27 replies to this topic

[tomsbluemini]

I cant deny that the MPi was an absolute bargain at that price... however, you'd expect all garages who work on any car to make sure that the brakes are done properly, and simple things like the castle nut are done up properly...

My advice to the guy picking his up is not to be put off by price and shinyness... just pay particular attention to all the normal stuff that you would with a mini - dont be afraid to walk away if it's not as described...

I had an easy getout if I needed it because he specifically said "no rust."

Cheers

Tom

[Choda Boy]

Went there a few times when i was first looking to buy a mini, and every car i saw was a shed tarted up to sell. Only time ive been back was to ask if they had a needle valve/seat when my carb was spitting petrol from the float chamber. I was met with a shrug and a blank stare lol! Green & White Mini Spares all the way now!

[Mini_Magic]

the castle nut on the driver's side was only done up finger tight.

That was a bit scary when I put the socket on it and it just spun round with no effort.

[M44K TS]

I've used John at the Mini Place before for getting work and an MOT done, i was happy with the standard of work (adjusted/renewed the back brakes, solid subframe mounts and engine steady bar)

However, I have seen some of the cars that have been for sale next door, and put it this way, he's alright to buy new/shiny bits from, but i don't think i'd buy a car off him.

[garrett3]

Ive been burned by Mini Parts Centre Sunderland.
Bought a car and was told it needed repair but was clear on Hpi (not recorded)
Had the car delivered and it was three-four times worse than described, and it WAS on the register as a cat D!
Phoned him and explained my concerns, But he just accused me of only wanting to buy the car to rip someone off by repairing it and not telling them it had been damaged????
He refused a refund and then ignored all my calls.

It turned out they DID know the car was a recorded loss as they had repaired the car from a write of and sold it on previously to an unsuspecting customer! (I have proof), The car was later crashed again and sold to me as an unrecorded loss.

I wanted the car to restore for concourse, In the end I had to sell it for spares or repairs and lost £££'s

Dodgy guy, Very dodgy.

Edited by garrett3, 20 March 2008 - 03:15 PM.

[tomsbluemini]

This is a trading standards issue - would quite possibly shut him down...

I've had an idea for anyone else buying from him...

My MoT was done at the Castletown MoT Centre. if you're going to buy from him, insist that it has 12 months MoT and doesn't get tested there...

Tom

Ive been burned by Mini Parts Centre Sunderland.
Bought a car and was told it needed repair but was clear on Hpi (not recorded)
Had the car delivered and it was three-four times worse than described, and it WAS on the register as a cat D!
Phoned him and explained my concerns, But he just accused me of only wanting to buy the car to rip someone off by repairing it and not telling them it had been damaged????
He refused a refund and then ignored all my calls.

It turned out they DID know the car was a recorded loss as they had repaired the car from a write of and sold it on previously to an unsuspecting customer! (I have proof), The car was later crashed again and sold to me as an unrecorded loss.

I wanted the car to restore for concourse, In the end I had to sell it for spares or repairs and lost ���'s

Dodgy guy, Very dodgy.

[NE-Matt]

I'm local to this garage and I've heard more than one horror story about this company!!

Only used them twice, first time to buy some clear side repeaters (the dog at G&W had eaten there stock of them!!), this place didn't have any either. Second time I pulled up in my mini, which admittedly wasn't the nicest example and the guy proceeded to *woman of ill repute* it off to my face. I was just popping in as I was looking to buy another mini and I was in the area, told him my price range and he took me and showed cars that were 2 or 3 times my budget. Repeatedly telling me my mini was C**p and that I obviously didn't know anything about them, he wasn't happy when I pointed out i knew enough to realise the car he was showing me needed a doorskin and a new bootfloor!! lol

The guy was basically an arse from the moment I pulled up, which ultimatly his loss as an hour later I paid up 3 grand on a mini elsewhere and I've not been back in over 5 years!!

**EDIT** The swearfilter on here is arse!! We're adults aren't we??

Edited by NE-Matt, 21 March 2008 - 12:03 PM.

[Jammy]

**EDIT** The swearfilter on here is arse!! We're adults aren't we??

Yes, but its a family forum so we must ensure the language is suitable for those of all ages. Does it really bother you that much that you can't read certain 'more adult' words?

I don't understand why people are so reluctant to use Trading Standards on people like these?

[garrett3]

**EDIT** The swearfilter on here is arse!! We're adults aren't we??

Yes, but its a family forum so we must ensure the language is suitable for those of all ages. Does it really bother you that much that you can't read certain 'more adult' words?

I don't understand why people are so reluctant to use Trading Standards on people like these?

I can live with the filter, Makes for good fun with words like *woman of ill repute* etc

I didnt inform trading standards as im a little old school, best served cold if you get me



It would be against my Karma to take the mans means of feeding his kids from him.
I do feel that its within Karma that what goes around comes around.

Edited by garrett3, 21 March 2008 - 07:25 PM.

[photographymatt]

Not to be picky but....wont the majority of members on here be over 17(driving age) or mature enough to handle certain words? its ok...Ill grab my coat *banned*

[bananaman]

John in the Mini Place is okay, he did the repair work on Scrappy when the front end was crushed a few years ago. (By one of Alan's customers who gave me he finger then drove off). He is busy but I can't fault his work. (I just need to finish the car, lol)

My mate Bob bought an MPI from Alan a few years ago, all the hoses in the engine bay tarted up with steel braided covers over the hoses and wiring, looked realy good. However, three weeks later the wiring loom burst into flames on the A19, caused by the braid chaffing through the loom and a fuel pipe. Whilst it was being repaierd we found the bearings shot, siezed rear adjusters, worn pads and disks and the passenger door had no brace bars in it???

Wouldn't go there if he was giving stuff away

[tomsbluemini]

The bottom ball joints were apparently changed for the MoT... I've just changed them, there was so much play, they were really scary...

Perhaps we should set up a list of sellers to be wary of, and put this guy at the top! what do people think???

Tom

[Jammy]

Check the FAQ secton.