. . Parker's, I know that name, is it the Chauffeur of Lady Penelope? I wonder, you know the story, "Parker" says Lady P, "Take off my dress" "Yus M'lady" - "Parker, take off my bra" - Yus M'lady" - "Parker, take off my panties" - " Yus M'lady" - "And Parker, if I catch you wearing them again you are fired". OK - no it isn't that one, but it may well have been.
The idea of the publication is simple, various companies, hopefully independant ones, produce price guides, based on the going rate for pretty much every car, van, and motorcycle. Some of these are for the trade only, but this one is made for Joe Public.
As well as the book, they also do a website, this is a good site to look at before buying the book. The web site layout is very simple, you check the car you are interested in, look up the spec, (Yes, all that is in there too) look up what Parkers have to say about the car, they do a small review for every model. This review is based on several sections, first is a quick summary, then a paragraph on "Behind the wheel" then one on "Comfort", this is followed by some links to cheap insurance, then the "Equipment" section. The review then goes into more detail if you wany, and covers "Driving and performance" - "Safety & Costs" - "Buying and selling" - "Model history" - then "Technical data". All you want to know about the car you are thinking of buying, or selling, is there. You can download car reports, and find out just about all you want in this magazine.
The most common thing to use this book for, has to be for prices, and this is very good, it gives prices for "P" Reg (1997 vehicles) up to new ones, starting with the price when new, it gives you the price you should pay at an independant dealer, a private sale for a good condition model, same again but poor condition, and finally the part exchange value. All these prices are based on average miles, but you can adjust the values to suit. The format is the same if you want a selling price.
Have a look on their website, If you have no pre-conceived ideas on which car you want, then the option to look through the "Advice" section is a good one, this is where you will find info like:- The safest people carriers, choosing a warranty, looking for a small safe car, Budget changes, depreciation, and much more stuff of interest.
You can subscribe for a year at a time, the UK subscription rate is £65.00 per year. Individual magazines cost £3.50
The publication is only A5 size, small enough to fit many pockets, this means you can take it with you to the local car auction, or second hand car lot. You will be well armed with all the info you need. One small point, special editions often tend to be left out, meaning you will be using bog standard model prices, to buy or sell your super top of the range motor. This is not ideal either for buyer or seller.
The publication is available at every book shop, newsagents, and pretty much every supermarket. It is not quite as accurate as the professionals Glasses or CAP guide, but for us mere mortals it is just the job. Have a crafty free view at your local magazine shop!
Contact details.-
Website:- www.parkers.co.uk/ Email:- parkers.website@emap.com Address:- Emap Automotive Limited. Company number: 696758 (England). Registered Office: 40 Bernard Street, London, WC1N 1LW
You can also contact them via the website, although that is really only for feedback. . .
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Jul 26th, 2007
(Nov 9th, 2008)
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