James im sorry mate but you have absolutely have no need to explain yourself its your business, your channel, your money and reputation. If people dont like what you do then its easy , dont watch, in my opinion you are a true and honest bloke and you should be very proud of yourself and your family
Trust is the most important thing between a customer and a dealer!! To keep to your standards/morals is what makes a good dealer to me!! Keep up the good content and hard work James to which is why you always have repeat customers for you are a dealer who people can trust to get a car from!
James - ignore any flack ref the Polo - you are absolutely 100% right - long term credibility outweighs any short term gains every time - don’t change - keep being yourself!
We sold my daughters old Corsa as spares or repairs years ago. Some lad bought it, took it home, chucked a bucket of water over it and then advertised it for 500 quid claiming to have done all the work it needed the very next day. Some people have no morals or conscience. You did the right thing with the Polo.
James your 100% spot on your word is your reputation & Bond the moment you break that your worthless. Absolutely smashing bloke and fantastic channel All for the best for 2025
You made a deal with both, and you did that. You have always been honest, integrity, upfront, and true to your word. People need to realise that they will be judged on their actions and what they say they will do, and if they do it or not. Have a great week James.
10:18 I would have loved to buy the polo and give it a second chance at life, but to be honest Chops you are absolutely right about keeping to your word because as you say you are only as good as your word. So well done mate.
I've said it before and I will say it again - if you did finance and newer cars, I would travel from London specifically to buy from you... and that is only off the back of watching how you prep your cars and how you treat your customers. I'd be bloody delighted to have the peace of mind that would come with buying from you. You're a man of your word and that, to me, means a helluva lot. Please don't ever change James.
He has explained why finance is a big no no as customers may choose to stop making payments and it is easier for the finance company to then return the car to him leaving him in the Brown pooey stuff... something like that anyway 😊😢
Your integrity shines through James. There are too many selfish advantage takers in this world. They think they are fine upstanding citizens but when it comes to 'money their way ' they will take the money in a heartbeat regardless of who else loses out.
James you are the epitome of a good guy you don't mess people about you do exactly what you say you will and you also go above and beyond what people's expectations are i can 100 % vouch for this you were a true gentleman when I brought dads car to you regards phil
Yeah I've been dealing with my local garage for about 18 year's, only had three cars from him but he's never been dishonest with me. Does all my servicing and maintenance work. Trust him completely.
My mum lives in Holsworthy That little car will be perfect for village life and a trip to Bude. Maybe fun getting up the hills from Holsworthy to Bideford on the A388❤
Great video as always James, as a suggestion for the charity for the channel, I would recommend children’s hospice south west (little bridge house in Fremington) they do so much for the community and would greatly benefit from the raffle. I’ll definitely buying a ticket 👍
I love older cars and if you willing to put money into them when needed they will go forever, however there is a big difference in putting money into a daily you intend to keen and another to a car that needs to be sold for a profit. If people disbelieve you about the Polo let them try by a spares or repairs from Facebook and try to fix it with a profit at the end.
Good to see some good garages out there as some really bad ones. My mechanic had to stop due to looking after his dad he was amazing never ripped me off doing any repairs etc , which cars structure wise for rust underneath would you say stay well clear from
you did the right thing, ive been watching your channel for a while now and even though im in yorkshire if i wanted a cheap runaround, i think id probably choose a car from you and come to get it, all because of your honesty and ethics, well done
Never commented before, but watched about 50 videos. Just keep doing what you're doing. Nothing better than an honest and reasonably priced garage. Just wish I was closer, as you would be high on my list for my next car! And that goes for the guys you do podcasts with too! All of them very trustworthy.
Pete's two glasses made me laugh, It's a shame to see a car with life in it scrapped but you made a deal with two people and explained previously many times why you cant sell that polo/similar cars to the public without the risk of being on the hook even with "spares and repairs trailered away etc" People should take a trip to the large breakers yards and see how many cars end up there with life left in them, and then the reason why alot of yards just crush them rather than parting them out, the world has got disposable and the public have caused the issues they complain about aswell as laws and costs etc, i love running around in cheap old cars repairing them from the breakers yards but times are/have changed unfourtently
Hey James why don’t separate the stock ready to go from one which need prepared it will look like more nicer and why don’t get some price tags and put them on cars aswell only suggestion
@@CarlosFandango1975 When I had lease cars the servicing costs were included in the monthly lease cost, so not necessarily a blank cheque from NHS by any means.
I’d say it’s a shame that you have to justify yourself re the polo but then it just proves what a gent you are that you are happy to explain further. 😊👍
In regard to the VW Polo , I feel you did the transactions in accordance with your own business ethics, conscience, and honesty, all Inline with how you want your business to trade, you did no harm to, or took advantage of anyone, and for all of the above reasons you deserve for your business to be successful. As for the detractors of your beliefs, and actions, I am very happy not to be in a situation were I had to buy from them, however if I did and felt I had been sold a substandard car, I would use the full effect of consumer law, including bailiffs, to get recompense. What you do…you do very well. 👍👍
I had to scrap a 2008 ford focus it only had 70k and looked immaculate. But it had around 30 things wrong with it. One being an intermittent PAS fault. A spring and a bearing would have got it through the MOT but it still needed a clutch.
Why not just put a new clutch in it. You are only just buying another heap that will need a clutch if it's a good solid car you know why not spend a grand on it
I think most people are seeing the potential life thats left in the polo vs being turned into a tin can I think thats what most people was disappointed with
Quick question James, do you still have a discount code for car vertical? You always strike me as a decent chap... we need more of those in the car industry
Charity is fine with a choice from you .Van not critical to do any dents really its a working vehicle .With the VW you did what you stated when you took it in so no issues there either . wet belt Can the sump be dropped out to check the situation with the belt a visual check of the oil pick up would tell you if it really was in need of a belt change earlier
There are always negative people who would tell you that you’re wrong and bully you into doing what they want of you. The world would be a better place if more people were honest and stuck to their word and principles. You were completely right in everything you said on that front. Good on you, James.
Because of your honesty and trust chops I would travel all the way from London if i needed a cheap reliable car, fingers crossed you are still trading in 14 years when I need to get my son his first car. 😂You would feel confident that whatever you sell us is safe as far as it can be as you are a man of your word. Love the videos which have kept me going in difficult times too!
You tagged in the ending twice! Love seeing the small cars like the Axiam-whatever-it-is, these small practical hatchbacks are slowly disappearing from US streets as we're not allowed nice things anymore.
Screw someone over for just a few quid and word gets around - you also burn bridges with your original client. With the opposite attitude you will make more than you lost in the long term - way, way more!!! And you can sleep at night, no brainer.
In the process of taking a dealer to court as I type! Bought a car online which was advertised as having fsh, 2 keys and a recent service and it was delivered with none of these items and no V5!
Great video your mates show room is so cool. Could you answer this , Why is it on used vans is there VAT when the you VAT is payed when the vehicle is new. If a buyer is buying for private use (non business) do they still pay vat? Thanks take care
Nothing wrong in repairing the car. I told James, as did many others it needed a used power steering pump, that's what he's in business for, I wasn't suggesting punt it out as is, car was dangerous as it was. We've done quite a few of these on, skoda, vw, seat. Car was a 59 plate polo, only the other week James wanted 3.5k for a 60 plate. All this bull about being honest is a load of tripe. Nothing wrong or dishonest about doing a bona fidie repair. It's up to him anyway, his business.
@@ChopsGarageI doubt that they complete everything on just a basic service. Perhaps it's just my local Halford’s (although a web search suggests otherwise), but they are more likely to break things than fix them. I'm somewhat surprised that they are still in business.
Touch up the bits ok the van and let it go as it is I used to over prep vans but they always sold at top dollar but these days its different unless it's a Vw .
That poli was far far from being retail ready. It would have made a project for somebody. But as a business move it would have created a loss. And fast
In life ,, in whatever situation...your word is your bond.../ you may have plenty , you may have little....break your word....your nothing ... never to be trusted ...
Hi James, I was told that the Aixam cars and similar are able to be driven in France by people who have lost their licence through drink driving or speeding, etc. Therefore it's "A Car of Shame" when you see (and hear) one roaring around the French countryside! Crafty little rule to keep the French population mobile! Love your channel. Honesty always pays. If I need a small cheap car I'll be in touch.
Contract with Halfords to do the servicing and repairs? Surprised it's still road worthy, and Halfrauds probably billed them for everything they could get away with.
Your word is your bond - that's my ethos too, James, in all walks of life, and this one has stuck to it throughout my time. Never knowingly let ANYONE down yet. It pays. Similarly: 1 - if I don't know, I don't know, and say so, even if I am not entirely sure of an answer. No-one gets flannel from me. 2 - I will find out, by asking those who do know, and can trust, research and more, and the most important is the following, 3 - I will (and ALWAYS DO) get back to you, as soon as I find out the answer/solution .... etc.
16:01 Maybe it's just an optical illusion, but is the rim of the OSF wheel slightly distorted, at the top as it sits in this shot? That would need sorting
Too many people cannot understand that a deal is a deal. You did the right thing with your polo
Agree
James im sorry mate but you have absolutely have no need to explain yourself its your business, your channel, your money and reputation. If people dont like what you do then its easy , dont watch, in my opinion you are a true and honest bloke and you should be very proud of yourself and your family
Trust is the most important thing between a customer and a dealer!! To keep to your standards/morals is what makes a good dealer to me!! Keep up the good content and hard work James to which is why you always have repeat customers for you are a dealer who people can trust to get a car from!
Thanks
James - ignore any flack ref the Polo - you are absolutely 100% right - long term credibility outweighs any short term gains every time - don’t change - keep being yourself!
Cheers
We sold my daughters old Corsa as spares or repairs years ago. Some lad bought it, took it home, chucked a bucket of water over it and then advertised it for 500 quid claiming to have done all the work it needed the very next day. Some people have no morals or conscience. You did the right thing with the Polo.
James your 100% spot on your word is your reputation & Bond the moment you break that your worthless. Absolutely smashing bloke and fantastic channel All for the best for 2025
Spot on James . That’s the only way to do business . See if you can find another Aixam then you’ll have one for the other foot😅
You made a deal with both, and you did that. You have always been honest, integrity, upfront, and true to your word. People need to realise that they will be judged on their actions and what they say they will do, and if they do it or not. Have a great week James.
10:18 I would have loved to buy the polo and give it a second chance at life, but to be honest Chops you are absolutely right about keeping to your word because as you say you are only as good as your word. So well done mate.
Bottom line - ethics. Well done, Chops.
I've said it before and I will say it again - if you did finance and newer cars, I would travel from London specifically to buy from you... and that is only off the back of watching how you prep your cars and how you treat your customers. I'd be bloody delighted to have the peace of mind that would come with buying from you.
You're a man of your word and that, to me, means a helluva lot. Please don't ever change James.
He has explained why finance is a big no no as customers may choose to stop making payments and it is easier for the finance company to then return the car to him leaving him in the Brown pooey stuff... something like that anyway 😊😢
Cheers buddy
You can use third party finance companies to buy a car
@@andywakefield9826 indeed, but I also buy newer cars than James currently stocks.
Chops you stick to how you run your business you are a true gent. If I was at your end of the country I will have no problems dealing with you ❤
Cheers mate
Your integrity shines through James. There are too many selfish advantage takers in this world. They think they are fine upstanding citizens but when it comes to 'money their way ' they will take the money in a heartbeat regardless of who else loses out.
Good job with the Polo, right decision, keep up the good work 👍
James you are the epitome of a good guy you don't mess people about you do exactly what you say you will and you also go above and beyond what people's expectations are i can 100 % vouch for this you were a true gentleman when I brought dads car to you regards phil
No need to justify your honesty James , you wouldn’t have the following you have without being yourself. Keep up the good work
James a deal is a deal on the Polo and your honest approach was the correct one.
Well done for being honest and of your word. Easy to get jaded in the car game but important to stick to your guns.
Top man chopps you are a man of your word we need more of you in the world
Cheers
You did the correct thing mate
Good on ya james honesty integrity and of good repute good on u shame it seems to be a dying thing nowadays
Yeah I've been dealing with my local garage for about 18 year's, only had three cars from him but he's never been dishonest with me. Does all my servicing and maintenance work. Trust him completely.
Hi James, If the transit connect is a 1.5 tdci then it's a dry belt. I have a focus 2015 plate tdci 1.5 which has ordinary cam belt.
James ....If I lived local to you I would certainly buy a car from Chops Garage 🇬🇧😎 Top Man ...
Mate not need to justify youself to others you are true to yourself
You are a man of your word James all the sensible people know that , dont bother with the idiots
That is one lovely van. You’re so honest James and there’s nothing wrong with that. 😊
My mum lives in Holsworthy
That little car will be perfect for village life and a trip to Bude.
Maybe fun getting up the hills from Holsworthy to Bideford on the A388❤
Great video as always James, as a suggestion for the charity for the channel, I would recommend children’s hospice south west (little bridge house in Fremington) they do so much for the community and would greatly benefit from the raffle. I’ll definitely buying a ticket 👍
I love older cars and if you willing to put money into them when needed they will go forever, however there is a big difference in putting money into a daily you intend to keen and another to a car that needs to be sold for a profit.
If people disbelieve you about the Polo let them try by a spares or repairs from Facebook and try to fix it with a profit at the end.
Bang on mate
Good to see some good garages out there as some really bad ones. My mechanic had to stop due to looking after his dad he was amazing never ripped me off doing any repairs etc , which cars structure wise for rust underneath would you say stay well clear from
It was me my ex father in law as one no problem I watch your channel all the time love it it’s Jason from Huddersfield 👍
Cheers
You definitely did the right thing with the Polo ! Most of them sound like dreamers ...
you did the right thing, ive been watching your channel for a while now and even though im in yorkshire if i wanted a cheap runaround, i think id probably choose a car from you and come to get it, all because of your honesty and ethics, well done
There are no honest car dealers alive any longer.
I think Rowcroft Hospice would be a great local charity for your raffle Chops
Fully agree with your way of doing business, can't beat an honest dealer.
Never commented before, but watched about 50 videos. Just keep doing what you're doing.
Nothing better than an honest and reasonably priced garage.
Just wish I was closer, as you would be high on my list for my next car!
And that goes for the guys you do podcasts with too! All of them very trustworthy.
James, Transit Connect wet belt, I believe Ford have reduced the timing belt change to 100k or 6 years, not 100% sure but I would change it anyway.
Some ebay trims and new ply lining just finished it off
Pete's two glasses made me laugh, It's a shame to see a car with life in it scrapped but you made a deal with two people and explained previously many times why you cant sell that polo/similar cars to the public without the risk of being on the hook even with "spares and repairs trailered away etc" People should take a trip to the large breakers yards and see how many cars end up there with life left in them, and then the reason why alot of yards just crush them rather than parting them out, the world has got disposable and the public have caused the issues they complain about aswell as laws and costs etc, i love running around in cheap old cars repairing them from the breakers yards but times are/have changed unfourtently
Hey James why don’t separate the stock ready to go from one which need prepared it will look like more nicer and why don’t get some price tags and put them on cars aswell only suggestion
Agree on the price tags
I will look out for it in Holsworthy as I live there
Lol
"They got a contract with Halfrauds" i,m still laughing.
Like getting McDonald’s to look after your 🐄 (Cow) isn’t it? 😆
Halfords had an nhs blank cheque.
@@CarlosFandango1975 When I had lease cars the servicing costs were included in the monthly lease cost, so not necessarily a blank cheque from NHS by any means.
my thoughts exactly, I wouldn't trust them changing an air freshener tbh
Your so right about the polo.
Cheers
you did the right thing scrapping it some might of stuck and plaster on it gave it a wash and shopped it off to auction
You did the right thing with the polo
I’d say it’s a shame that you have to justify yourself re the polo but then it just proves what a gent you are that you are happy to explain further. 😊👍
Cheers
In regard to the VW Polo , I feel you did the transactions in accordance with your own business ethics, conscience, and honesty, all Inline with how you want your business to trade, you did no harm to, or took advantage of anyone, and for all of the above reasons you deserve for your business to be successful. As for the detractors of your beliefs, and actions, I am very happy not to be in a situation were I had to buy from them, however if I did and felt I had been sold a substandard car, I would use the full effect of consumer law, including bailiffs, to get recompense. What you do…you do very well. 👍👍
I had to scrap a 2008 ford focus it only had 70k and looked immaculate. But it had around 30 things wrong with it. One being an intermittent PAS fault. A spring and a bearing would have got it through the MOT but it still needed a clutch.
Yes, you have to weigh everything up and make a decision.
Why not just put a new clutch in it. You are only just buying another heap that will need a clutch if it's a good solid car you know why not spend a grand on it
Hi James St Lukes Hospice in Plymouth would be a very worthy benefactor for the raffle. Best wishes
I think most people are seeing the potential life thats left in the polo vs being turned into a tin can I think thats what most people was disappointed with
£££ Me me me me ME £££'s society we live in now James. You carry on just as you are good fellah.
Think the connect is a 1.6 diesel. The newer shape had the 1.5 engine that uses Add Blue.
Quick question James, do you still have a discount code for car vertical? You always strike me as a decent chap... we need more of those in the car industry
your one of the honest guys in the trade from these videos
Cheers
Charity is fine with a choice from you .Van not critical to do any dents really its a working vehicle .With the VW you did what you stated when you took it in so no issues there either . wet belt Can the sump be dropped out to check the situation with the belt a visual check of the oil pick up would tell you if it really was in need of a belt change earlier
I have an up and i will probably doing the same as you took the effot to show us twice. What a difference. Very good.
There are always negative people who would tell you that you’re wrong and bully you into doing what they want of you. The world would be a better place if more people were honest and stuck to their word and principles. You were completely right in everything you said on that front. Good on you, James.
Because of your honesty and trust chops I would travel all the way from London if i needed a cheap reliable car, fingers crossed you are still trading in 14 years when I need to get my son his first car. 😂You would feel confident that whatever you sell us is safe as far as it can be as you are a man of your word. Love the videos which have kept me going in difficult times too!
Ur a rare breed, fed up of the dodgy dealers
Is there anything to stop a scrappy selling the car on or doing it up themself?
You tagged in the ending twice!
Love seeing the small cars like the Axiam-whatever-it-is, these small practical hatchbacks are slowly disappearing from US streets as we're not allowed nice things anymore.
James you've always been good to your word that's why I've had 4 cars from you over the years, excellent service and a gentleman 👌👌
Screw someone over for just a few quid and word gets around - you also burn bridges with your original client. With the opposite attitude you will make more than you lost in the long term - way, way more!!! And you can sleep at night, no brainer.
In the process of taking a dealer to court as I type! Bought a car online which was advertised as having fsh, 2 keys and a recent service and it was delivered with none of these items and no V5!
But you accepted delivery of it anyway? Oops...
@ the chances of getting my money back was slim, so rather take the car than nothing!
Red flag is a contract with halfrauds.
I'd put a PDI through Moores to cover yourself James.
How about Devon Blood Bikers as the charity for the raffle? I'm sure you will be aware of the excellent work they do.
Good for you, trust is so important
Also it was abundantly clear why you were scraping the polo in the previous video.
Great video your mates show room is so cool. Could you answer this , Why is it on used vans is there VAT when the you VAT is payed when the vehicle is new. If a buyer is buying for private use (non business) do they still pay vat? Thanks take care
Meanwhile the scrap man has chucked a bucket over the polo and stuck it in auto trader for £3k
What's the diesel heater James ? Have you got a link ? Thanks
If you weren’t sure about the Up repair, it’s there twice. 🤣 It does sound a lot better.
Never seen one of those Aixam cars!!!
Honest car dealers ! Now that is a proper chimera.
Not at all. Dishonest are very much in minority that's what towns are full of dealerships that have been there for years
The Up! sounds great now 👍 The late edit on the video meant we got to hear it twice over LOL
Good stuff
Hope Royston watched and took notes 😂
Nothing wrong in repairing the car. I told James, as did many others it needed a used power steering pump, that's what he's in business for, I wasn't suggesting punt it out as is, car was dangerous as it was. We've done quite a few of these on, skoda, vw, seat. Car was a 59 plate polo, only the other week James wanted 3.5k for a 60 plate. All this bull about being honest is a load of tripe. Nothing wrong or dishonest about doing a bona fidie repair. It's up to him anyway, his business.
Wonder why so many think Halfords servicing is any worse than main dealers? Plenty of service horror stories from MDs ..
Halfords and kwik fit always been pants. At least MDs usually get there in the end and have to be polite to you.
@@shabba890so you had bad experience with Halfords servicing?? What went wrong ?
Groundhog day James !
?
@@ChopsGarage james end of the video loops
@@ChopsGarage Repeating the last segment of video ....
The more services I saw on a vehicle that were from Halfords, the less I would be likely to buy it.
Not sure why , they are hardy likely to charge for doing the minimum
It's the Halfrauds reputation of maybe not having the best quality of employees
@@ChopsGarageI doubt that they complete everything on just a basic service.
Perhaps it's just my local Halford’s (although a web search suggests otherwise), but they are more likely to break things than fix them. I'm somewhat surprised that they are still in business.
You are honest and that means everything, never change that.
James maybe get dent out on wing if poss but dont worry about back doors always happens
Cheers
Touch up the bits ok the van and let it go as it is
I used to over prep vans but they always sold at top dollar but these days its different unless it's a Vw .
Cheers
Your word is your bond, ignore the wallies.
That poli was far far from being retail ready. It would have made a project for somebody. But as a business move it would have created a loss. And fast
Your reputation is definitely worth more than 150 quid. Your business , your decisions. Nice little van for someome starting up in a small business.
Thanks 👍
self praise is no recommendation
In life ,, in whatever situation...your word is your bond.../ you may have plenty , you may have little....break your word....your nothing ... never to be trusted ...
Hi James, I was told that the Aixam cars and similar are able to be driven in France by people who have lost their licence through drink driving or speeding, etc. Therefore it's "A Car of Shame" when you see (and hear) one roaring around the French countryside! Crafty little rule to keep the French population mobile!
Love your channel. Honesty always pays. If I need a small cheap car I'll be in touch.
Thanks for that very interesting
Choppy choppy chops. Not wrong. No need explain. Well. Within the trade we know anyway. It’s what was said. Done.
Would a 2 point full height lift not pay for itself in no time?
Contract with Halfords to do the servicing and repairs? Surprised it's still road worthy, and Halfrauds probably billed them for everything they could get away with.
You’d think the NHS had money to waste 😂 oh wait
Halfords would replace so many unnecessary things its probably on avarage a year old
@@AndyC2_ If you value your health, stay well clear of the NHS.
@@nigelwatson2750 You are talking shit.
Probably couldn't sell the 208 because people are getting to know just how bad the Puretech engines are.
How about Children With Cancer Fund?
I know the person who runs this amazing charity, Chris Downton.
Lovely video as always, thanks.
Get the dents repaired, always sells better if bodywork is all taken care of
Your word is your bond - that's my ethos too, James, in all walks of life, and this one has stuck to it throughout my time.
Never knowingly let ANYONE down yet.
It pays.
Similarly:
1 - if I don't know, I don't know, and say so, even if I am not entirely sure of an answer. No-one gets flannel from me.
2 - I will find out, by asking those who do know, and can trust, research and more, and the most important is the following,
3 - I will (and ALWAYS DO) get back to you, as soon as I find out the answer/solution .... etc.
16:01 Maybe it's just an optical illusion, but is the rim of the OSF wheel slightly distorted, at the top as it sits in this shot? That would need sorting
No it's all good
Oil change saved going to Moors ££££😮
Could put it in your pocket and go on the Bus!!🤔🤣
Lol
James, you can’t please some people any of the time
True