Q - Can I call round any time to see a car or do I need to make an appointment?
A - As Volkswizard is a one man operation, it is impossible for someone to be on site at all times. As a result all viewing must be by appointment but this does have the advantage of offering flexibility - see below. Vehicle documents and keys are not kept on site so please call at least a day in advance to ensure everything is prepared for your arrival.

Q - What time are you open for viewings/test drives?
A - As I appreciate it is sometimes difficult for buyers to fit viewing cars into the working week, I am very flexible and try to accommodate most requests though Sunday viewings are reserved for repeat customers only and then only betweem 9am and 11am. The only condition is that outside normal opening hours (Mon-Fri after 6pm , Sat after 1pm, all day Sunday) the revving of engines on site and any other noisy activities will not be possible as this may disturb our neighbours in the residential homes that surround the site.

Q - Where do you source your cars from?
A - Many of our cars come past customers or from private sellers who contact me via this web site or have seen our Wanted adverts on national classified ad web sites. More often than not they don't have the time to go through the process of selling privately and are happy to accept my offer which is usually far more than the usual 'trade' price as I value cars on an individual basis. I am not a big fan of buying at auction but the law of averages means occasionally the right models in the right condition will be available there and I'd be foolish to ignore them - it's also interesting to see the quality of stock some other dealers are happy to buy which I wouldn't go anywhere near.

Q - Do you have business premises or do you work from home?
A - Volkswizard does have business premises. With this web site acting as my forecourt, a roadside plot with all its associated overheads and security risks was not deemed necessary. Instead a 2000 sq ft storage unit was leased with room for 10 cars indoors and when necessary, 12 cars outdoors. In fact more and more long established traders are giving up their forecourts to work in the same way.

Q - I live a long distance away, can you bring the car and meet me halfway?
A - I know a lot of dealers may do this but it's too much of a security risk these days and you wont get to see the car with a cold engine or clean. Instead we do offer far more information on the vehicles we sell via this web site which should reassure you that the journey will be worthwhile.

Q - If you don't have the car in stock that I am looking for, can you take my details and call me if you get one?
A - Unfortunately not, chances are that many other people have asked the same question before you and if I did take a list you would be right at the bottom and almost definitely would never be called - this most definitely the case with Mk2 Golf GTIs, especially dark 3 doors! Instead I prefer to leave up to the individual to keep a regular eye on my web site which I update as soon as a car comes in or is definitely going to come in.

Q - Do you own the cars and hold them in stock or are they for sale on behalf of their owners?
A - In almost all cases, cars are our property and not sold on behalf of anyone - the reason this is important for buyers to ascertain is because cars sold on behalf of private individuals are seen as a private sale so buyers will have little or no redress. On the rare occasions we do agree to sell a carefully selected car on behalf of someone it will be stated clearly.

Q - Are the cars parked outside so I can have a quick look even when you are closed?
A - Our premises are based on a secure site which outside of normal hours is completely inaccessible to the public..

Q - Will I be insured during a test drive?
A - Our insurance policy means as long as you hold a valid driving licence and are accompanied in the passenger seat by us then you are fully comprehensively insured so please bring your driving licence with you if a test drive is required. We are still responsible for your driving and therefore firmly request that you comply with the law though responsibly sampling a car's performance is whole heartedly encouraged.

Q - Can I test drive a car if it doesn't have any valid road tax?
A - Having confirmed our authenticity as a responsible motor trader to the DVLA we have the privilege of holding 'trade plates' which allow vehicles to be driven for motor trade purposes only including road tests by customers without a current road fund licence being displayed.

Q - If it's raining and/or dark, is it possible to see the car indoors and dry?
A - Yes it is possible, in most circumstances cars will be presented for viewing with dry bodywork and cold engines, indoors or outdoors weather permitting. During 2011 we invested in improvements to our interior lights so night time viewings will now allow a fair assessment of bodywork.

Q - Do you offer a warranty?
A - The consumer has certain statuatory rights when buying a used car which we are fully aware of and always comply with. What these cover depends on the age of the car, mileage covered and the price paid and will certainly exclude wear and tear items such as clutches and exhaust sections. Depending on the vehicle and the how far the buyer lives from our premises, we may be prepared to offer a discount on the purchase price of a vehicle to cover part of the cost of a warranty with a 3rd party provider such as Warranty Direct. It is worth remembering that there is a significant amount of protection available to those who buy from established motor traders rather than buying privately where there is zero comeback so it's always worth paying a little extra especially from a dealer who values their reputation like we do.

Q - How can I pay?
A - As of September 2011 we are able to take CHIP & PIN debit card payments. We are unable to take credit card payments for car payments. We are also happy to accept payment by Bankers Draft or Building Society cheque made payable to 'VolksWizard' both of which we will need to verify beforehand. Personal cheques are OK too subject to usual clearing procedures which take 3-4 working days. Electronic transfer direct to our bank account either by CHAPS which costs typically £20 or by BACS which is usually free but takes 3-4 working days. Contrary to popular belief, cash does not make a difference and in fact it costs us 2% to bank it so we'd rather not take it and if we do we can only take it up to £9000 due to anti-money laundering regulations.

Q - Can I leave a deposit to secure the car?
A - A non-returnable deposit of £100 will secure a car for a reasonable period of time - usually up to a fortnight.

Q - Can I secure a car with a deposit over the phone prior to viewing it?
A - Depending on the car we can offer this facility, £100 will secure a car for a reasonable period however we can only refund this amount if the vehicle has been misdescribed in any way.

Q - The car I have purchased in untaxed, can you tax it for me before I collect?
A - Yes but ideally you do need to send us your insurance cover note and a cheque made payable to 'Post Office Counters', stating whether you prefer 6 or 12 months. Rates do vary depending on the car so if you are unsure, leave the amount section only blank. Alternatively you can tax the car before driving away as we have a very local Post Office just 2 minutes walk away open until 5.30pm Mon-Fri and until 1pm on Saturday. We offer free 7 day insurance with Aviva so a cover note can be downloaded and printed off within in hour if required.

Q - Do you offer part exchange facilities?
A - Yes in most cases. I am usually very happy to take any VW Group vehicle in part exchange and prices are always fair. However taking any other makes would really depend on what I am selling and what exactly you would like to px, enquiries are very welcome and there' usually no problem taking small cars up to £3000 of any make.

Q - Do you offer finance?
A - No, I started to do this job so I could sell things that I have a genuine interest and belief in and selling finance isn't one of them, especially finance of the 'been refused credit yet need a car?' type. There are some great deals out there so shop around and go to a well known loan company who are in most cases significantly cheaper than high street banks.

Q - I want to export the car outside the UK, can you help?
A - Our detailed and objective descriptions mean we have sold a number of cars to enthusiasts from outside the UK including many to The Republic of Ireland. Collection from Birmingham International Airport is no problem (20 mins transfer time) and we are happy to take Sterling drafts raised at Irish banks as long as we can verify them in advance. We can also provide route details to any of the ports that serve Ireland for your return trip.