How invasive would you allow an inspection to be?
Discussion
Mrs D is contemplating a particular model of car which, whilst generally reliable, is a model where low compression is not uncommon, and can be pretty well hidden until it gets to a critical point and then it's very suddenly rebuild time.
I have no difficulties with compression testing, but it hasn't escaped my notice that even enthusiasts may tell me to p
s off if I show up with my test kit and ask to start dismantling their engine. On the other hand, I've sold cars where the purchaser got a man from the RAC to spend an hour checking plenty of things and I had no issues with leaving him to get on with it (once I'd checked his ID with the RAC). He could have done a compression test and I wouldn't have known.
So, where would you draw the line with a prospective purchaser?
I have no difficulties with compression testing, but it hasn't escaped my notice that even enthusiasts may tell me to p
s off if I show up with my test kit and ask to start dismantling their engine. On the other hand, I've sold cars where the purchaser got a man from the RAC to spend an hour checking plenty of things and I had no issues with leaving him to get on with it (once I'd checked his ID with the RAC). He could have done a compression test and I wouldn't have known.So, where would you draw the line with a prospective purchaser?
Rough101 said:
Not a chance unless it was a specialist with insurance.
One cross threaded plug or crap dropped into the bore is a disaster and frankly I don’t know who you are.
^^^ This ^^^One cross threaded plug or crap dropped into the bore is a disaster and frankly I don’t know who you are.
A specialist garage with the knowledge and appropriate insurance, no issue.
Some random person turning up to view and wanting to start taking parts off and messing? Not a chance.
OK, much as I thought, the consensus is "ps off!", with "maybe if you bring a mechanic with insurance" coming in a close second and "no, go on, ps off and take your compression tester with you" third. 
Good to gauge opinion, I wasn't sure if I was being a pessimist.
s off!", with "maybe if you bring a mechanic with insurance" coming in a close second and "no, go on, ps off and take your compression tester with you" third. Good to gauge opinion, I wasn't sure if I was being a pessimist.
CHLEMCBC said:
Why even contemplate such a vehicle?
Dog Biscuit said:
Tell your wife to think again and choose something less risky is the best bet I'd say.
If she were after something like a modern BMW or modern Ford I'd agree, but we're talking about a rather rare vehicle that can succumb to a lack of mechanical sympathy and/or incorrect servicing. This is PH after all, doesn't everyone have at least one such car on their fleet? donkmeister said:
OK, much as I thought, the consensus is "ps off!", with "maybe if you bring a mechanic with insurance" coming in a close second and "no, go on, ps off and take your compression tester with you" third.
Good to gauge opinion, I wasn't sure if I was being a pessimist.
I've had a few 'problem' cars over the years - 911 with scored bores, E90 M3 with rod bearings failure et al. I just couldn't run another car with serious failure modes again, no matter how rare it may be.s off!", with "maybe if you bring a mechanic with insurance" coming in a close second and "no, go on, ps off and take your compression tester with you" third. Good to gauge opinion, I wasn't sure if I was being a pessimist.
CHLEMCBC said:
Why even contemplate such a vehicle?
Dog Biscuit said:
Tell your wife to think again and choose something less risky is the best bet I'd say.
If she were after something like a modern BMW or modern Ford I'd agree, but we're talking about a rather rare vehicle that can succumb to a lack of mechanical sympathy and/or incorrect servicing. This is PH after all, doesn't everyone have at least one such car on their fleet? I'd prefer a path with a little less resistance and sleep well at night.
Easy way to settle this it to make it a condition of the sale. i.e. if it's something like the RX8 which may have compression problems then you say to the seller the cars are known for it and you want to make sure it isn't a problem before you buy. They say yes or no and that is the decider for whether or not you go for it.
vaud said:
donkmeister said:
So, where would you draw the line with a prospective purchaser?
You can bring a torch and a code reader. You can take off plastic engine covers. Anything else you can pay for a professional inspection with insurance and maybe we will split the cost if you buy it.
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