becoming a car dealer - best way to set about it?

Question

A mechanic friend of mine is setting up as a car dealer, working initially from home. Apart from the obligaory Arther Daley sheepskin jacket and trilby hat, what sorts of things should he be doing to make his venture a success?
Are there any books or websites called "how to be a car trader" or similar?
Thanks

BTW we recently bought two Rovers, and are having trouble selling them, so its questions such as is it better to try to sell cars in Autotrader or the web or notices in shops etc. Or export them to Ethiopia (I'm joking)

Answer 1

Best of luck. The motor trade has many good sides to it. I have seen two other answers, both refer to the Rovers. My view is that they are both right and wrong .. right because Rover now has a 'bad' name with the public but wrong in terms of everything has a value and if you bought at the right price then you can sell at a right price. If they are Rover 75's then these cars often are 'fully loaded' and you get a lot of car for little money. They can be referred to a 'screw top' which means they are so cheap after a short while the owner can throw them away.
Try to get a book called (I think) the Life & Times of a Motor Trader. It is an autobiography covering early fifties to recent times. Its an eye opener and you will learn from that book. I was in the trade for many years and can see many things in the book which happened to me.
As a 'dealer' you need to have your wits about you. Buying from auctions or from within the trade both have hidden problems waiting for you. However, remember this that "if its your own personal hard earned savings (money) buying the car would pay that price for it?" If your first answer is NO then back away ... quickly. Always back away from 'modified' cars .. you know the boy racer image type with 'home' fiited spoiler, side skirts, big bore etc etc .. it wont sell and will cause you problems if it does ..
A motor car is often the second most expensive item anyone will ever buy (regardless of how much it costs). The buyer wants to be able say 'look at me in my new motor' he / she does not want to say 'look at me in my new but broken down motor'. Keep your promises. If you tell a buyer you will do something (fit a new starter for example) then do it, dont lie dont cheat and above all dont be too clever ...... Best of luck ..

Answer 2

Serious Answer try going to car auctions and watch what the old time long time traders are buying also what they are ignoring that will give you an idea as to what will sell.Once you have an idea buy a cheap runaround take it home spend eome blood sweat and tears on it and then tell everyone about it ,how you don"t really want to part wth it but needs must also make sure you price it high and come down to what you really want.
Then again you could just feed the punters any old tripe and bullshit tell them what they want to hear as long as you sell them the car WHAT THE HELL.
AS for the rovers try sending them to Carlisle Auction we still have some dipsticks-er-dumbo"s-er-looney"s-er-genuine rover anoracks up here who would be interested

Answer 3

First of all, create a website. I can't tell you how many times I see an ad that I like and try to get more info on their website but they don't happen to have one.

Secondly, advertise online. With so many free advertising boards such as Craigslist and Pennysaver, take advantage of it.

Thirdly, sell on eBay. It's a great way to get exposure and build name recognition. I have several dealers saved in my favorites folder so I can check their auctions on a regular basis. I have bought a vehicle from one not too long ago.

Answer 4

Throw away all your morals and become entirely motivated by cash at all costs, even if that means winding mileages back on second hand motors, selling deathtraps or signing younger drivers up to hideously expensive finance deals.

Oh and for gods sake dont be buying shitty cars like Rovers, no-one wants them, they are garbage cars and have resale values slightly lower than a used condom.

Answer 5

You bought two Rovers and you are having trouble selling them. Well, what a surprise, I would have thought badly-built bits of unreliable sh*it that were totally unwanted even before Rover became a bankrupt company would have sold themselves.

Christ, you've got a lot to learn, and you'll probably end-up as bankrupt as Rover learning it.

Answer 6

Rover couldn't even sell Rovers so things don't look good for you

Answer 7

If you were not given the paperwork for the 3 month warranty - then you have no warranty. Get the brakes sorted asap. The brake master cylinder is leaking and will need to be replaced - potentially the servo as well.

Answer 8

get loads of cars and sell them...


...sorry.