Independent Car Inspections - Good Idea??

sma11person

I've had a main dealer try to scam me into paying for new brakes before now. They claimed to have "lost" the original copy of the AA report they'd had done (an AA inspection was part of the deal, and they paid for it), but I spotted signs of tippex fluid on the photocopy they showed me.... and when pressed, they tried to wriggle out of it. It turned out that the AA report highlighted that the brakes needed replacing, but the dealership thought they'd hide that part and try to sting whoever bought the car for the brakes. Not good, and made me wonder just how far they'd go..


Any used vehicle seller who refuses or even tries to dissuade me from an independent inspection is just going to have me wondering what they have to hide. I can only afford to buy one replacement car. I don't mind the inspection fees because they give me peace of mind. I'll only be having an inspection done if I really like the car and I'm satisfied with the test drive anyway. I'd rather end up spending a couple of hundred on inspections than a few thousand on cars that turn out to be money pit lemons.

vansboy

When I had my sales and service business, sometimes customers that didn't know of my high standing in the trade, so fair enough if they wanted to have someone look over their purchase.

I always thought it a good idea if their own garage, or mechanic they were going to use did it, rather than just an inspection company. That way he will perhaps be little more understanding of the customers actual expectations and can advise them on a more personal level.

VB

sinbad182

sma11person wrote: »

I've had a main dealer try to scam me into paying for new brakes before now. They claimed to have "lost" the original copy of the AA report they'd had done (an AA inspection was part of the deal, and they paid for it), but I spotted signs of tippex fluid on the photocopy they showed me.... and when pressed, they tried to wriggle out of it. It turned out that the AA report highlighted that the brakes needed replacing, but the dealership thought they'd hide that part and try to sting whoever bought the car for the brakes. Not good, and made me wonder just how far they'd go..


Any used vehicle seller who refuses or even tries to dissuade me from an independent inspection is just going to have me wondering what they have to hide. I can only afford to buy one replacement car. I don't mind the inspection fees because they give me peace of mind. I'll only be having an inspection done if I really like the car and I'm satisfied with the test drive anyway. I'd rather end up spending a couple of hundred on inspections than a few thousand on cars that turn out to be money pit lemons.

Isn't there only one car in the Western Hemisphere for sale that suits your criteria anyway? Chances are you'll never get to the inspection stage

sma11person

If I don't trust a seller, vanboy, I won't be test driving, never mind having an inspection. It's just that I'm not a mechanic. It's not my field of expertise at all. I can do basic stuff, but beyond that, I don't know what I'm doing, or what to look for. I did do a few checks of my own on one I've seen, but will wait and see what the report says now. I know there are a couple of bits I'd expect to get a mention, so we'll see.

I'd considered asking the people who usually do my maintenance to check the car out for me, but it seems easier to call in an independent third party, and take it from there. I consider this a major purchase, so just want a report so's I can work out what needs sorting and what's okay.

sinbad182. Have you even read the replies, or are you just being a nob?

sinbad182

sma11person wrote: »

sinbad182. Have you even read the replies, or are you just being a nob?

You're obviously too thick to realise I was referring to your thread in which you were moaning about there being no volvos near you and your insurance company not holding your hand through the process of buying this ultra rare brand of car

sma11person

Sinbad. Nope, I'm not thick at all. I've found two vehicles within 30 miles of me that are worth considering. One is far too old (older than mine), the other isn't. I've been to see a couple of others, but they'd have been downgrades. One was in such bad condition, only an utterly desperate person would buy it.

Never mind, if your best defence is to stoop to accusing me of being "thick" because I do my research, that's your problem, not mine.

Oh, and I don't expect anyone to hold my hand... not sure what you've been reading, but that sounds like what a psychologist friend of mine would call "projecting". Or faecal matter from a male bovine.... so, which are you doing? Or are you doing both?

Hoof_Hearted

An inspection is a good idea but do have a good look yourself first as it may save you the cost. I once went to look at a car with a friend. It looked great but the radiator cross bar (!) was bent, so obviously a big front end bang.

sma11person

Do people really assume that everyone else here is too stupid to look at obvious stuff themselves? I've been under two cars this last week. One of them had obviously had a front-end bash at some point (looked like someone had run into a bollard with it), the other had a rusty joint attached to the tail pipe of the exhaust. So rusty that when I touched it with my index finger, it disintegrated. Interesting stuff.

sma11person

Sinbad. Your most recent post is so full of errors, it would be funny .....if I gave a stuff. I don't. You're a stranger making assumptions. I'm not.

That said, where did I post this:

According to your other thread you pretty much expected your insurance company to find, buy, wash and valet your new car for you, which would indicate you're either a foot stamping brat with a sense of entitlement or just a bit dense.

I know that I didn't, but hey... knock yourself out. If you can't quote me verbatim on the above, don't bother.

sma11person

I just had an inspection report. I won't be buying the car. I would have another inspection done. It looks as if I'll be cycling to work, because there's nothing out there to replace the one I'm about to lose (1 week left), but at least I haven't lost the insurance money.