Independent Car Inspections - Good Idea??

Anoneemoose

Hi all,

We have seen a car we want to purchase and it fits our budget and spec my husband wants. He is no mechanic so as it is a big purchase, we have thought of getting one of those independent inspections to see if there is anything we should be concerned about.

I just wondered if anyone had used this type of thing before and know whether it is worth it. Or does anyone have any recommendations for companies who do it. We have seen RAC and AA do them.

sma11person

Following this one with interest, as we were going to have one of these done, too.

Herzlos

I'd say so. It's not that expensive, and will either give you a heads up to a serious issue or peace of mind. Probably worth more than a new MOT. Even gauging the sellers reaction when you suggest it could be enlightening.

Really, you're talking about spending thousands on a car, so it'll be worth the approx £150 or so to get it checked properly.

Anoneemoose

Herzlos wrote: »

I'd say so. It's not that expensive, and will either give you a heads up to a serious issue or peace of mind. Probably worth more than a new MOT. Even gauging the sellers reaction when you suggest it could be enlightening.

Really, you're talking about spending thousands on a car, so it'll be worth the approx £150 or so to get it checked properly.

This is what we were thinking. And, even if something turns out to be wrong with the car and we don't buy, that £150, although with nothing to show for it, will save in the long run so money well spent! The garage were happy enough to allow the inspection.

I found a number through CAB for a company called motor codes who give details of independent inspectors whose reports can be used in court. The guy on the phone did say though that you tend to pay even more for these because of this so think we'll just use a normal co like RAC or AA.

forgotmyname

Depends how many inspections you pay for before buying a car.

If buying through a main dealer then you shouldnt need one. Saying that i do know someone that had a brand new car inspected and they found it had been repaired.

If buying something thats not almost new and from a smaller garage or private seller then it could save you buying a lemon.

Anoneemoose

forgotmyname wrote: »

Depends how many inspections you pay for before buying a car.

If buying through a main dealer then you shouldnt need one. Saying that i do know someone that had a brand new car inspected and they found it had been repaired.

If buying something thats not almost new and from a smaller garage or private seller then it could save you buying a lemon.

It is from a smaller garage. That's one of the reasons we want to go for it.

Ebe_Scrooge

An inspection can be very useful in identifying things that are going to need replacing soon - for example, brake pads with only a little bit of life left, hoses that are corroded, not enough to be a problem yet but will be in a few months time, that sort of thing. As well as anything that needs fixing right now.

I think it's generally worth it from this point of view - get the garage to fix all these little bits and pieces first, and keep the receipts / warranties. Repairs like this don't actually cost the garage a huge amount of money, but can potentially save you a fair bit compared to if you ended having to pay for them yourself a few months down the line.

rexmedorum

Anoneemoose wrote: »

It is from a smaller garage. That's one of the reasons we want to go for it.

I do wonder though would smaller garages let you do an AA inspection? Wouldn't they insist that they're reputable and trustworthy?

robatwork

rexmedorum wrote: »

I do wonder though would smaller garages let you do an AA inspection? Wouldn't they insist that they're reputable and trustworthy?

And it's for that reason that they wouldn't have a problem with you having an inspection. If they are "trustworthy" of course...

colino

IF you have no mechanical background, can find neither friend or family to check it over for you and you have whittled a single car down to being exactly what you want at a price agreed in advance with the seller, this might be peace of mind insurance for you.
However, have you looked at the exclusions on the inspectors terms and conditions? They don't dismantle or move parts in their investigation, so if something looks OK and works on the day of inspection and test drive, that's it. Search for new owners of cars that have quickly thrown up electrical, DPF, DMF and fluid leaks. All of these could have got a tick on the checklist and no comeback from the inspector even the next day after the inspection.
Seems a lot of money to throw at a fairly useless inspection for one car, never mind multiplying that up if the first cars aren't suitable.
Additionally, if your not happy at the vendor selling you a properly presented car, what gut instinct tells you that they will then stand by the car and look after you during the warranty period?
Like all insurance, it has its limitations, but in an almost Grouchoesce way, if you think you need the inspection from an established trader, you probably shouldn't be buying the car from them at all.

arcon5

They are a good idea - but you have to be realistic when reading the results. It simply isn't difficult to find 'issues' with a used car - 'issues' that the inspector will be bound to report on but not necessarily something that is unreasonable for the age and mileague of the car and not even something that necessarily needs fixing imminently.

If you're looking at a 50k mile, 5 year old car don't be put off for example if it says a brake pipe is slightly rusted (something that can usually be solved with the aid of a scratch pad and some cleaner and often be fit for purpose for a long term after).
Or a bush or so slightly perished which would be expected on a used car - but not necessarily fail an MOT on if it's minor.

Also the inspection isn't a green card to say nothings wrong. Many components cannot simply be tested by a quick drive and visual inspection. Things like sensors amongst many other things can go wrong suddenly.

A report is a good idea - but only in conjunction with other checks