Used car inspections service

londonTiger

I want to buy a car vw golf 1.6 petrol mk4, not too fussy about the year (it's my first car), but basically anything I can find that looks like a good deal for my £1500-£2000 price range.

I don't really know anyone good with cars to take with me to help out with all the necessary checks.

I'm going to read up on some used car buying guides to get my head sorted out.

I'd like to hire a vehicle inspection service to give me the all clear, but for a car in my price range it doesn't seem to be worthwhile. I've seen prices branded around the £150-£200 per car price range.

That's a big chunk of my budget, almost makes it pointless, because I'm sure any nooks and crannies can be fixed afterwards for that price.

This was with the AA of course, are there any other vehicle inspection services out there that are independant (In London), that are more affordable and legitimate?

s_b

a better inspection would be carried out by someone who knows the marque
these cars rot badly in certain places as a first guide

londonTiger

s_b wrote: »

a better inspection would be carried out by someone who knows the marque
these cars rot badly in certain places as a first guide

thanks I'll have to look into that, and read the mk4 forums to find out more details. It's nerve wrecking.

londonTiger

WHat's the standard procedure for viewing a vehicle?

Am I covered for any faults that occur immediately after buyig if I buy from a dealer?

What about insurance for test driving? Am I covered by the dealer if things go wrong?

forgotmyname

If paying £150 to £200 for an inspection is too much of your budget then your buying with your fingers crossed and a quick prayer.

Know anyone that does know about cars? Failing that buy from a dealer thats been in business for many years and doesnt chamge owners every few months.

Buying privately, You want something thats been owned by the same person/family for a good few years and upgrading to a newer car and only selling it private as the part ex price was too low.

All cars are pot luck. £500 cars break down but there again £10,000 cars break down.

Keep enough money back to pay for repairs. If all the tyres are near the limit then find another car unless you want to replace them all out of your own pocket.

Dealer warranties will be limited.

Whatever you do DO NOT get talked into buying a rubbish used car warranty that only covers items that do not wear out or breakdown.

Use the money to pay for an inspection instead.

sophiey123

Found out too late for myself, but the AA's Comprehensive Check at £188 (non-members and for car over 8 years old) uses an agent called DEKRA - so if you go direct, they charge £145 for the exact same checks!

londonTiger

I just posted on the mkiv forum, (I'm intending to buy a mk4 golf), they basically said spending 10% of the cost of the car in getting it inspected is a total waste of money. Undoubtedly it will come up with some nooks and crannies. Then you'll have to consider loking at other cars and possibly getting them inspected. 3 vehicle inspections cos cost you £450. That's about the same as repairing serious faults on a car like this.

I've been advised to just take someone whose been driving for a long time so they can give the vehicle a test drive and see if it feels right. Other than that it's not worth spending money on a through inspection.

These types of inspections are only worthwhile for 20Kish cars.

F_T_Buyer

I drive a mk4 golf (tdi) and would know instantly if something was wrong if driving the same model - best to ask someone who's already got a mk4 golf to give it a test drive.

Also, you need to get past the "wow new car" impression when you view, and really look at it in detail.

Saying that, these are a great car and super cheap to repair. I'm just looking to change because it's starting to feel 'dated' (for me anyway).

Obukit

As others have said it's important not just to do a test drive but also check over the car, especially for a private sale as no matter what they say they could have ulterior motives for selling the car.

On a Golf I would look for: -

Temperature issues (make sure it gets and stays at 90C).
Coolant leaks esp near cambelt.
Oil leaks anywhere.
Suspension problems.
Any rust but especially nearside sill and wheel arches.
Leaking boot (damp spare wheel well).
Any mayo on oil filler cap (head gasket problems, these cars are sometimes thrashed).

If you don't know speak to a local mobile mechanic, they will prob charge less than £50 to give it a look over.

s_b

londonTiger wrote: »

I just posted on the mkiv forum, (I'm intending to buy a mk4 golf), they basically said spending 10% of the cost of the car in getting it inspected is a total waste of money. Undoubtedly it will come up with some nooks and crannies. Then you'll have to consider loking at other cars and possibly getting them inspected. 3 vehicle inspections cos cost you £450. That's about the same as repairing serious faults on a car like this.

I've been advised to just take someone whose been driving for a long time so they can give the vehicle a test drive and see if it feels right. Other than that it's not worth spending money on a through inspection.

These types of inspections are only worthwhile for 20Kish cars.

if thats the best advice they can give then thank im not a member of their forum

of course your not going to have an inspection of every car you look at but it would be foolish not to have one done on the car you intend to purchase

this is why i said find someone familiar with the marque:)