Part Exchange

What They Say

I was looking for a nice, clean Evo IX. I'd initially contacted AT Performance via their website about a silver MR 360 and I was dealing with Tom. However after posting a wanted thread on the MLR Tom pointed me at a ruri blue 340 they'd just received in. The car wasn't ready for sale however Tom sent me over all the details anyway.

Before meeting with Tom or speaking on the phone, I'd made it abundantly clear that if the car was a good one that I would be leaving a deposit and in return Tom promised me first refusal. When I got there Tom told me that he'd had numerous calls and emails from interested parties asking to leave a deposit however he kept the car for me. While I was there he had a call asking about it while I was looking over the paperwork. It was a lovely car so I could understand the interest, Evo's seem to go within hours if they are nice examples and priced right.

During the viewing there were of course one or two minor things that I found as you'd expect with any nigh on 10 year old car. It needed a major service and there was a scuff on the side skirt. Tom and I agreed that the car would be serviced and have a full fluid change including AYC, all oils etc. During the service the AYC pump was found to be faulty and it was replaced without question. In fact, without notifying me initially, they changed it and then emailed me a load of pics the next day, including the underside of the car. I wouldn't hesitate to suggest that some garages would have just ignored it and sold the car on anyway, so kudos on that! Tom agreed to send the car to a body shop for the side skirt to be sorted.

I dealt with Tom from start to finish. Very nice guy to deal with, was patient with my stupid questions and requests, he even came into Aylesbury with me to go to my bank who went full retard and blocked the bank transfer to pay for it. I realise that it would be in his interest to get the money for the car but he could have just told me to return when I could pay for it - which could have been a week or so down the line as it was getting late on the Saturday.

For about a month after buying the car, the AYC lights would come on now and then. I was tight on time and due to go to Spa and Tom managed to fit me into the garage for one of their lads to look at it. Turns out there weren't any issues and it just needed a top up of fluid.

When at Spa, well, specifically the 'Ring later on, the car developed a boost issue. Although the car had since been mapped by Norris Designs, Tom still offered to help out even though he would be well within his rights not to. It was the SAS valve which I had blanked off anyway so didn't need any help in the end.

Tom is a thoroughly nice guy, they have a great set up and clean workshop. Plus nice tea and biscuits! Chris and his lads are friendly and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them. All of their cars are detailed, looked over and given a health check before purchase.

I would use them for aftercare and tuning if it weren't for the fact they're a bit of a drive from me and Performance Autoworks who I have been using for years with Evo's and Honda's are on my doorstep.

After having the car for several months and wanting something a little more track focussed, I'd enquired with Tom if he'd be interested in buying it back. He made me a more than fair offer which I accepted. Drove there to drop it off, and once a few checks were complete I had full payment into my bank followed by a lift into Oxford so I could catch the train home.

Genuine enthusiasts who prioritise customer service above all else and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them or buy from them again.

C Dooks