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Elite deal is `good as new'

29th July 1999, Page 52
29th July 1999
Page 52
Page 52, 29th July 1999 — Elite deal is `good as new'
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Keywords : Magnum

r Renault VI dealership Staffs CV has just disposed of its 33rd Magnum Elite. and aims to sell 60 this year.

Devised by dealer principal Dave Watts and his colleagues, the Elite scheme was introduced in January. It's a special approved used package designed to bring second-hand Magnums up to as-new standards without the operator haying to pay new vehicle prices.

A 1994, N-registered 6x2 Magnum Elite recently sold for £30,000. Watts reports, "We build them to order," he explains. That means the buyer can have, say, a mid-lift or tag axle fitted if he so wishes.

The truck is first thoroughly inspected-96 points are covered—and given a lengthy road test with a laden trailer. "If we discover, for example, that the engine is breathing badly, then we'll strip and rebuild it." says Watts. Any other problems— from the clutch to track rod ends—are attended to as well.

The vehicle is then MoT tested, the chassis is shotblasted and primed, external visors are fitted, and the front panel grille is changed. Any minor chips and scratches are dealt with at the same time, and the cab is resprayed.

A walnut fascia is installed, the cab interior is refurbished and valeted, and the tyres are blacked. The result is covered by RVI's Diamond Quality warranty.

He aims to set up a Magnum Elite owners' club with a quarterly bulletin. The next step will be an Elite version of Premium, and the owners of both vehicles will be able to buy items of Elite clothing from Staffs CV.

Sheffield haulier R Hartley Contractors is just taking delivery of a magnum 385 Elite 6x2 mid-lift tractor dating back to 1995. "The Elites appear to have been gone over thoroughly by Staffs CV, and I think they are a good buy," says Bob Hartley. "You can get two-and-a-half of them for the price of one new one."

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Locations: Sheffield

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