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Conference terri::cars_uk

Title:Cars in the UK
Notice:Please read new conference charter 1.70
Moderator:COMICS::SHELLEYELD
Created:Sun Mar 06 1994
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2584
Total number of notes:63384

2519.0. "90 Bhp VW Golf & book prices" by 44126::MACKENZIE () Tue May 28 1996 17:15

Can someone tell me why VW released a 90 bhp Golf a couple of years 
after the latest style was launced (1992 I think). I spotted this
in a price guide but couldn't find out a reason why. Are the 
original 75bhp Golf's underpowered ?

Also - how accurate are the price guides you can buy at the
newsagents ? When looking at a car last weekend the dealer rubbished
these books - but I suspect that was because he was 800 pounds over 
the book price. Any similar experiences ?

DM.
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2519.1A bit garbled but........CHEFS::CROSSAMake mine a double double!!!Tue May 28 1996 19:1416
    If you mean the Parkers range I can see a dealer rubbishing it because
    it is putting a little too much knowledge in the hands of the punter
    for their liking! I find them useful as a yardstick, and for the
    revision changes. The only thing I can see is the lack of regional
    variance - a car will be the same value in Hampstaed Heath as it is in
    Toxteth according to the books (extreme examples but you get the gist).
    
    I also discovered this w/e a new(?) guide for older cars (80 - 86)
    which finally acknowledges us paupers, and our limited budgets. There is
    also a motor trade version which I find unbelievable when prices from
    this are compared with the "dealers" version. All dealers have their
    own "black book" of prices which you and I will *never* see! 
    
    
    
    			Stretch.
2519.2COMICS::SHELLEYDon't get mad, get even.Tue May 28 1996 22:5322
    Talking of secondhand cars...
    
    Low mileage cars with full service history. Buyers beware !

    Don't always believe the mileage on cars even if the service records 
    and MoT certificates verify the mileage.

    How so ? Apparently the trick is when the car is due for a service
    you take speedo out set the mileage back to when the last service was
    done and refit it. Do a minor service yourself (ie oil change), then
    when the mileage is back up to what it was, get it dealer serviced
    with a stamp and recorded mileage. This way a car doing twice your
    average mileage can easily have a record of only covering half the
    miles.

    This is remarkably easy to do on some models.

    It shocked me when I heard about it as I would only look as low mileage
    cars with FSH. It seems unless you know about the history of a car you
    can never be sure.

    Royston
2519.3CHEFS::CROSSAMake mine a double double!!!Wed May 29 1996 10:534
    There are signs to indicate "clocking", and the physical state of the car
    will normally tell you if the mileage is correct. 
    
    Bottom line - If in doubt, do not buy!
2519.4 Definitely, if in doubt ..... CHEFS::POWELLMOn [email protected]Wed May 29 1996 12:3216
       <<< Note 2519.3 by CHEFS::CROSSA "Make mine a double double!!!" >>>
    
    There are signs to indicate "clocking", and the physical state of the car
              ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    will normally tell you if the mileage is correct.
    
    Bottom line - If in doubt, do not buy!
        
    
    	There ain't no signs on a BMW or Jaguar or others with an
    electronic Odometer!
    
    	Mind you, I definitely go along with your last comment: If in
    doubt, do not buy!
    
    				Malcolm.
2519.5Picky, picky!CHEFS::CROSSAMake mine a double double!!!Wed May 29 1996 13:007
    Sorry Malcolm but I have seen reports of "electronic clocking" as well.
    If it makes money someone finds a way round it usually.
    
    The main point is that the wear and tear will normally give the game
    away.
    
    			Stretch.
2519.6 Mileage "corrections"50296::CADAMSON[email protected]Wed May 29 1996 15:3111
I saw an advert in a car mag recently  - I *think* it was What Car a ompany 
offering mileage 'corrections' for 3/5/7 servies via laptop computer I 
believe.

Seems to be another one of those ridiculous things in the motor industry! A 
bit like having a radar detector but it being illegal to use one but not own 
one!

Craig.


2519.7COMICS::SHELLEYDon&#039;t get mad, get even.Wed May 29 1996 15:4012
    >There are signs to indicate "clocking".
    
    Not always. The Cavalier I just handed back was 30 months old with 60k
    miles on the clock. I can assure you there was no noticeable wear and
    tear on either the interior or exterior of the vehicle. After a valet 
    I reckon it could easily pass for less than half the mileage.
    
    Tell tale signs of high mileage are 'shiney' gear sticks and steering
    wheels and worn clutch and brake pedals. Thing is this 'wear and tear'
    doesn't happen when the car is used primarily for motorway journeys.
    
    Royston
2519.8CHEFS::POWELLMOn [email protected]Wed May 29 1996 15:564
    	'Twas all in Top Gear some month or two ago, and again last night
    on the Meridian "Serve You Right" programme.
    
    				Malcolm.
2519.9Reduce the RiskCHEFS::WARDCFri Jun 14 1996 11:0919
    Last two cars I bought for my wife have been ex lease cars from trade
    warehouses advertising in TV Autotrader.  In the case of the most recent 
    one, ex Avis Lease, I phoned the seller got the registration details.  
    After two more phone calls, one to the fleet department of the company 
    that had owned the car, then one to Avis who managed their fleet, I knew 
    everything about the car.  The mileage was verified, the service history 
    was full (with a massive bill on the penultimate service) and I could have 
    spoken to the driver if I had wished.  Then I went to view the car,
    test drove it and settled the deal within 30 minutes of arriving.
    
    The only downside was that Avis charged 25quid for a print out of the
    service history.
    
    There is alot to be said for ex-lease cars.  In this instance the
    previous owner and the fleet management company had nothing to lose by
    being open and honest.  
    
    
    
2519.10A very very good buy they are!!1CHEFS::CZERESMFri Jun 14 1996 12:2915
    Re buying ex-lease cars, as previous noter commented they are a good
    buy, have had mine for over 3 years now and clocked up over 90K miles
    and i bought it with 62K on it.
    The car a 405 in excellent nick again could have only done 30K but i 
    took a risk buying it with no service history from a garage who i know 
    buy ex-lease cars and sell them on. The previous registered keeper
    was P.H.H. and after a brief phone call were more than happy to fax
    an invoice list for the car confirming all service intervals had been
    adhered to.
    The best bit was a managed to get the car for 3 grand, has never broken
    down on me yet and is still on its original clutch!!!
    
    Cheers
    
    Mark