Is there a decent service to check over a prospective car purchase ?

property.advert

I'm up for another second hand car and there seems to be too large a gap between the dealer prices and the independents and private sales. Normally I'd be happy to give the dealer his bag of oats but on this model they are wanting caviar on a silver salve and no amount of waiting and negotiating is working. So I'm loking at the non dealer avenues.

However, I know next to nothing about 21st century cars and not much about 20th century ones. Out of my depth I could be turned over and sold a lemon, so I want some help.

Now I know the AA and people do this but really, don't they just shirk from responsibility if it goes wrong ? What I want is like a full structural survey so that if the roof falls off, the surveyor's insurers pay me out.

Does that exist and if not, what is my best alternative.

As for the motor, I want a Nissan Murano.

Kilty_2

Never heard of the kind of service you're describing - doubt anyone would be willing to "insure" a 2nd hand car purchase.

Why the hell do you want a Murano?

Hammyman

With services like the AA, there is so much not checked that they're nigh on worthless. Nothing is dismantled so you could have a leaking rear brake cylinder and not know.

paddedjohn

the gap between private and good dealer is because the dealer will have had the car checked over and will offer a warranty thus doing away with the need for a 'car survey'

s_b

no one worth their reputation will give a cast iron on a moorano
do a google
hint ,add lemon for zest

fivetide

paddedjohn wrote: »

the gap between private and good dealer is because the dealer will have had the car checked over and will offer a warranty thus doing away with the need for a 'car survey'

They will... usually at a price!

Worth paying a bit more to a reputable dealer if it is the right car but not £££££s more.

5t.

BM-AK

I know a couple of garages near me that will do structural surveys on cars. These are the sorts of garages that do high end cars and do servicing and paintwork and are very well equipped - they can even check the thickness of the paintwork on your car to ensure that it is consistent and highlight bodywork defects, previous panels been fillered or resprayed. As others have said, it does come at a cost!

I would seriously consider doing this on a high end car, not sure If I would on a Nissan Murano though.

s_b

BM-AK wrote: »

- they can even check the thickness of the paintwork on your car to ensure that it is consistent and highlight bodywork defects, previous panels been fillered or resprayed
.

buy your own:)
http://www.power-tec.co.uk/showitem.asp?item=5025&Paint+Thickness+Gauge

property.advert

Sorry, it seems as though I've expressed myself poorly.

The AA will charge £342 http://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspections/prices.html to check it over but when I have spoken to them previously about this service, they are unwilling to take any responsibility should their expert make a mistake and your engine falls out a week later. Basically they charge you a load of cash and write you up a report but don't go relying on it, which sort of makes it a waste of money.

I was looking for a service which would stand by their report and if they are wrong, pay up. Perhaps that does not exist.

property.advert

fivetide wrote: »

They will... usually at a price!

Worth paying a bit more to a reputable dealer if it is the right car but not £££££s more.

5t.

I would, happily, but on this car, dealers are holding out for top book plus up to 50%.

property.advert

Kilty wrote: »

...Why the hell do you want a Murano?

4x4 for winter in the snow, solid enough, top level of kit for very little money etc. Doing very low miles so don't care a jot about the mpg and I may keep it for years.