He wanted his money back!

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[@ChopsGarage]

Buying a car? Just bought one? Make sure you check its history with Carvertical! Get 10% Off your Carvertical Report here - bit.ly/carverticaloffer Win Diagnostic Machine, Jump Pack, Battery Tester and more with our Raffle with 50% of proceeds going to the North Devon Hospice - raffall.com/331312/enter-raffle-to-win-chops-garage-tech-raffle-hosted-by-chops-garage

[@ady1397]

Good call James. I think you've saved yourself a lot of future hassle by taking it back.

[@FK-zr9fn]

Just the sort of customer that nightmares are made of. You did the right thing 👍

[@Charlie_Crown]

Buyers remorse, simple as that. Looks like a nice car, sure it will sell quickly, no doubt about that 👍

[@user-db8bl1me9e]

This is a prime example of your honesty and professionalism. The steering knock was barely noticeable, It's a Honda, it will be utterly brilliant and reliable for the next buyer I'm sure.

[@ChopsGarage]

Many thanks

[@AngelDjay]

@@ChopsGarage If there was any play in the steering the mot would have failed it we had customers that kept coming back with invisible problems back 20 years a go.

[@andrewmalyon5699]

Hi James, your cars are prepared to a lot higher standard than most , any 90,000 mile car will have knocks and noises if you listen for them,that Honda is a lovely car,you do seem to find them,you always go the extra mile ,how I wish I was nearer to you,I'd purchase from you without hesitation.

[@andybee1177]

Alright Andy I totally agree that James is unbelievably honest and transparent with all the dealing with cars he does. I think people are trying to play on James good nature. I commented on the Toyota lady video and said James should of just told her no basically as it was getting ridiculous with daft complaints. And even if its one bad review it's not so bad because everything is on KZbin for viewing and the negative review will be seen to be unjust. And long as your in the UK and James has a car you like and want to buy then it's 100% worth the one way train fair travelling to him in my eyes. Knowing James he'd probably end up contributing to your train fare or maybe put some fuel in towards your journey home. Really is a very good trustworthy car trader who you can confidently purchase vehicle from and know you've been told absolutely everything you need to about said vehicle.

[@TheMentalblockrock]

@@andybee1177 It sounds like there is a soft clunk to me turning around the centre point.

[@789loveislam]

Yeah with used parts

[@ScarboroughTourist]

I think he's just changed his mind.

[@severnsea3924]

I was thinking the same thing. I run a small online business and you get people like this all the time. They'll email you at 11pm on a Sunday night and expect an immediate reply, or they ring the phone off the hook instead of leaving a message - why do they think the answerphone is there in the first place? Often it's the ones who spend the least that cause the most problems, think you're trying to scam them or whatever, yet we never refuse a replacement or refund if that's what people want - not worth the hassle, but you get it anyway. Just something to note if you want to start your own business.

[@andrewnevermind4902]

Exactly. Or leave you a 1 star review because they didn't answer the door to the delivery or check with their post office. We have this all the time.

[@VickersV]

I'd have that car in a heartbeat, very nice, some people are just people.

[@RichardStefanits]

To be honest I had multiple cars at different ages usually higher mileage and in all modern cars there is a thing called the collapsible stering column. It is a part of a security system that works together with the airbags, etc and it is actually able to collapse. Normally when the two parts join it wears out somewhat over time and it may make a noise which is in my book considered normal wear and tear, but apparently there are some snowflakes in the UK who don't understand they get a used car when they buy a used car and they want a new car for a fraction of the price.

[@matejanosvarga8877]

Such noise-sensitive people should take a ride in my trusty 19 yr old mk4 golf. Runs fine, no warning lights. no rust at all, all working, seats rock solid, lovely heat and AC but yes, it crackles and creaks from all over the place. And yes, twice the price of it won't buy you a brand new car, either. People should be more realistic about buying used cars.

[@andyfield6854]

I think these people are commonly known as twats

[@pussinboots1145]

Nothing new i had one in a vauxhall chevette in the 80s

[@jeremybevan5946]

James Put the car in reverse while turning full lock, like you are backing out of a drive way. Also make sure there is no play in the drop links. I had this on a Audi A3 which drove me mad. When I changed the drop links; which seemed ok; one side had a loose joint. Problem fixed for £12 part.

[@TheSteeley62]

You did the right thing, I was in business for many years and although the customer is not always right, it’s beneficial in the long term to do what’s right by them, it protects your business in the long term and gives you a good name…..better than any advertising.

[@Piner5074]

People’s expectations are way too high aren’t they? Like you said 90k miles 11yrs old, what does he really expect? Want the new car feel? Buy a new car. Expect like you say, he has separate issues and the car is the only thing he has control of.

[@techjunkie68smusicandtech56]

I had a 16 year old Civic (2006 8th gen 2.2 litre diesel, that drove perfect, only failed MOT once in that time! Great cars, unfortunately had to sell as I lost my job and couldn't afford to keep it on the road .

[@acorndogs904]

You saved 6 months of headaches he was doing some rocking of the wheel to have that defect

[@adamanthony7465]

Any rack that has done 90 k on the well travelled roads of Britain is going to be a great rack!.. In Africa we run it until we spot it in the rear view mirror.🎉 A good car for a good man or woman..they will appear soon enough.

[@trevorjarvis3021]

Your way too good James, I don’t know any car dealership up here in the southeast ( Kent area ) that would be anywhere near as genuine as you are. Total respect to you Sir. 👏✊👍🚙🚘🚗🚗

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@golders99]

We need a Chops franchise up here in Sunny "Kent" James!

[@paulmoore6345]

He was particularly fussy. Another person who needs to buy new

[@Brian-om2hh]

But that's no guarantee there won't be faults.....

[@Achilles22]

Just the sort of moron you want as a customer 😂😂

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

​@user-ob1zi3ko9bsome people are professional moaners. They get some type of buzz or enjoy from creating drama

[@jackie1159]

my civic does this, 2015 facelift lol 50k

[@stephenfletcher4117]

I had a civic. It was the best car I ever had.

[@robbflynn4325]

It's probably the clockspring in the steering wheel. No big deal. Good of you to take it back.

[@thefamouseccles1827]

My experience of public-facing sales business is that you do occasionally get people who are either super-anxious, super-finicky, or simply attention-seeking. You definitely did the right thing.

[@ChopsGarage]

very true

[@leplessis8179]

Dead right - we all get them. "Dear Sir/Madam - thank you for calling by - it really makes me appreciate all my other custoners"

[@chiefrocka8604]

I had a xr2 with no rear seat belts that the guy was converting to a track car , bad idea it was too good for that a black 87 D reg so I found weirdly the back seats it needed the rest were there but no rear seat belts, 8 had a kid on eBay want to buy it so no probs took a £100 deposit and said it is wharrit is no seatbelts in rear but rest is to mo5 standard I know off it’s a clean car. Next thing a few days later I get the guys dad call me who sounded like one of them passive aggressive mitherers who liked the sound of his own voice and wants a chat , I stopped him after 15 mins as I knew where this was going so I said leave it with me I’ve got a fax coming through I need I gotta split to get rid of him. Next day I get the idiot dad call me saying he wants the deposit back he’s not happy so I said I’ve got the seat belts where’s my money yo7 owe me so I spun him o;his head , he’s asking for deposit I’m demanding my money and the car gone , he says you ain’t got the belts I said the belts are here , he says send me the money I say come get the car . Then I had a brain wave I said ok no problem come get the deposit I only got cash , he’s like no send it me so 8 say what and you say it’s gone missing no come get the money and I’m in Cheshire he’s in like Kent and then I say because I want to have a nice chat with you about wasting my time when you get here and then I’m gonna give you the money when you get here . Never saw the guy or heard from him again and the ne,very next day I get a Irish geeza call me and say he wants it so I said no probs come and get it, told him about the rear belts but the rests grea.. new tyres beautiful paint very original and he says he’s buying a few cars and mine after flying in so I’m like no probs, he spews the g Wagen and gets to mine in a 306 d turbo tingbthe Irish like and says can he leave the 306 at mine and take the xr2 back now and I’m like sure .. 306 sat outside mine keeping my eye on it and then disappears gone and I never had no problems. That’s car dealing lol 🤣

[@johnlundy536]

Need more like you very honest man

[@hectorshouse7348]

Best to fix it…I worry about worn steering personally. You’ve offered all the solutions, so well done mate👍

[@garyjackson7183]

Hi James I've always said I wish I lived closer to you I'd purchase a car from you no problem your cars are prepared to a very high standard the last car I bought from a trader was a right lemon and when I contacted the dealer he didn't want to know keep up the good work👍

[@stepheng8779]

I've bought an 11 year old car with 100,000 miles on, I expect it to be like new. If he wanted the fuel I'd have given him a hosepipe :)

[@gwengo4167]

Your a good honest guy. Definitely sell that car all day long. It’s a good solid motor.

[@davercs]

People really need to think about it logically when buying a secondhand car their expectations being so hight. If you want as perfect as possible then buy a new

[@pedrodaniellopesferreira2916]

I bought a few brand new cars, and even those are not perfect. My 2023 I4 came with a misaligned driver door, and you almost need to slam it in order to get it to close. I took me 3 visits to BMW to get it sorted, and yes! The lock was also faulty. It needed replacing - on a brand new car!

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

you have to put the newer rack in it. You'll tell the next person there is play as you're too honest, and then they will want it sorting, even if they can't hear or feel it

[@Mac_Cam]

Good call James & thank you for the raffle too such a good cause

[@jollygreengiant7072]

Having watched you buy and prep cars for sale at honest prices, i would have no hesitation in buying a second hand car frrom you. You make them look so bloody good some buyers seem to forget they are not brand new motors! Wish there were more like you in the trade. Keep the vids coming mate and all the very best to you.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks bud

[@johnelbro127]

Say it again probably the most honest car dealer, brilliant service. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@johnmontgomery634]

You're a very honest man I would buy a car from you no problem...

[@niged]

Well done James. You've done the right thing to get the car back.

[@richardsedorski1206]

You can’t please some people no matter hard you try.👍👍👍

[@ChopsGarage]

that can be the case

[@darrencrumpton1456]

Hi James, I watching your video from four hours ago and I can hear no knocking. Thanks, Darren

[@Woofersgalore]

What an amazing bloke you are James. Just subscribed as I am impressed with your customer service. I’d definitely buy a car from you if I was in the market for one and lived near your garage. Impressive. 👍👍👍

[@cliverichardson286]

Hi James I have a Volkswagen tdi Very slight knock on steering, it’s just slight wear on a 2007 plate Nothing to worry about 👍

[@dm2378]

Another happy customer. Wonder how long till you say enough. Thanks for the content l.

[@gregmitchell5594]

James, you are too nice mate, fair enough give a refund but I wouldn’t have given him anything towards the fuel 🤣

[@leeanaly]

Sounds like universal joint on column to steering rack! Check bolts are tight and plenty of red rubber grease! 👍

[@Michael-dp4fo]

I could hear something probably would just get it sorted if it gets worse over time the next owner might come back to you even if you have told them about it your a fair man to deal with 👍

[@acorndogs904]

I said it when u said about the spotlight etc that he wanted the car perfect. He will be hard work

[@barryhawkins7039]

The noise could be the top mounts on the suspension struts. Had it, on a 2006 civic

[@shane6115]

I bet your right, Hondas are notorious from those mounts going.

[@neilsmith2323]

I remember the freelander mk1 had steering rack rattle from new ,they did a improvment with a new power steering hose.

[@paulclarke7461]

Love watching your channel I can't believe this Guy thinks the steering is faulty it would never of passed its MOT yet alone to 2 garages that have also checked the car out all the best it resell no problem

[@g0fvt]

FWIW I gather some Civics were covered by a TSB for this exact issue. The suggested cure was to loosen and retorque all of the bolts securing the rack. (Apparently 6 total). The suggestion was that during manufacture the fixings are not under the same load.... not sure if this applies to yours.

[@johndavies4644]

Top mounts Subframe click is common aswelll I have an idtec 1.6 mk9 and you have to wait for glow plugs to warm up, if you get in car and flick key fast it doesn’t like it. I mean literally 2 seconds of glow plug warming. Always been the same since 2 years old. 😊

[@thindo]

Just the way it goes sometimes good as always keeping it real and giving advice to other people

[@tommyzoo]

fair play to you for being frank and honest. The Civics racks can be slightly 'clumpy' sounding at low speeds but this is normal wear and unless the MOT can detect any obvious play then it is perfectly good and safe. The batteries on these, like any car, can deteriorate and when they churn more slowly simply replace the battery as it wont get any better. But you clearly care and that is a rare commodity in our trade. Good luck in the future

[@markkelly9701]

James get down into the foot-well and lubricate the universal joints on the steering column to steering rack inside the car for starters had it on a few cars in the past

[@daverickards7647]

I've got one 98000 . Hasn't missed a beat . Replaced the plastic bushes ( pig of a job ) but all my problems or behind me .Take care .

[@barryhumphries4514]

Hi James, I think you’ve been very fair with that Honda. I would expect some sound from the steering rack. In fact, I think I would probably buy that if if if it was what I needed at the time. I'm sure it will sell again quite soon!

[@retroadventurer]

I wish the dealers near me did all the work you do on yours! I'd have no hesitation buying a car off you.

[@Wigedywezzers1]

James I guess he just had buyers remorse. Just wanted his cash back. You are a kind fair person. It’s very good of you. Yes people could learn a lot from your laid back attitude.

[@1970boggy]

Honestly you do impress me with your customer service

[@6ettinold]

I've never owned a 2nd hand car that hasn't made a slight noise through the steering. You tend to be able to discern the difference between an expected noise from parts moving to something a little more serious like a worn rack or a worn track rod end.

[@ernesthogan681]

Interesting about the steering column....I was in the market for one some time ago, earlier car than this and there was no self-centering action due what I later discovered was a common fault in that model. The garage said it could be lubricated but I walked as I considered that to be a temporary fix and by that time they would have had my money.

[@frankkearney7174]

Try repositioning the knuckle on the steering and torque it back up thats a really nice motor

[@jimmyjt16]

Buyers remorse!! As soon as he mentioned the stone chips on viewing I'd have know his expectations of a car that age were unrealistic. He's probably come out of a new/lease car.

[@paulf2529]

I'm not sure, admittedly I buy newer lower mileage used cars but I'd still be concerned about stone chips.

[@Draxindustries1]

Agree. People who mention tiny cosmetics to us are immediately turned away. We refuse to sell the car to them, instead we point in the direction of the main dealer , lock the car up and walk away....

[@johnmahon3503]

and you gave him some money back for the diesel… top man

[@andrewbaines8760]

I guess he had it on full lock, and could hear the stop

[@super6954]

You did the right thing taking it back and hopefully saving the bad revue game some seem to like to play online. To be honest it sounds like there is something in the video, is it bad I don't know for sure, but I'd say you got the parts just do it and say nothing to the next buyer. I'm pretty sure the average know nothing buyers going to be scared to death of a " steering problem" like they'd just been told they had a terminal condition and a month to live. It sounds like it might need a battery or starter as well, Those fancy electronic testers don't always give accurate answers compared to old school mechanical load testers. I've had tractor batteries pass when a customers had the parts store check, Then I put them on a carbon pile load tester and they fall flat on their @r$es. Thats why it won't start the first morning the suns behind the clouds and a hard frost, but it would start pretty decent all summer long . Take care

[@turnercraig9953]

Fantastic video! Please James open a car dealership in Yorkshire! Legend

[@andrewfoster1316]

i put that down to proberly track rod / ball joint maybe not the rack. the rack you ordered could be worse id check either them first and like you said 90 thou car gonna make some noise. great video

[@cabottaxi]

Bet you're glad to see the back of him. Some buyers are not worth the hassle. More greetings than a pack of Christmas cards

[@brianiswrong]

The loudest noise was the nut holding the steering wheel 😇

[@adamferris1452]

I've just had the same noticeable only statioary or slow moving. Dealer had it for 3 days, it ended up being nearside top mount had a small split in the rubber. Replaced and noise went

[@GuyM-hp6in]

As ever, more than fair. It could be with your experience you understand what is going on and so have confidence in the car. For someone who doesn't know, an unexpected bump or noise with a 'new' purchase could have a very different impact in how they feel, especially if they haven't dealt with you before. It feels like the right thing all round to take the car back in within the 30 days, make sure it is all chipper and sell it on again with full knowledge of what does, or indeed, doesn't exist. Great job as always. If you were local to me you'd be my go-to dealer of choice.

[@tariqmahmood6497]

You the man James 👌

[@michaelmcdermott1877]

It definitely sounds like the guy was looking for a excuse to get his money. The clue is also that he was a BMW driver. As a mechanic myself, I would rather have the little Honda day. They always start up. I personally wouldn't bother getting the rack fitted, it doesn't need doing. I guarantee the next person you sell that to won't have a ounce of trouble with it, and you won't see them again.

[@Mech747able]

I think some civics have adjustment and lock nuts on the rack, although access can be a pain.

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

If the rack is adjustable, Jack it up and adjust it- it's pinion by sound of it😉 done loads over years

[@stuartsaunders4518]

If the parts are on their way maybe just fit them and sell at a new higher price and sell it again then no hassle again hopefully

[@robertpate9599]

It sounds like the UV joint that goes from the collum to the rack I had the same with Saab's and Volvo's I could be wrong but that what I can hear hope it is but keep up the good videos

[@johnpritchard2772]

Hello James, well dealt with the customer, you are being honest as per useual! As the car has such high mileage you can exspect a few "niggles" with it, as you have said; ,as long as it is a safe and reliable to use! Both yourself and customer have had a good result in this deal. Be interetsed in what you are going to do next?? Best wishes from Lincolnshire.

[@frankkearney7174]

That's a lovely car and a lovely colour check the little knuckle on the steering down near the floor for a bit play take it off and realine it.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks for the tip

[@eggertls6817]

I've watched your channel for a few months, and I sometimes think to myself, if I would know a used car dealer who was as honest as you, then I might purchase a used car....(I stopped 10 years ago buying used based on a few bad experiences). I don't think your clients realize how lucky they are ! Its a car driven 90k...it will never be perfect car. Thanks for the channel and best of luck!

[@aileniialeco3549]

Check how inflated the tyres are and check/ replace anti roll bar bushes and links

[@bradleymilton9372]

I would buy a car off you in a. Heartbeat u do alot of prep work to them fairplay Good on you

[@ChopsGarage]

Many thanks

[@anthonyhopkins984]

I think he had more of a screw loose than the steering rack in that car!

[@hal752]

Feel you did a good job. Much better experience overall than my current latest purchase. The car came clearly with faults. Seller wanted me to drive the car back down to the south. I'm from the north. Had to fight tooth and nail and in the end I just carried out the work myself. Am I wrong?

[@derekfleming3095]

Had the same issue on my focus steering, was the bush where the column shaft went through the bottom behind the pedals. Lubricated it and it’s gone. Just dryness

[@Lou_Kyr]

Great video James. You made the right decision on the refund. Just would have been hassle in the long term.

[@bobhope4395]

My 2013 honda civic has 132,000 miles and the steering is perfect. Its not notchy, or knocking or anything. As for the slow starting, mine does that when the clutch isn't fully depressed. If its not welded to the floor, the starter sounds odd. It's easy to test yourself, just lift your foot off the clutch just as it starts to spin up. Just my 10 pence worth, I think being a civic owner, I've learnt some of its oddities and always happy to share.

[@steveegginton535]

As usual you were very fair to this customer but i don't imagine you will have much trouble re-selling it looks a very nice car - generally Honda's just go on and on!

[@adamweston4152]

Is it a power steering model? Sounds ok to me, you did the right thing taking it back James, I'd take it to Moore's and get a professional second opinion.

[@jolawre6526]

Fool best not to deal with people like that. 1 of the most honest garage dealers out there 👍 best to wash your hands of a fool like that 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@novicetheaf]

I had a similar thing on my swift and it went away after time. Fine car 👌

[@Clodhopping]

I'd happily by a car from James. He's very thorough with each car. The only time I asked for a refund was when I bought a 2nd hand Ignis AWD. The gearbox packed up and the garage couldn't get the right AWD gearbox and tried to return it as 2WD... Any minor bugs I accept as part of life.... The steering rack on my 22-year old car has clonked for 40k miles. It's passed every MOT (at different garages) and my trusty mechanic couldn't find anything wrong. Just slight wear and tear. If anything they think it's just soft anti roll bushes.

[@klaseronen7535]

Thank you for the video. Too bad you're in the UK, I'd love to buy a Honda from you. I'm sure there's always a right buyer for a car like this somewhere.

[@matejanosvarga8877]

Well done James. He was about to completely lose faith in the car due to two unrelated issues (honestly, which 10+ car starts on the button 100% of the time) and would surely have got back to you for more.

[@davebennett6730]

Hi James i had the very same issue with an i20. Put a new rack on and the customer was fine. Also you get this low speed knock on MK7 Fiestas , strangely enough this is the spline going dry on the column intermediate joint..amazingly enough a good application of grease fixes the issue . Well worth having the car back if you have an "interesting" customer its much less hassle in the long run. Cheers Dave

[@matthewwakeham2206]

Older i20's had an issue with a poor quality design for the pre-load on the rack and pinion. So much so that there was a dealer supplied kit available to upgrade it. My i20 failed its last MOT due to too much play in the rack (on full left lock the right hand end of the rack was flopping about). We managed to wind in the adjuster to take out the slack.

[@andrewbarnard6935]

Full tank 🎉

[@nuno7419]

I think that model has the steering rack adjustment nut. Need a special 40mm spanner to tighten the play. Usually knocking sound occurs in forward and back movements not turning.

[@ChopsGarage]

Thanks for the info

[@garyhawkins-pianoteacherpi6490]

Two things that sets you part from some traders. You ordered another part and offered to fix it for him. Refunded and took the car back without quibble. Absolutely amazing If he was a ‘nice enough chap’ then I have no major grievance with him either. As you say, he may have just had some bad experiences with car traders in the past ( I’ve had my fair share of that too ) and worried it wouldn’t get fixed. Sounds like the best result for both parties :) Nice work.

[@ChopsGarage]

Many thanks

[@amsingh3041]

If you put the steering on full lock to each side and then check the ball joints as they may have slight play. You won't see it unless you turn the wheel fully to each side.

[@1934frazernash]

Best thing you could do he had buyers remorse . Or lack of funds to be able to afford it

[@simonleeofficial]

Married 😂

[@letni9506]

I think people are harsh on the guy He heard a knock and if his confidence with the car had gone , he wasn't going to feel safe driving it. The steering isn't something you want to fail😀 Over cautious maybe but we are all different.

[@sipepguru]

Spot on, we all like the KZbinr, but if I brought the car I'd be concerned about knocking

[@mikeraphone6745]

Sounds like my son's ford fiesta 2008 . There is a bush on it near where it goes under the dash . I pumped some copper ease in it and it stopped.

[@susan0ne]

You seem bloody honest what a great man to buy a car from

[@ChopsGarage]

Much appreciated

[@thomaswalker1258]

There’s a little sound. I’d replace it just as you have the part on the way. If you didn’t have the part on order I wouldn’t have bothered. Great video. Very inspiring for me to start my own car sales business

[@beetle2112]

It’s a Honda Civic , they NEVER go wrong, you did the right thing ditching that Buyers Remorse oxygen thief.

[@mercedesmadman238]

2.2 CDTI'S are terrible

[@terry141186]

No they really aren't. Mines going strong not a single issue with it.​@@mercedesmadman238

[@jackie1159]

my civic does this, the guy i take my cars to said theres nothing wrong so i dunno :D@@mercedesmadman238

[@ched999uk]

I have very similar Honda Civic at about 80K miles and it's great - mpg amazing. I couldn't really hear anything, as you say 90K miles and it passed MoT without advisories! Does that mean the V5 now shows an extra owner?

[@rudecomb2006]

I had same issue with a mk7 fiesta knocking from steering column