]

If you have family, friends, food and a warm bed then you’re rich

 

[Deleted member 335660]

You have a point Jeremy, but most people are not driving around in new cars or designer gear.

However, they do seem to want the latest mobile phone or buy new furniture rather than good second hand items.

The government boasts about low unemployment but it’s also at low wages, so people on average wage or below struggle to make ends meet.

I guess we know more about the moaning these days because of social media. Over the fence groaning stayed in the garden.

 

[WaveJumper]

People make life choices, i don't know anyone who's driving around in their G Wagon or Labo who actually owns the vehicle if they want to waste (in my opinion) a couple of grand a month on a car let them. We all have to cut or cloth accordingly personally if I can't own it out right I go without.

 

[Clodbuster]

The poor boy I read today earns 54000 but cannot pay for the extra electricity. I clear roughly the same for myself and I can pay for the increase. Cut your cloth and decide what is critical and what is not (the second annual holiday)

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

If you have family, friends, food and a warm bed then you’re rich

I hope you said that as a joke because when you start accepting such terms you are devaluing your own worth Never be too grateful especially if you have work hard to be where you are .

 

[Ian J]

We all have to cut or cloth accordingly personally if I can't own it out right I go without.

I assume that you live in a tent then

 

[Mark T Jones]

I just had to sell my Golf GTi in a hurry. Which means I now only have a Z4 to drive around in.

Woe is me. (The wife said we couldn't justify 3 cars in the current climate, so the Golf had to go)

On a serious note, the downside of social media is that it amplifies everything; and at this moment it is hugely amplifying moaning and aggressive behaviour.

I make a lot of effort to keep my feeds free of perpetual whingers or those who argue for the sake of arguing, but it's currently challenging to work out who is just a moaner, who is letting off steam and who genuinely needs support.

 

[Ian J]

I just had to sell my Golf GTi in a hurry. Which means I now only have a Z4 to drive around in.

I didn't know that you had a Z4. I bought mine last June just before BMW started stripping out the options due to supply problems and sold it last month as I couldn't justify the cost with the limited mileage that I was doing. I replaced it with a far more sensible three year old VW T-Roc which is nowhere near as much fun to drive

 

[estwig]

I'm still running around in my RS6, wearing my designer gear, with my fav Omega Seamaster watch on my wrist.

Just bought a shed load of the latest kit from Apple too!

Life's tough you know........

Anyway I gotta go, I'm needed at the tennis club for an important match in an hour, need to warm-up first, make sure the g&t is lined up for afterwards!

 

[japancool]

Nurse, he's not taken his meds again.

 

[Fagin2021]

A bit off-topic but related. Can anyone give me tips on how to buy a used car. Not what to buy but how to buy. My old nail is at the end of it’s life and I’m looking for a run-around about 10 years old.

I’ve scoured the pages of Autotrader, Car Gurus etc and it seems that, (unless you’re looking for something much newer), the majority of dealers are tiny operations with, (at best), a sales office on a parking lot or industrial estate – no workshop or anything like that.

I’m not sure what these operations have to offer. They source cars, clean them, attach a mark-up and sell them on. Is that any better than a private sale ?

 

[estwig]

A bit off-topic but related. Can anyone give me tips on how to buy a used car. Not what to buy but how to buy. My old nail is at the end of it’s life and I’m looking for a run-around about 10 years old.

I’ve scoured the pages of Autotrader, Car Gurus etc and it seems that, (unless you’re looking for something much newer), the majority of dealers are tiny operations with, (at best), a sales office on a parking lot or industrial estate – no workshop or anything like that.

I’m not sure what these operations have to offer. They source cars, clean them, attach a mark-up and sell them on. Is that any better than a private sale ?

I've always bought used cars by doing my research first, decide exactly what car I want, research it, understand it inside and out, then find a good one for sale at the right price.

I don't just randomly rock-up and pick a car!

 

[Fagin2021]

I've always bought used cars by doing my research first, decide exactly what car I want, research it, understand it inside and out, then find a good one for sale at the right price.

I don't just randomly rock-up and pick a car!

That's exactly what I've done - but my question was more about small dealer versus private sale.

 

[JEREMY HAWKE]

A bit off-topic but related. Can anyone give me tips on how to buy a used car. Not what to buy but how to buy. My old nail is at the end of it’s life and I’m looking for a run-around about 10 years old.

I’ve scoured the pages of Autotrader, Car Gurus etc and it seems that, (unless you’re looking for something much newer), the majority of dealers are tiny operations with, (at best), a sales office on a parking lot or industrial estate – no workshop or anything like that.

I’m not sure what these operations have to offer. They source cars, clean them, attach a mark-up and sell them on. Is that any better than a private sale ?

I have my main car but then I'm Saab enthusiast and I can tell you all about them so if your looking to buy a car that has not been made for 11 years then I maybe able to help ?

 

[MBE2017]

That's exactly what I've done - but my question was more about small dealer versus private sale.

Small dealer should have checked the car over, fixed any repairs required, honestly described the vehicle and answer your questions truthfully, and hopefully issue a warranty .

A private seller is meant to be honest, but you have little to zero comeback with any problems.

In reality, ANY vehicle can have faults and be unreliable, what really matters is looking at the vehicles service history, a decent test drive, at least half an hour, and ensuring the vehicle looks and drives as it should based on its mileage and condition.

Pick up a 200,000 mile vehicle with complete service history, perfect paintwork, and you are either incredibly lucky or buying a lemon dressed up.

A dealer has two other big advantages, finance for literally anyone who wants it, and a choice of cars. Personally because I am comfortable in assessing vehicles I buy everything at auctions, normally 200 vehicles on any day I can choose from, and allow a figure for repairs.

If say an exhaust back box breaks after three weeks on a vehicle it’s not really the dealers or private sellers fault if it was unknown.

 

[IanSuth]

Small dealer should have checked the car over, fixed any repairs required, honestly described the vehicle and answer your questions truthfully, and hopefully issue a warranty .

A private seller is meant to be honest, but you have little to zero comeback with any problems.

In reality, ANY vehicle can have faults and be unreliable, what really matters is looking at the vehicles service history, a decent test drive, at least half an hour, and ensuring the vehicle looks and drives as it should based on its mileage and condition.

Pick up a 200,000 mile vehicle with complete service history, perfect paintwork, and you are either incredibly lucky or buying a lemon dressed up.

A dealer has two other big advantages, finance for literally anyone who wants it, and a choice of cars. Personally because I am comfortable in assessing vehicles I buy everything at auctions, normally 200 vehicles on any day I can choose from, and allow a figure for repairs.

If say an exhaust back box breaks after three weeks on a vehicle it’s not really the dealers or private sellers fault if it was unknown.

The only 2 vehicles I have ever bought from a dealer are my current Octavia (ex demo car 3 mths old with 5k on it) and a Fiat Punto (3 yr old end of lease company car returnee with only 18k miles)

i flogged that Punto to the Skoda dealer as part ex because i knew it was about to die (thermostat went, it over heated enough to weep a lot of oil around head gasket but when repaired by me and jizered no more leak was visible) and so wouldnt sell to a private buyer.

If you are just buying a cheap run around ask everyone you know if they know of a family car for same and if none are forthcoming take your chances.

As others have said otherwise really know exactly what you want, have researched it and know what you are looking for (like corroded rear subframe on certain slk's)

 

[Fagin2021]

I have my main car but then I'm Saab enthusiast and I can tell you all about them so if your looking to buy a car that has not been made for 11 years then I maybe able to help ?

Thanks Jeremy. I'm actually after a small SUV (for reasons I won't bore you with). After doing my research like (@estwig) I've concluded that a Honda CRV would suit me best and the most reliable older models are third generation - 2009/2010 around 100-120,000 miles.

I only do 3-4000 miles a year, mainly on country roads, so I'm not too bothered about economy, more about reliability.

Small dealer should have checked the car over, fixed any repairs required, honestly described the vehicle and answer your questions truthfully, and hopefully issue a warranty .

A private seller is meant to be honest, but you have little to zero comeback with any problems.

In reality, ANY vehicle can have faults and be unreliable, what really matters is looking at the vehicles service history, a decent test drive, at least half an hour, and ensuring the vehicle looks and drives as it should based on its mileage and condition.

Pick up a 200,000 mile vehicle with complete service history, perfect paintwork, and you are either incredibly lucky or buying a lemon dressed up.

A dealer has two other big advantages, finance for literally anyone who wants it, and a choice of cars. Personally because I am comfortable in assessing vehicles I buy everything at auctions, normally 200 vehicles on any day I can choose from, and allow a figure for repairs.

If say an exhaust back box breaks after three weeks on a vehicle it’s not really the dealers or private sellers fault if it was unknown.

Yes - I'm more of a tyre-kicker so wouldn't feel confident assessing a car myself.

One interesting thought. If you buy a car online and unseen, (through a dealer), pay by credit card and have it delivered to your door I think you're covered by the Distance Selling Regulations.

 

[IanSuth]

One interesting thought. If you buy a car online and unseen, (through a dealer), pay by credit card and have it delivered to your door I think you're covered by the Distance Selling Regulations.

Yes you appear to be correct

Distance Sales FAQs

If you're thinking of buying a car without visiting a dealership, make sure you've read our distance sales FAQs to see how this differs

www.themotorombudsman.org

Does the Motor Ombudsman’s Motor Industry Code of Practice for Vehicle Sales cover complaints regarding a distance sale?​

Yes, distance sales are covered under provision 2.12 in the Vehicle Sales Code. It states the following:

“Where a vehicle sale is concluded at a distance, the accredited business will make clear your right to cancel within 14 days.”

• If you’ve paid for the car in full, and taken delivery of it, you have 14 days to change your mind from when you receive the vehicle – again, you don’t have to give a reason for cancelling and the retailer must give you a full refund.
• If the retailer doesn’t give you information about your rights under a distance sale at the time of delivery, including your right to cancel the purchase within 14 days, then you’ll have up to 12 months to cancel your order and receive a refund.
• REMEMBER: If you visit the retailer’s premises at any time during the sales process, so for example, when paying your deposit or signing your paperwork, this no longer counts as a distance sale. Therefore, you won’t have a cancellation period and your usual consumer rights will apply.

 

[IanSuth]

In fact it is whether it was online to the point of contract agreement - you don't even need tit delivered to your house according to that page

Scenario 4: Deposit paid by phone and completion of all purchase and finance contracts online and collection of the car at the showroom​

Ms D visits the website of a car retailer, uses the configurator on their website to ‘build’ her new car and places the order. The business then sends her the contractual paperwork and finance agreement to complete by e-mail, which she fills in and sends back, also by e-mail. She then calls the retailer in order to pay the deposit. However, she doesn’t wish to pay the cost for the car to be delivered to her home and goes to the showroom for the handover of the vehicle.



Does this constitute a distance sale?



The answer in this scenario is YES, because Ms D ordered and completed the contractual information on the internet and paid over the phone. Her visit to the retailer came after she had concluded her contract with them. However, if Ms D had signed any of the sales documentation on the retailer’s premises, before collecting the car, this would no longer be a distance sale and she would not benefit from any additional rights

 

[japancool]

you don't even need tit delivered to your house

You'd need a different type of company for that.

 

[Mark T Jones]

I didn't know that you had a Z4. I bought mine last June just before BMW started stripping out the options due to supply problems and sold it last month as I couldn't justify the cost with the limited mileage that I was doing. I replaced it with a far more sensible three year old VW T-Roc which is nowhere near as much fun to drive

I bought my Z4 coupe - 15 years old - with my BBL. The dealer said it will go up in value, so it's definitely a valid business investment

Using forum statistics I've 'convinced' the wife that it's more economical to run than the VW; so it's really a question of how long we can enjoy style and performance over comfort & practicality.

 

[Mark T Jones]

A bit off-topic but related. Can anyone give me tips on how to buy a used car. Not what to buy but how to buy. My old nail is at the end of it’s life and I’m looking for a run-around about 10 years old.

I’ve scoured the pages of Autotrader, Car Gurus etc and it seems that, (unless you’re looking for something much newer), the majority of dealers are tiny operations with, (at best), a sales office on a parking lot or industrial estate – no workshop or anything like that.

I’m not sure what these operations have to offer. They source cars, clean them, attach a mark-up and sell them on. Is that any better than a private sale ?

Even if you know your stuff; things can go unexpectedly wrong.

I bought a car off my father, who had owned it from new. Garaged, properly serviced & maintained, no problems. Pretty much immediately it started developing faults - ultimately the timing chain went.

During lockdown, I bought my current car, unseen, from an unknown dealer 200 miles away.

My research revolved around reviews and the trading history of the dealer; specifically

- Time in business (8 years)
- Record of individual directors/owners (just this business)
- Scattered CCJs, which would indicate they aren't great at putting things right if the go wrong.

All good.

Had a mechanic run his eye over it - he picked up a few flaws. After some (relatively good-natured) argy-bargy, the dealer coughed up to have it all put right.

18 months later - all good!

 

[Ian J]

I bought my Z4 coupe - 15 years old - with my BBL. The dealer said it will go up in value, so it's definitely a valid business investment

I haven't spotted you on the Z4-forum

 

[Mark T Jones]

I haven't spotted you on the Z4-forum

I actually bought some bits off a breaker on there.

I mostly stay away - it's a bit like reading a medical book - you realise how much can go wrong!

 

[Lucan Unlordly]

Which means I now only have a Z4 to drive around in.

Z3 for me, 2002, 45,000 miles. Had her 10 years and seen the value double.

I thought about getting a Z4 but much prefer the 3's styling. Have you ever driven and compared the two?

 

[Mark T Jones]

Z3 for me, 2002, 45,000 miles. Had her 10 years and seen the value double.

I thought about getting a Z4 but much prefer the 3's styling. Have you ever driven and compared the two?

I wasn't allowed a soft top - the Z3 broadband is too expensive and a bit small for me.

 

[HFE Signs]

I hope you said that as a joke because when you start accepting such terms you are devaluing your own worth Never be too grateful especially if you have work hard to be where you are .

I'd never devalue or take for granted the things we work so hard for, equally, always keep your feet on the ground and value the most important things you have