Where are you based?
96 Carryduff Road
Temple
Lisburn, BT27 6YL
2 Miles from the Carryduff Roundabout on the Main Road to Ballynahinch @ The Temple Crossroads on the Left Hand Side.
How long have you been in business?
I have been in the Motor Trade for 27 Years but have owned my own business now for 4 Years.
How many staff do you have across your business?
I have a full time valeter who does all the vehicle prep and also does all the public valeting and drive in car washes.I have my Wife, Gail , who does all the bookwork and accounts but also keeps the office tidy !! Then there is myself… I do the overall day to day running of the business and most importantly the sales.
What is the key to your success?
I think the key to success is having good quality stock in a well presented environment and having them properly valeted and priced ‘Fairly’.. Product knowledge is also very important which instantly gives the customer confidence. I also think that being open, honest and a good listener can help people decide where they wish to buy their car…. I have learned through the years that people buy from people and if they feel comfortable with someone they trust you more and therefore the purchase of the car becomes much easier for them. I also believe that the after sales customer support with any problems that may arise are dealt with properly as this builds customer confidence and therefore repeat business is almost second nature for the customer .
How is the industry right now?
The industry is funny at the moment…. I have seen many different patterns within the industry over the many years that I have been involved. Used cars sales are always steady if you can buy the right cars at the right price and this is not always an easy task. New car sales slowed away down for a long time but used cars were still selling, but because more used cars were being sold they then became harder to get and with that they started to go up in price… Once new car sales then picked up more part exchanges were being offered to the trade which then brings prices more into line… It’s a fine line we have to tread as customers today are well informed of prices and as I have always said that when a car is sitting right “ Price Sells “.
What could the Government do to help the trade?
I think the government could be more proactive with the necessity of mileage recording on DVLA records. I also think that road tax should be charged on a mileage basis rather than an emissions basis for example… A man buys a lovely big 3.0V6 Automatic saloon car and maybe only uses it for the weekend but has to pay a high rate of road tax for doing 4k miles per annum but another man buys a mid range 1.6 petrol car with low to medium tax band but does 25k miles per annum it seems it does not work out fairly.
What”s your most expensive Car?
My most expensive car at the moment is a Toyota Rav 4 Diesel @ £13695
What could you offer someone on a shoestring budget?
I can offer the same level of service and quality of car to someone who maybe looking for a little budget runaround or a car for their 17 year old just starting off.I still give the
same service whether it be a Judge or someone who maybe in the unfortunate position of unemployment. It is as important to me as it is for the customer that they walk out of here happy.
What”s the most special Car you have ever sold?
I once sold a Jeep Wrangler “Grizzly” Soft top and the guy dealt over the phone and came from Germany to ship it back !!
What do you drive yourself and why?
I drive anything …. Why ?……. Because there has been fuel in it !!!
If I was to buy a car for my own personal use it would have to be the Audi Q7 S Line…They are such a lovely big car all round..
What”s your best tip for someone looking for a Car at the moment?
Shop around and do not be pushed into a sale. So many people can be very pushy and you can end up driving away in something you really did not want. Be firm and learn to make your own decision and that way you will be much happier with your purchase. Make sure you see a copy of a vehicle history report from whom you are buying and make sure you review the seller and when possible bring someone with you who knows about cars so they can give it a check over.
What do you like to do when you”re not at work?
I like to play golf when I have the chance and love to watch rugby. I also love to go and watch my 2 boys Dylan & Corey play football for their team ( Ballynahinch Youth ) also when I get the time. The Formula 1 2013 season is just started so that’s Sundays sorted for a while !!
In no more than 50 words, tell our readers why someone looking for a Car should go and see you?
I can honestly say that anyone coming to look for a car at The AutoGrid can be assured they will not be disappointed with the quality of cars, the level of service and the fair prices quoted. If I don’t have a car which suits them I can normally source one in a short space
of time. I look forward to welcoming you to The AutoGrid. Garry.
