Browsing Autotrader from a Nationwide dealer I saw car that might replace my nearly 7 year old CRV EX auto - perfectly reliable in all the time I have had it but I feel like a change.
It was some 150 miles away so I thought I'd phone - I asked about trade-in & they went through about 20 questions -
Mileage Understandable
Service history - Is that full Honda Service, when was last service. I said it was stamped & all receipts. What repairs have been done - none! They did not really believe me.
MoT was clear but only 3 months left - they said they did not want to trade-in with less than 3 months. I said I do an annual MoT as required.
Condition - I said immaculate - they then asked about scratches, dents etc etc - I said it's almost new but for maybe 5/6 stone chips! Are the wheels kerbed - again I said immaculate with new tyres & only 5K miles on them.
Then grilled on Finance - I said I paid cash - are there any loans on it? I paid cash.
How will you pay for the new car? Cash or rather debit card.
They then offered their price, subject to seeing it - fair enough - reasonable T/I figure
I then asked about the car for sale.
Is it serviced (14 mths old) YES!
I asked when 3rd July?
I asked where? Joe Bloggs garage.
I said not interested as it had broken the 12 mth service by 2 months & not a Franchised dealer. I said I was not interested & rang of.
Sales Manager on the phone in 5 mins - we will indemnify any shortfall in warranty coverage.
I said not interested - Nth degree on my 1 owner immaculate car & they were hiding a not so perfect history.
5 minutes phone goes again & I pressed the red button.
Good job I did not drive the 150 miles to see it as was my plan for tomorrow.
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