by Allan Gray
When thinking about purchasing an experienced operator. Keep in vehicles will quite rightly expect
a 4WD, buyers will often turn to a mind a road worthy certificate does to find a clean workshop, neatly
mate, neighbour or uncle when they not guarantee a vehicle is in good dressed staff and a business-like
are looking for a likely contender. mechanical condition. Any second reception area. They will appreciate
Well-intentioned friends may have hand 4WD can potentially have been good and patient communication,
mechanical knowledge surrounding used in an aggressive manner. A accurate pick up times and a phone
passenger vehicles however, 4WDs vehicle with larger tyres, raised call when unforeseen circumstances
are quite different in many ways. body or suspension, winch, side arise. A fully itemised account with
Advertising a pre-purchase check bars or bullbar does not necessarily any recommendations for future
over service in your showroom is point to rough treatment however, repairs will establish a feeling that
a reminder to buyers that could closer inspection may be warranted. you genuinely care for their valued
pay off when they decide the time Check for build-up of sand or mud possession. For ex tensive and
has come to seriously consider in chassis rails. Watch out for any costly services, a freshly washed
purchasing. Many buyers find it deviation from original specification vehicle with a 'next service' report
reassuring to have a mechanic during an inspection, which may and perhaps a bag of Minties, may
guiding them through the process. require an engineer's certificate to provide the small touch that is
be effectively insured or registered. needed to soften the blow when
single cab, tray or ute, diesel or Having gone to the tr ouble of paying for their account.
petrol, high or low mileage, dealer thorough inspection and spending To tap into the growing 4WD market,
or car yard, private sale or auction valuable time with your customer, you may need to expand on your
- running a potential buyer through it is quite reasonable to expect model knowledge. There are an
these variables can help them they might trust you to service abundance of resources available
successfully pin down the second their newly acquired 4WD in the t h a t m a ke e xc e l l e n t r e a d i n g.
most valuable purchase of their future. They may even be open to Becoming involved in the 4WD
lives. Some professional advice ideas about suitable modifications market may mean more networking,
and time spent here could be the or accessories. more reading and perhaps more
beginning of a win-win situation When it comes to your workshop, four-wheel-driving of your own.
that could prove profitable for both a professional approach can help Jump in and join this exciting,
parties. substantially. Keep in mind that growing, infectious and potentially
Second hand vehicles should be some 4WD may have cost more profitable venture.
checked on a hoist, preferably by than $100,000 and owners of these
New or second hand, double or
22 CAPRICORN IGNITION MARCH 2018