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blade runner said:
Already made some calls about having it inspected at the local Stratstone next week if I think it's worth it after today.
If you're spending money on an inspection then get it done by a decent Indy rather than a main dealer. I test drove a Stratstone car in London with an obviously slipping clutch and a leaking gearbox oil cooler that had apparently passed their inspection. Not worth the paper it's written on unless you intend to buy an Aston warranty in which case you have to have it done.To add to that, the Independent did not provide a completed checklist. Simply because they didn't have one. I did not think to ask.
Ask Stratstone for their checklist before they look at the car. Have a read on the forums and see if the checklist misses any common or expensive faults. Add those items to the checklist.
Also, tell Stratstone to video any of the significant issues they spot, they do this normally so it isn't much to ask. Also, make sure they issue the completed checklist before they release the car, so you can ask them to double check what is unclear or you need further details on.
I learnt all of this from my own mistakes, so hope it helps you!
Ask Stratstone for their checklist before they look at the car. Have a read on the forums and see if the checklist misses any common or expensive faults. Add those items to the checklist.
Also, tell Stratstone to video any of the significant issues they spot, they do this normally so it isn't much to ask. Also, make sure they issue the completed checklist before they release the car, so you can ask them to double check what is unclear or you need further details on.
I learnt all of this from my own mistakes, so hope it helps you!
Edited by rossyl on Monday 1st August 14:55
So in summary.
Ask for the checklist before they check the car.
Make sure the checklist contains everything you want checked (and more!)
Get them to send you the completed checklist before they release the car
Ask for further details where you need them.
Re brake pads and discs, they should be able to measure them and provide exact measurements to the mm.
Ask for the checklist before they check the car.
Make sure the checklist contains everything you want checked (and more!)
Get them to send you the completed checklist before they release the car
Ask for further details where you need them.
Re brake pads and discs, they should be able to measure them and provide exact measurements to the mm.
Just to update - I went for second viewing and spotted a few more bodywork issues that didn't sit right with me, so didn't think it was worth bothering with the inspection.
So, still on the hunt for my perfect car. Now thinking that Meteorite may be a more forgiving colour to opt for as all the Tungsten cars I've looked at so far have had some paint mis-match problems.
So, still on the hunt for my perfect car. Now thinking that Meteorite may be a more forgiving colour to opt for as all the Tungsten cars I've looked at so far have had some paint mis-match problems.
Looks like you may have had a bit of bad luck. I bought mine in tungsten a few months back and it is perfect. That said it does have stone chips and the "Chips Away" kit isn't quite correct.
For information I bought mine privately after seeing several cars. In the end (and isn’t it always the case) I went for the best condition car rather than mileage and a private seller as his was far better than the dealers. The car was independently serviced so I gave them a call and they verified everything and went through what was done and what needed doing (nothing!). Loads of invoices/MOTs and only 2 owners. The one I bought it off had it 5 years and the one before that from new. Downside is I only have one key and fob….
The independent dealer I visited to see what was on offer, and the condition of their cars, had an attitude of the sticker price is the price to pay which I have never done!
For information I bought mine privately after seeing several cars. In the end (and isn’t it always the case) I went for the best condition car rather than mileage and a private seller as his was far better than the dealers. The car was independently serviced so I gave them a call and they verified everything and went through what was done and what needed doing (nothing!). Loads of invoices/MOTs and only 2 owners. The one I bought it off had it 5 years and the one before that from new. Downside is I only have one key and fob….
The independent dealer I visited to see what was on offer, and the condition of their cars, had an attitude of the sticker price is the price to pay which I have never done!
I'm sure I'll get there in the end... A bit annoyed with myself as when I started looking I resolved to only look at Tungsten cars and so overlooked a couple of nice Meteorite cars over the past couple of months that have since sold. On the up-side, I expect prices will start to drop again towards the end of the year so that might get me more car for my money.
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