Getting a mechanic to look at used car

waterman10

I'm in the market for a small used car and going to look at trade rather than private for the added protections.

I know nothing about mechanical things and wondered if, when I see a car I like, I can pay a mechanic to look it over to make sure it's mechanically sound and the are no major faults? Do anyone like Kwik fit etc provide such a service or the AA/RAC? Thanks

jonathon

https://www.theaa.com/vehicle-inspection/

AA do and im sure others do

PTP123

Don't waste your money on an AA inspection.

They are afraid of giving cars a decent report because they don't want aggravation in the future.

Pay a good local trusted mechanic to give a more honest report. They are used vehicles and will not be perfect,

Frozen_up_north

There are three types of "trade".

Main dealer with "approved used cars" that include an equivalent to a new car warranty

Garages that service cars and also sell used cars

Car sales people that operate from waste land with a Portakabin office.

The main dealers will provide a warranty that is much the same as a new car and covers you anywhere in the UK and possibly Europe. Garages that sell and service cars will likely offer a few months warranty and will repair any failures themselves. One local garage to me sell RAC inspected cars and I have seen an RAC mechanic there inspecting cars. They are pretty good for mid price used cars.

The Portakabin type sales people are best avoided unless you really know cars well.

sheramber

It is a few yearsago now but we used RAC

Bigphil1474

My current car was purchased from a main dealer as a used car. First time I've done that, and I passed my test in 1988. Yes you pay a bit more, but the service is far better IME. It also came with a 1 year dealer warranty. Unless i was in the market for a low end car, I'd do the same next time.

I've had the car 6 years now and built up a good relationship with the dealership. I've had a couple of occasions to drop in with a minor issue which they've dealt with for free, and mine also does a pick up and drop off service at no extra cost. As I get the MOT and service done at the same time, there's no charge for the MOT either. You can definitely get more for your money on a private sale, but if you aren't knowledgeable on cars, the risk is a fair bit higher I think. A balance between budget and risk.

Mildly_Miffed

The AA/RAC offer expensive vehicle assessments that are renowned for being very doom-and-gloom.

Kwikfit are a fast-fit tyre place who offer some basic servicing. They are not a proper garage.

Use a proper local garage. Get recommendations from friends, neighbours, local FB groups. They should do it for the cost of an hour's labour.

As far as buying from trade goes, depending on the age and price of the car, those protections may be absolutely minimal. Remember, the trader has to make a profit at the end of the day from buying, preparing, selling the car then any after-purchase support…

waterman10

I'm only intending to spend about £4,500 on a car.

paul_c123

How have you planned the logistics of it? Are you going to put a (non refundable) deposit down, then arrange an inspection? Or arrange one first, possibly for it to be paid for/booked but then the car sold beforehand, or during/very shortly after and you've lost out?

ohreallƳ

What make are you going to get inspected?

PTP123

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82061639#Comment_82061639

You will never get the AA to give you a positive report on a 4.5K car.