Pre-Purchase Inspections: ABS vs. OPC
Discussion
Anyone used ABS Ltd (Automobile Buyers Services) to do a pre-purchase inspection of a used Boxster? They seem to be an umbrella company for a network of self-employed inspectors.
Are ABS any more specialist than the AA/RAC? (I'm sure no-one here would use the AA/RAC to do a pre-purchase inspection of a Boxster simply because of the specialist nature of the car.)
My guess is that they have specialists within their ranks and that they allocate an insector based upon location and specialism. Anyone know any different?
Alternatively, has anyone used a local OPC to do a pre-purchase inspection of a privately advertised Boxster? Does the OPC visit the car, or does one have to persuade the seller to take the car to the OPC?
Are ABS any more specialist than the AA/RAC? (I'm sure no-one here would use the AA/RAC to do a pre-purchase inspection of a Boxster simply because of the specialist nature of the car.)
My guess is that they have specialists within their ranks and that they allocate an insector based upon location and specialism. Anyone know any different?
Alternatively, has anyone used a local OPC to do a pre-purchase inspection of a privately advertised Boxster? Does the OPC visit the car, or does one have to persuade the seller to take the car to the OPC?
I understand that you have to take the car to an OPC.
they have the advantage that they can plug in their diagnostic system in the workshop etc..
I phoned an OPC near to a car I was interested in a few months ago,the seller was willing to take the car along,the technician told me they could see the car for an inspection in 6 weeks time....
I had the car taken to a specialist booked for the next day,they checked it out,it wasn't as good as I had hoped.i didn't buy it.
I would much prefer to take a car to OPC if you can get in,then a specialist..then Rac / AA as almost a last resort.these are specialist cars & they will always find something as you have paid them to look at the car.An OPC or specialist will have a better idea of how much it will cost to put right in my opinion.
I think you are going about this the right way by getting the vehicle checked over..good luck..
they have the advantage that they can plug in their diagnostic system in the workshop etc..
I phoned an OPC near to a car I was interested in a few months ago,the seller was willing to take the car along,the technician told me they could see the car for an inspection in 6 weeks time....
I had the car taken to a specialist booked for the next day,they checked it out,it wasn't as good as I had hoped.i didn't buy it.
I would much prefer to take a car to OPC if you can get in,then a specialist..then Rac / AA as almost a last resort.these are specialist cars & they will always find something as you have paid them to look at the car.An OPC or specialist will have a better idea of how much it will cost to put right in my opinion.
I think you are going about this the right way by getting the vehicle checked over..good luck..
ABS were the people used on "garages from hell" that saw Auto Italia in London close...
When I sold my Puma recently, ABS came to inspect the car, prior to the guy parting with his hard earned cash.
Bear in mind they will always put a negative slant on ANY inspection... for example "brake pads 25% worn" rather than "brake pads at 75%" - ie the pint glass is always half empty, rather than half full.
It can be quite disconcerting, and the phrases they use conform to a standard table. If you like, I'll send you a copy of the report from my Puma, so at least you can get an idea of what to expect - if you do, drop me a line via my profile.
>> Edited by Podie on Friday 17th January 12:23
When I sold my Puma recently, ABS came to inspect the car, prior to the guy parting with his hard earned cash.
Bear in mind they will always put a negative slant on ANY inspection... for example "brake pads 25% worn" rather than "brake pads at 75%" - ie the pint glass is always half empty, rather than half full.
It can be quite disconcerting, and the phrases they use conform to a standard table. If you like, I'll send you a copy of the report from my Puma, so at least you can get an idea of what to expect - if you do, drop me a line via my profile.
>> Edited by Podie on Friday 17th January 12:23
Eeek! Sounds like an OPC inspection might not be the way to go then!
clubsport said: the technician told me they could see the car for an inspection in 6 weeks time....
Thanks - you have mail. You didn't actually mention whether you'd recommend ABS.
Podie said: I'll send you a copy of the report from my Puma, so at least you can get an idea of what to expect - if you do, drop me a line via my profile.
Thank you. You have mail.
iguana said:drop me an e-mail off line if you are interested.
Hmmmm. I just don't think I'd trust a 'generic' inspection service like that offered by the AA or RAC to be appropriate for a specialist car. I have an imagine in my mind of a confused looking RAC guy trying to find the engine on a Boxster!
mightydquinn said: I used the rac on a 964 cab
My freind had an AA report on a Turbo 4 before he bought it. They were pretty good, although failed to point out that 2 rear tyres were worn. He got compensation from them, towards the cost of new tyres.
Depending on where you are based, I would ask Autostrasse who are in Essex.
They are good, genuine trustworthy people.
Depending on where you are based, I would ask Autostrasse who are in Essex.
They are good, genuine trustworthy people.
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