[timwilky]

Well last year the daughter asked me to look at a fiesta she was considering buying from a local Arnold Clarke dealership. within 30 seconds of arriving the salesman had spotted us and was delighted to show me the car.

It was one of our demonstrators he proudly announces. Was that when it had its first crash or second that you decided to sell it I ask?

Pardon. I show him the evidence of the poor repair to the near side wing, the difference in paint colour, the wheel even has a lump out of it. I then show him the evidence along the O/S.

Are you trade he asks?. No but I have a pair of eyes. what are you prepared to pay then. About £3000 less you are asking.

We then drive down to Evans Halshaw, see a genuine ex demonstrator with 1,500 on the clock for less than the bent one at Arnold Clarke. Agree they are good at hiking the price.

HPI when it is there own vehicle, no thank you. Gap insurance no thank you, extended warranty, tank of petrol, tax. whoops suddenly they have managed to hike it up £300.

But still cheaper than the bent on down the road. Daughter happy, hands over debit card to buy car, and loves the fact her dad can tell a pushy salesman who can smell a kid with a big wad of cash where to go.

Still Evans Halshaw got told where to go on the first service, car has done 4,000 and they want to charge to replace the brake fluid. It took me less than 10 mins to do it for her.