MY CUSTOMER WAS RIPPED OFF BUYING THIS KIA SPORTAGE

[@timjackson1904]

Back in 83, I bought my first ar, a capri! I took my mechanic mate along as I knew nothing about cars. After a couple of weeks, I took for wheel alignment cos it pulled into a R turn and fought against a L turn. I went back an hour later expecting all to be done, but the mechanic said I should see this! When I looked at the front wheels from the side, he pointed out that one was 6" in front of the other, and he didnt know why. I was pissed with my 'former' mate (for a while lol), and decided to figure it out myself. It turned out (by elimination) that 'someone' had replaced the anti roll bar with one several inches shorter. So I decided I needed to learn about mechanics as I couldnt trust anyone else, and over the years (Triumph Stag years!) learned how to fix anything, even rebuilding a Dolomite gearbox (Im a Triumph man!). So my advice for buying a car.......take a trip to Crewe to see Lee, I've seen enough to recommend him to anyone. Wishing Lee and subscribers the happiest of New Years.

[@mjcamp01]

Very nicely said Tim

[@Wiltshire-observer]

Yes, Lee is very sound when it comes to his knowledge, which he is happy to share with his customers. Many garages wouldn’t do that, they just want to shift the metal. I’ve recommended The Car Pitch to my nephew who will need a replacement car fairly soon. He lives within a few miles of Crewe.

[@johnmcmahon4364]

Great to hear from a true and honest dealer, what to look out for, thank you Lee

[@andygj66]

Ouch. You have to feel for the owners. Several hard learned lessons in one car.

[@Krisdafitter]

Again hats off to you for being honest to us out here in KZbin land, and at least you've helped the customer into another vehicle that I am sure will be spot on as unusually you seem to care and not just out to make a fast buck so we'll done you 👍

[@phillipwilliams4674]

I watch many Car channels on youtube, and they pretty much all recommend a vehicle checking service of one sort or another, but this is the first time I've heard it being described as being akin to a survey before you buy a house. What a great comparison, and pretty much describes how important it is to protect possibly your second biggest purchase after your house!

[@chutchy107]

and a women.lol

[@graemew7001]

Such a shame that this happened to the previous owner, I always advise using a checker, especially for cars worth a lot of money. I would be putting this through a salvage auction becuase as you say, they know what they're buying there. You can certainly see the difference between a bad job done here and the cars they do on Salvage Rebuilds UK, Rob and Chris do top quality work.

[@MrRedfreds]

Feel sorry for the buyer, lessons to be learned, always do your research. Have a great New Year.

[@darrenwilson8042]

back in 2018 there will have been some hands on eyeballed inspection of the car to write it off. I worked in the industry and insurers found that it was dead cheap to employ "inspectors" to do assessments based on photo's and video's in Covid times and they have carried on doing that hence some cars are written off when they should not be and some that should aren't - its a minefield which is why a Vehicle Score and the like are vital - its like piracy on the high seas out there

[@Peter-v1x6l]

used to think buying used car was like putting a quid in a fruit machine but your info on all those different motors and their common faults is very helpfull thanks

[@richardpickering2452]

Even if i was buying from a dealer i would do my own vehicle check.

[@pete07bikes]

Some handy tips raised here - wasn't aware of the Log book (V5) notification for cat S vehicles - thank you

[@chrisblay]

Don't know if it's still the same now. However, if a vehicle had been used as a Taxi, the V5 would show number of seats. Otherwise, not normally shown. I found that out years ago, after buying a car with a hidden history.

[@angryofmayfair7091]

I would be embarrassed to trade in a car left like a 5h1t hole inside , they could have made some effort to clean the inside.

[@colinevans7134]

That's good of you to point this out, I wouldn't buy a high mileage car and yes if I was spending a lot of money on a car you should get this checked out, I was always lucky because I know about cars but wouldn't go with anyone to buy a car just incase there was something that might go wrong and fill bad, your a good honest bloke 😊❤🎉

[@davidstevens1547]

Like the fact that you took it in Part Exchange and told them the history of the car and why you were only paying them so much. Could the issue with the heater be what others have said i.e. flaps not working. May be worth a quick look before trading it on. As you said a vehicle check is a must these days particularly from a private seller.👍👍

[@eggie555golf]

Possibly the blend door flap motor for the heating issue

[@peterbrownless]

I'd be dumping that through an auction Lee, it's a crap repair on what we can see, so likely crap on what we can't too.

[@BRFC23]

Great sponsor content Lee... Hope to see more sponsors soon for the channel.

[@georgedaville4662]

Good advice on using the car checking companies out there. They are not expensive and can save a lot of heartache. I thought your presentation of the subject was spot on Lee. Shiny cars can be so deceptive, and there are a quite a few dodgy back street operators who will deceive the average Joe! Keep up the good work mate. 👍

[@muffindell]

My daughter's VW UP! is a CAT N car, she's had it around 5 years now, absolutely no trouble, but we did have the before and after pictures which inspired confidence in the purchase

[@chriscarter611]

One of the most important videos you have done thanks for the advice

[@michaelwilson3844]

My guess is the heater matrix is needing replaced , hopefully we will find out once the car has been inspected , I think it would still make a decent car for some one taking on board all the issues Lee has made us aware of , I would pay for a AA inspection advising them of all the issues raised.

[@marksenior9220]

Always do a check when buying private and read the V5. It should show the private hire and cat s status.

[@martinthompson54]

Hi great advice on buying a car, from marty in Belfast northern Ireland God bless and hope you and your family had a great Christmas. And happy new year,

[@patmckeane6588]

As for the chucked on panels Lee ,when i was a taxi driver f they took damage they would be thrown back together so they werent off the road losing money too long

[@carukchannel]

agree at the end of the day as long as it looks ok from distance it would be fine as a taxi I guess

[@kevsimmonds3054]

Great advice as always lee.Feel so sorry for them.

[@alisonjones9089]

Never by a car from a taxi driver in Wolverhampton

[@damianleah6744]

These taxi licences are purchased by private hire drivers all over the country because they are cheaper than their local authority. It should be banned imho

[@chiefrocka8604]

Liverpool is littered with Wolverhampton licenced taxis Soon as you know liverpools involved you know it’s all dodgy

[@danormal1707]

lol why I take care of my car isn’t it the maintenance history what counts

[@Beijingbenj]

Stoke-on-Trent the same.

[@Cyber5044]

Middlesbrough every single taxi is Wolverhampton and you actively see them selling their taxis on Facebook with the taxi plates included. Should he completely banned and illegal

[@craigdaly5111]

Pitch is looking nice and tidy 👍 been hard at work good job

[@Bigdeecee]

Good advice 👍 got a topdon 1500 jump starter with your discounted link and it seems an excellent bit of kit! Hope I never have to use it 😂

[@DavidDouglass-uc6bi]

great video Lee, i always tell my friends and family to do a proper check for less than of less than a couple of pints! i even did it with the garage i bought my last car from.the chrome affect trim on the door wasn't lined up properly. it looks like Stevie Wonder bodged than bumper on

[@billdornan4379]

Happy New Year and kindest regards. Sunshine Coast, BC 🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@maureenswallow3054]

Have a happy New year, and wish you good health for the future, Bill.

[@pollywollydo]

Be an interesting case to follow, All the Best for a ( prosperous) New Year

[@andypreston2982]

always use vehicles score when checking a car im buying since watching your channel lee

[@kelvinnoden3057]

Fair play Lee for even taking it at all mate, sound advice too happy new year 👍

[@keithjackson8076]

Sound advice as always Lee. Always research your prospective purchase thoroughly. Also your insight from a traders perspective into how to move cars like this on honestly, salvage etc. and where no one gets stung again.

[@damianleah6744]

A Trojan horse inside the customer ended up with a nightmare. Very informative too 👍. Buyer beware.

[@davidmarshall5596]

You are a very experienced guy in the motor trade, & as honest a guy in this business will be, a great channel that gives all us subscribers a view that not all motor trade people are bad/rogue etc, personally o always think buying from a reputable dealer is so important & makes for total commonsense, as there are some bastards out there that will shaft anyone & everyone 😮😮keep up the great channel, here's to 2025 & more great content 👍 🎉🎉

[@chrisardern4594]

Wise words from a man who knows. Good informative video Lee let's just hope people take heed and do the check or just buy one off yourself who I assume has done the vehicle serch already. Good luck and best wishes for 2025.

[@jeremywentworth1833]

Id quite happily buy a Cat N or S if it was sorted properly & definitely if the car was just Cat N due to been stolen & recovered.

[@liamegan4303]

Hello Lee, God, you would pay a fortune for that here in Ireland lol. What a lovely Kia lol. You would never know by just looking. This isnt Matt Armstrong's mums car. Lol. Nice treat, getting a video out today 👌👏👏👏. Much Appreciated. Have a Happy New Year, Lee, and family 🙏🙏👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@paulhill1379]

Good video Lee and good advice.

[@pennysteam]

I have always always gone to a car dealer like yourself, was recently tempted to drop by when changing my last car end of November, but you are a bit out of my range being near sheffield myself. My first port f call is to check the MOT history online, try to get some history on the car dealer, sales reviews, if I have not been there before and my final check was on vehicle score follow your advise. Everything checked out and after a good look round I purchased the car and it has beeb fine so far. I think it is always safer to go with a dealer as you have a better chance of not getting ripped off in the first place, but as you say, do you homework.

[@MrLootshoot]

Top content that man, Seasons Greetings.

[@Striker885]

I dont bother with private sales anymore as 40% of used car sales in the private market are defective and i bought one them last year. I only willing to by from trade car sales now

[@SteveBernard42]

I suspect the Kia will be going off to auction sooner rather than later……. Though it’d be interesting to know the heater fault… Great vid Lee.

[@coops1964]

I have a similar car on a similar plate. Ive had it for two years and it's brilliant. I did a check with car vertical first of course.

[@geetee7154]

It always amazes me when people are still getting stung when spending large amounts of money for a car, as you mentioned Lee, people seem to be blinkered, there is so much info available nowadays, the biggest no no is buying private, should someone want to buy a car privately, then there is the AA or RAC checks, the original seller obviously thought the buyer was a bit of a mug, so avoidable 🤔

[@geoffoliver6788]

Hi Lee, its is a pity that when a car is MOTd it not shown up that there is a Cat on the vehicle, and where the damaged area was. Happy New Year.

[@FancyaBevMate]

I've been in the taxi/phv industry for 27 years and most people in our industry drive sensibly as "when the wheels aren't turning you're not earning" meaning your reliability and therefore the way you drive factors in those vehicles not only being very eell maintained but cared for more than the average Joe 😂 like all drivers there's good and bad but remember milage no matter how it has been used is wear and tear. My kia niro has over 120,000 miles and looks pristine inside and out. I might get in contact once I'm ready to get a new vehicle and let you "appraise" it and make up your own mind that not all vehicles used as taxis are being abused. Ps 98% of all taxi/phv are owned by the driver so its in our interest to look after them. Cheers

[@MrNikoid]

Has it even got a matrix Lee? Years ago I bought an old knacker and the heater had obviously been leaking and had been removed. The pipes had just been joined together!😂😂😂😂

[@adriancarter825]

The moto is do your homework first regardless of anything, happy new year Lee ,

[@rossdixon6126]

This is why i always pay the extra pound and go to a dealer with top reviews and even then i do my own checks!

[@billysdiecastdetailing8868]

About 1970 my best mate bought a minivan fo £100.In the dark and in the rain.Next day he noticed it had the front of one mini and the back of another with repsprays over newspaper bodges. As safe as a chocolate house in the desert. In those days it really was buyer beware.I bought a 1953 Ford Prefect in 1969 for £12.50 with tax but it would not start on a hill as clutch juddered so much so I ended up making journeys avoiding hills.

[@UncleMort]

Car runs fine, not overheating. blower is working so has to be a water flow problem to/through matrix or an actuator issue with the HVAC. Looks well worth a little time to find issue on such a cheap motor to me, but I`m not in the car trade

[@johnandrews8983]

Hi Lee hope you had a good Christmas My God that repair is shocking Will make a car though for someone once is repaired properly

[@paulbuckland132]

Also, we had a Sportage just like that, a 20 plate diesel hybrid; nice enough car, wife loved it, until it broke down, then a string of manufacturer recalls, so was traded in.

[@chiefrocka8604]

Had a 1700 Sri diesel Corsa with zero heater, ran night and day fine but took it the garage and they mucked round for ages then fitted a water pump,and it blew a hose off Took it Vauxhall specialist who said they couldn’t find the problem and it needed dismantling to diagnose . Hope this isn’t the same

[@alistairking744]

A Happy New Year 🥳 to you and your family Lee, and all the Very Best for 2025 🎉 thanks for another informative and honest video 👍🏻

[@motoringmemories6825]

Great cat vlog.have a great new year.glen from Devon.

[@corkstud1]

On vehicle score they still give it 654 rate it as good eventhough it was a CAT S write off,don't trust vechile scores free service

[@BarringtonRobinsonII]

Kia , straight to auction. The ones before that were better made. The ones before , like 06 era had hot start probs and chocolate gearboxes. In those yank vids where they say to the mechanics, ' what car wouldn't you buy' it is mostly Hyundai/Kia they say

[@yonmons]

Get that barge pole out the back office Lee, and shove that well away.

[@macca2760]

I did a vehicle score paid check recently , even from a dealership

[@retro_al666]

I bought a cat S vivaro van and its been the best van I've ever owned.

[@psych0puppy657]

cat cand d were based on costs, if the repair cost was higher than 40% of pre-accident value then the car was cat d, if the repair cost was greater than the pre accident condition then it was cat C, my x5 was written off 3 times, twice at cat c and once as cat d due to the cost of bumpers.

[@anthonydeakin3834]

My stepdad bought a Sportage and when the winter came the 4 wheel drive didn’t work. The dealer said it wasn’t his problem, my stepdads union solicitors thought otherwise and got him some money back.

[@masterrksv]

Whoever sold it swapped the stereo as it's got a reverse camera on the back. This would've had a touchscreen stereo at some point.

[@markfoden765]

Happy New year lee👍

[@robloxfan4271]

4:15 you can also do a free autotrader check to see if your car has been written off

[@alanw8311]

Could be the servo's or linkage on the air direction activators that are faulty or the fuse blown that is causing it to blow cold air ?

[@1308wayne]

Get the heater sorted and keep it as a courtesy car it's not worth anything really and if you sell it they bring back complaining

[@WhiteDieselShed]

Did you watch the video, it's going to the auction.

[@mr4kids.866]

Taxi in 2020-21 someone was desperate to keep the car racking up the miles during all the lockdowns etc. only way to keep a unlicensed taxi on the road when you needed a reason to be on the road is to become a legit taxi for a year. 😂 Watching your video and listening to the cars issues.

[@ABPhotography1]

Most common cars I've seen broken down by the roadside side are Kia's. I've owned-own Mk1 Ford Focus, Mk3 Focus, and 2x Mk4 Focuses. No issues. Touchwood.

[@dave40612]

Ouch! Expensive lesson for the PO. Great analogy comparing a house survey to a vehicle check. I'd favour Cat S actually being parted rather than being given a chance to resurface for the unwary, as in this case. Happy New Year Lee and all the best for 2026

[@henrykravitz468]

I think it is best you trade it/auction it, otherwise it will end up in the corner 🤣🤣. It's a Shame it needed too much work otherwise I would be telling you to do it. Happy New Year

[@edwoodsnowden]

Happy New Year!

[@matc76]

Poor connection to blending door motor had it a month ago on 2018 kia easy job glovebox down up on the right ...

[@davemellor4697]

That car came from my neck of the woods Lee....East Anglia

[@dominicchesterman2107]

So I'm guessing it's a Birmingham car with the Aston Villa reg? Apparently Wolverhampton give taxi license to anybody. 90% of the taxis here are on Wolverhampton taxi plates. As a rule this city is so dodgy that you don't buy a car from Birmingham.

[@milanvillan]

Yeah, AV is Anglia...Ipswich. Keep knocking Brum mate, there may be a lot of con artists there, still some good honest people too.

[@PiddleInTheMarshbyMarkIreland]

I had an issue with the heating in my Kia which turned out to be the flaps which direct the air around the car. Both had failed and I replaced both for not a lot money myself. The flaps shut off or direct the heat where you want it

[@eurosatwiz]

heating issue could be the impeller on the water pump

[@Qvs-d1f]

To be honest having a car which is not blowing hot air is not a major thing. It shouldn’t be a reason to part ways with it if the car is driving fine. Should have taken it to a 2nd garage to get it diagnosed. Could be something as simple as stuck thermostat.

[@chicanemcneill]

blending door actuator is about 60 quid to replace

[@kevinbennett2208]

Main dealers. Don’t tell you either. I can say that through experience

[@simonh870]

Did they remove the dash to replace the airbags? I am wonder if the heater assembly was disturbed when they did that. I am sure it would make a good project for someone at the right price, who was willing to do the work themselves and get a reasonably late car for not much £££

[@tyresandtarmac]

that car is why i never buy private ...unless it's a classic

[@petes3305]

1:46 - "It's not over-eating, or anythin' like that..." 🤔? 🤣

[@Cdvg-v8g]

Probably full of steel seal, it blocks the heater matrix up

[@OK247OK]

Councils apparently don’t license categorised vehicles unless it’s dodgy Wolverhampton. Wolverhampton licensed private hire vehicles all over England

[@jonathandeeley6276]

Hmm, my mate works for a KIA franchise and they have no end of problems with the Sportage model particularly engine issues.☹️ Right decision, get shut of it.👍

[@mandymoo7406]

Might have liquid gold in the water system as this often blocks modern heater matrixes,had this a few times over the years,nasty nasty stuff

[@chriswalford9228]

Oh for the days of a simple back flush

[@andrewhumphreys586]

Just goes to show why you advertise Vehicle Score, can save you a fortune for a few quid👍

[@RobertKemp-wv5zj]

I personally would check the heater flaps or actuating motors as the dashboard has been removed to replace air bags

[@zzhughesd]

Yes me too. Is this called the Blend Door? American name for the flaps that shunt the air direction.

[@brianiswrong]

My money is also on something trapped, or caught .

[@gerryattrickbiker]

Yes the customer 😂😂​@@brianiswrong

[@davidkemp-ej7ur]

Best thing for it Lee make it someone else’s problem just not worth getting involved in

[@AngelaBrace]

People should always insist that the V5 is available and examine it closely checking the name and address matches where the owner lives. Any excuses such as "Lost it"," In the Post" or "Buyer must Apply to DVLA" are Big Red Flags. Run Away !!!

[@tomoreilly9932]

Some people just see the shape of a car,they don't notice shut lines and so on, feel for them really ending up with a cat s but just do a check people and read the log book

[@Brightlight22]

The cynic in me thinks they weren't surprised at all. More than likely purchased it cheap knowing full well it was a Cat S and were hoping you wouldn't bother checking

[@danmoney9932]

Jeez what a hit to take. If not for the wanting to downsize surely they ahould have investigated the fault further, in sure it wont need a new engine!