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Hello, I might have to buy a car from a fair distance away so it seems like a good idea to use a firm to have a look for me first to save wasting time. Just wondered if anyone has done this?
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Getting a car inspected by the RAC/AA a good idea?
- Thread starter vincentianpinner
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I've sold vehicles using the AA for the benefit of the buyer and found them pretty conscientious in their examinations. Of course there's a get out clause though in case anything is missed.
Personally I think it gives you a certain peace of mind, having seen 'prepared ' vehicles come my way with no oil in!
John
Personally I think it gives you a certain peace of mind, having seen 'prepared ' vehicles come my way with no oil in!
John
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Ok thanks,
I take it the customer pays a deposit first. Is that refundable if the mechanic finds problems?
I take it the customer pays a deposit first. Is that refundable if the mechanic finds problems?
insist on subject to survey before buying
if you are buying from a good dealer he wont want a car with known faults going out if they could result in him having to fix it within 6 months
if you want a bit more info from a car sellers perspective on this have a look at Chops garage on youtube
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Ok ta. I've seen one of two chops videos. I used to watch Calvin's car diary, UK salvage rebuild and that Matt Armstrong who repairs super cars. In case you haven't seen any of them.
I've offered wondered, as I wave the latest m̶u̶g̶ happy new owner off down the road, whether I would buy a used car off myself?
I think the answer is yes, not because there's nothing wrong with them (there usually is by the time I've done with them), but because I always state exactly what is wrong with them and make sure the price reflects it.
Last few have included - airbag light on, slight knock from front suspension and noisy DMF. I've never had any comeback. I just have a dislike of investing in a car I'm getting rid of, whereas many new owners realistically expect to have to spend a bit when buying a cheap used private sale.
I think the answer is yes, not because there's nothing wrong with them (there usually is by the time I've done with them), but because I always state exactly what is wrong with them and make sure the price reflects it.
Last few have included - airbag light on, slight knock from front suspension and noisy DMF. I've never had any comeback. I just have a dislike of investing in a car I'm getting rid of, whereas many new owners realistically expect to have to spend a bit when buying a cheap used private sale.
That's not so unusual though, is it? People (for as long as I can remember) talk about buying a second hand car as "buying someone else's problems". If you don't want to risk that, get a brand new car! I've (when shopping with my own money) always bought "sheds". Never spent more than £1500 on a car in my life. Last one cost me £600 I do always assume that what I'm buying is bad and will need a lot of work (and I'm rarely disappointed)! 
People can just get fed up and want a change. The car that (for them) is too much trouble to put a new DMF into, will be new and exciting for its new owner, and nothing will be too much trouble for a while.
I also tend to go for obscure, complicated cars (Big old Alfas and Citroens) that nobody wants. I'd pay a lot for the equivalent Ford or BMW, but with those, everyone and his dog who reckons they "know a bit about motahs" will have had a go - sometimes rather ham-fistedly. With an old Citroen or Alfa, they are generally neglected but not bodged - at least, not to the same extent.
Anyway, as far as the OP is concerned, just don't expect miracles. The AA or RAC will find existing faults (some of them at least), but nobody is going to be able to tell you whether your (say) alternator will pack up next week ,or your "wet belt", the week after, or your starter, the week after that. All they can really do, is report on the bits they can see "today". Old cars have an almost infinite way of screwing you over though...
People can just get fed up and want a change. The car that (for them) is too much trouble to put a new DMF into, will be new and exciting for its new owner, and nothing will be too much trouble for a while.
I also tend to go for obscure, complicated cars (Big old Alfas and Citroens) that nobody wants. I'd pay a lot for the equivalent Ford or BMW, but with those, everyone and his dog who reckons they "know a bit about motahs" will have had a go - sometimes rather ham-fistedly. With an old Citroen or Alfa, they are generally neglected but not bodged - at least, not to the same extent.
Anyway, as far as the OP is concerned, just don't expect miracles. The AA or RAC will find existing faults (some of them at least), but nobody is going to be able to tell you whether your (say) alternator will pack up next week ,or your "wet belt", the week after, or your starter, the week after that. All they can really do, is report on the bits they can see "today". Old cars have an almost infinite way of screwing you over though...
