Long distance car buying and inspection
Discussion
Long time lurker and infrequent poster. Looking for advice if anyone has used RAC, AA or other to inspect a car they cant get to view?
I am in Durham and found a car online that ticks most of my want boxes but its on the south coast. Happy to fly down for a 7+ hours drive back to get to know the car, but its a long way to go for a look. I have managed to get to nearly 50 and always viewed stuff myself!
Just started looking at the option of sending someone to do an inspection, seems to be around £150 to £200 for a road test and report. Anyone used these services in the past, any issues/tips or any to avoid?
Cheers
I am in Durham and found a car online that ticks most of my want boxes but its on the south coast. Happy to fly down for a 7+ hours drive back to get to know the car, but its a long way to go for a look. I have managed to get to nearly 50 and always viewed stuff myself!
Just started looking at the option of sending someone to do an inspection, seems to be around £150 to £200 for a road test and report. Anyone used these services in the past, any issues/tips or any to avoid?
Cheers
These services are useful but it's very dependent on who carries out the inspection, they can be handy so I'd say go for an AA/RAC one, if they miss fundamental flaws they will cover the cost (after a bit of arguing) of repairs.
Personally I'd just book a return flight it'll be cheaper & you'll have peace of mind.
Personally I'd just book a return flight it'll be cheaper & you'll have peace of mind.
I used ClickMechanic recently to inspect a used car ~£5k value, with the car in Newcastle and me in Gloucestershire.
The inspection was fine, although limited to the items on the menu. I did ask about a known issue on that model, but the engineer didn’t check it.
Cost was about £120, but considering I’m no expert and the return train would have been £70 I thought it a fair price.
The inspection was fine, although limited to the items on the menu. I did ask about a known issue on that model, but the engineer didn’t check it.
Cost was about £120, but considering I’m no expert and the return train would have been £70 I thought it a fair price.
Hi all, thanks for the replies and advice.
The car is at an independent dealers, who look to have a great reputation. £17k BMW F30 330d. I have gone with the RAC inspection, membership discount swayed that. Also taking into account the time and cost to get there and back.
I have asked for a couple of additional checks, so will see if that happens.
All being well I should have it sat on my drive middle of next week, just before my stag do! Only taken around 8 months for the right car/spec to crop up
The car is at an independent dealers, who look to have a great reputation. £17k BMW F30 330d. I have gone with the RAC inspection, membership discount swayed that. Also taking into account the time and cost to get there and back.
I have asked for a couple of additional checks, so will see if that happens.
All being well I should have it sat on my drive middle of next week, just before my stag do! Only taken around 8 months for the right car/spec to crop up
jaf65 said:
Hi all, thanks for the replies and advice.
The car is at an independent dealers, who look to have a great reputation. £17k BMW F30 330d. I have gone with the RAC inspection, membership discount swayed that. Also taking into account the time and cost to get there and back.
I have asked for a couple of additional checks, so will see if that happens.
All being well I should have it sat on my drive middle of next week, just before my stag do! Only taken around 8 months for the right car/spec to crop up
Just before your stag do?! Better get the triple turbo supercharger flux capacitor ecu stage 3 chip done soon. The car is at an independent dealers, who look to have a great reputation. £17k BMW F30 330d. I have gone with the RAC inspection, membership discount swayed that. Also taking into account the time and cost to get there and back.
I have asked for a couple of additional checks, so will see if that happens.
All being well I should have it sat on my drive middle of next week, just before my stag do! Only taken around 8 months for the right car/spec to crop up
nobrakes said:
Just before your stag do?! Better get the triple turbo supercharger flux capacitor ecu stage 3 chip done soon.
Trying not to think too much about the mods until after Xmas, it will obviously need a remap 
Had to take an extra day off so I get chance to have a play with it before going away for the weekend!jaf65 said:
nobrakes said:
Just before your stag do?! Better get the triple turbo supercharger flux capacitor ecu stage 3 chip done soon.
Trying not to think too much about the mods until after Xmas, it will obviously need a remap Had to take an extra day off so I get chance to have a play with it before going away for the weekend!Just a quick update on this. I used the RAC as mentioned and asked for a couple of extra checks.
Got a very comprehensive report via email, then an in depth call from the inspector. He knew the garage and obviously knew his stuff. The only thing he found was a slight wheel wobble, sorted by having all the wheels checked and balanced. So very happy with the experience,
Very happy with the car and would definitely use this service again. Stag do went well too!
Thanks again for all the input
Got a very comprehensive report via email, then an in depth call from the inspector. He knew the garage and obviously knew his stuff. The only thing he found was a slight wheel wobble, sorted by having all the wheels checked and balanced. So very happy with the experience,
Very happy with the car and would definitely use this service again. Stag do went well too!
Thanks again for all the input
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