RAC INSPECTION TOMFOOLERY

[homologeo]

Hi All,

I just wanted to share a little story with you.

RAC INSPECTION

I had an RAC inspection performed on Monday and the check exposed a few issues, namely:

• The passenger rear door had been unsatisfactorily repaired, with visible filler, preparation marks and rippled paint.
• And the front brake pads are worn, the rear discs are corroded/scored and the brake fluid is deteriorated; with no evidence to support any recent service to the brake system.
• A crack/chip in the front windscreen.
• Corrosion on the rear right wing, with evidence of re-painted panels on both wings (with dirt inclusions and masking lines).

There were a few other bits and bobs, but given the age of the car I was prepared to pay the asking price if the dealer could either rectify these or reduce the price of the vehicle accordingly.

CHAT WITH THE RAC ENGINEER

The RAC engineer gave me a call following his inspection and stated that he felt it was a very good example and if I didn't go ahead with the sale, could I please let him know as he has a friend who would be very interested. He also recommended that the issues raised above be rectified.

MAKING MY OFFER

Anyway, I delivered my offer to the dealer only to be informed that the RAC engineer has a friend who is interested in buying the car if I don't want it!

COMPLAINTS!

NOW... I have absolutely no problem with the RAC engineer asking me to let him know if I don't go ahead, but discussing this with the dealer just undermines the whole process. It's thrown a spanner into any negotiating power I had, assuming that the engineer's friend is prepared to beat my offer.

I've complained to the RAC about this wholly unprofessional behavior, and they've given me 50% of my money back and 25% off a future inspection; I'm happy with the way this complaint has been dealt with, but just thought I would post it on here to see how this situation would make you feel?!

[Motorrad]

I'd want a full refund. You don't employ someone to effectively 'gazump' you. Unprofessional to say the least. Also I wouldn't engage with those muppets in the first place as I feel their inspections are little better than I could do myself.

[NiceCupOfTea]

Bloody annoyed!

[thelawnet]

Shocking. I would sue them TBH.

Put in a small claim

[jackh707]

It's a bit like a building surveyor putting in an offer on a house your interested in.
Not professional behaviour.

[M3DGE]

Unbelievable lack of professionalism by the inspector. You should definitely get a full refund, not 50% - he has scuppered your deal - and if I was the inspector's boss he would be seeking other opportunities, pronto. What a tool.

[homologeo]

Ok, glad I am not alone..! It made my blood boil.

I probably should have pushed for a full refund, but to be honest there is still a chance of buying the car. I have first refusal at the full asking and I don't know that his friend will improve on my offer (given that his friend hasn't even seen the car etc.).

In all fairness, the engineer has done a good job on the inspection. I wouldn't even hesitate in using the RAC again... It's just the level of unprofessionalism that's got me wound up.