Right, now I have your attention I have a question for you guys. Following on from @KYFO.CO.UK's rotten luck with his engine and belts, I decided to create a new post rather than take Jason's thread off topic. So, jumping on the comments made by @Jimmy and @mr freeze, it kind of ties in with my thoughts about buying something with proof - would it put anyone off if the belts were done privately but documented in some way, rather than an invoice and good faith?
Here's what will be happening - a friend of mind will be doing my belts in the next few months. He works at Furlonger (specialist sports cars) so is more than your average technician, and also has a 200. He's done all the work on my car since I've had it and he is incredibly thorough and takes great pride in his work.
How should you go about documenting something as important as the belts to show they have been done? I'm thinking the invoice for the kit I bought from ALS and lots and lots of photographic evidence of the work in progress. I don't aim to sell anytime soon, but anyone who knows these cars will want peace of mind it has been done in the first place, and secondly, that it has been done properly.
I know it's best to have an invoice for work done, but when you think that I'll probably have this car for at least another couple of years, will it matter? If I sell up, have a mountain of paperwork for everything that's ever been bought, it's immaculate, and my personality shows how much I love the RenaultSport brand, surely the balance of paperwork and good faith is enough? (plus I'm old and therefore trustworthy )
I've tried to put myself in this situation - would I do it? Yes, probably, if on balance everything seemed to look right and I knew enough about the quirks of maintenance and ownership. Plus, with the way these cars are going, it won't be worth much in 2 years time to even worry about it! People seem to be selling 197's way too cheap and the 200 won't be too far behind.
Thoughts, gents?
Here's what will be happening - a friend of mind will be doing my belts in the next few months. He works at Furlonger (specialist sports cars) so is more than your average technician, and also has a 200. He's done all the work on my car since I've had it and he is incredibly thorough and takes great pride in his work.
How should you go about documenting something as important as the belts to show they have been done? I'm thinking the invoice for the kit I bought from ALS and lots and lots of photographic evidence of the work in progress. I don't aim to sell anytime soon, but anyone who knows these cars will want peace of mind it has been done in the first place, and secondly, that it has been done properly.
I know it's best to have an invoice for work done, but when you think that I'll probably have this car for at least another couple of years, will it matter? If I sell up, have a mountain of paperwork for everything that's ever been bought, it's immaculate, and my personality shows how much I love the RenaultSport brand, surely the balance of paperwork and good faith is enough? (plus I'm old and therefore trustworthy )
I've tried to put myself in this situation - would I do it? Yes, probably, if on balance everything seemed to look right and I knew enough about the quirks of maintenance and ownership. Plus, with the way these cars are going, it won't be worth much in 2 years time to even worry about it! People seem to be selling 197's way too cheap and the 200 won't be too far behind.
Thoughts, gents?