My First Motor Mentor Assist Customer: Mr Watts' Land Rover Journey
There’s something special about the first time you launch a new service, and for me, that moment arrived with the launch of Motor Mentor Assist. The idea is simple: I accompany or meet clients when they’re going to view a car with the intention of buying. I offer a professional second opinion, help with inspections, guide them through the test drive, assist with negotiations, and offer advice on the extras that dealers love to sell. And for my first client, Mr Watts, this new service turned out to be exactly what he needed.
The Client: Familiar Face, New Challenge
Mr Watts is no stranger to my services, he’s bought several cars from me over the years. This time, though, because i recently closed my dealership, he was buying from a main dealer in Nottingham, and he reached out because he was nervous. Nervous about making a mistake, paying over the odds, being persuaded to spend more than he needed. He trusted me from past experience and wanted a steady hand beside him.
The Journey Begins
I offered him the choice of meeting at the dealership or having me drive him, he chose the latter, and I was happy to oblige. During the drive to Nottingham, we chatted about the likely sales process, what to expect from a main dealer, and how best to approach the viewing.
From the moment we arrived, I was involved in every step, just as Mr Watts requested. The car in question was a 2017 top-of-the-range Land Rover Discovery, packed with features. But as impressive as it looked on the surface, it wasn’t perfect.
Spotting the Issues
With over two decades in the motor trade, I’ve developed a sharp eye for detail. I quickly noticed the rear brake discs and pads needed replacing, a piece of roof trim was missing, and there were minor scuffs and bodywork damage that needed correcting. These are the sorts of things that can easily be overlooked by someone not used to buying cars, and exactly why Mr Watts wanted me there.
Negotiation and Advice
While the dealership wasn’t offering a discount on the sticker price, I negotiated a full tank of fuel as a goodwill gesture, something Mr Watts hadn’t expected. He was happy to pay the asking price since all the preparation work we requested was agreed to (estimated at £800+). I also offered guidance on the optional aftercare products the dealer tried to sell him, making sure he was only considering options that genuinely added value.
A Happy Drive Home
On the way back, Mr Watts was clearly excited and more importantly, relieved. He said it had been great value from his perspective and promised to leave a review. For me, hearing that was the ultimate confirmation that Motor Mentor Assist was worth launching.
Lessons Learned
It was an eye-opener for me, too. Watching how reactive the dealership was rather than being proactive about preparation really highlighted how important it is for buyers to have someone knowledgeable on their side. It made me realise just how underprepared and pressured many buyers must feel.
Looking Ahead
Helping Mr Watts was an invaluable experience and one I’m excited to repeat. Motor Mentor Assist may be a niche service, but I believe it fills a real gap in the car-buying process, especially for those who feel unsure, under pressure, or simply want peace of mind.
With a strong reputation in the local area and a real passion for helping people, I look forward to guiding more clients through the process. What might feel like a big outlay to some, I aim to turn into a stress-free, educational, and ultimately enjoyable experience, that should pay for itself and more—one car at a time.
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