Car inspection before buying

[BlackBison]

Hello again guys,

I am very interested in a car I have looked at recently- 3.6 tuscan, 2002, low milage. It drove beautifully, nice engine etc etc but of course I want to get it properly inspected before buying.

I just rang up the RAC and they quoted £375 for an on site full inspection anywhere in the UK. Is there anywhere else I could get a cheaper (and maybe better!) inspection?

Thanks in advance guys,
Dave

[Big Al.]

What area are you located in?

[ec1 eex]

I had the RAC inspect my Tuscan before buying it. The AA won't do inspections on Tuscans because of the bolted down bonnet (AA won't do Boxsters for the same reason).

The RAC will take it for a test drive, put it on a ramp and look underneath, but on any part of the engine inspection the report will say "couldn't remove bonnet to view engine compartment". While the visual inspection is very thorough, I didn't consider it money well spent.

I'd suggest you get a copy of the "Tuscan buyer's guide", and have tried out as many Tuscans as you can, so you can get a feel for what's right & wrong.

Phil

[beano500]

I'd recommend you get an independent - preferably the one you're going to want to look after it long term - to have it and give it the once over.

Whilst the RAC are undoubtedly a solid lot, you won't know whether the guy that you see knows one end of a speed six from another. All very well that he can 'phone home for some guidance, but important things that matter aren't always in his laptop.

As for Alcoholics Anonymous not being able to take the bonnet off - well that's just laughable!

[BlackBison]

ok guys, but does anyone actually know of any tvr specialist or mechanic that might do an on site inspection? im buying from a dealer near london, who has ramps, etc for raising the car and so on, so theyd just need the basics to do it.

i just want it checked by a 3rd party for safety!

id pay for a good job..

[Big Al.]

David Batty provides a service of this nature I believe.

Somebody will come along with his number shortly.

[beano500]

Big Al. said:

Somebody will come along with his number shortly.

01483811995....

....and don't keep calling me Shorty!

[BlackBison]

Thanks for the help guys.

So has anyone used this David Batty guy to inspect a car? Did he do a good job?

[Mustang Baz]

Dave

Rob Ingleby (www.findasportscar.co.uk/) comes highly recommended in this forum. I have been in touch with him recently in a similar position to you (searching for the ideal Tuscan) and have found him very helpful in early discussions - and with reasonable prices (200 pounds I think for a check on a specific car).

Over to those who have now actually used Rob for a more detailed comment....

Craig

[brentstevens]

Rob Ingleby
Used him a couple of years ago to do an inspection on a Chimaera.
Found him totally reliable and the report was very comprehensive with photos. Report arrived within 48 hours of the inspection.
He gave the car a clean bill of health and on his recommendation, I bought it.
I have had 100% reliability from the car for the last 2 years.
Rob is based in Lincolnshire now but travels the UK.
Give him a call - you won't regret it.

[Big Al.]

BlackBison said:

So has anyone used this David Batty guy to inspect a car? Did he do a good job?

Not personally, but I believe his is well respected within the trade, and has a lot of satisfied customers on P/H.

You'd agree with that wouldn't you shortly?

[rawstrona]

Rob Ingleby 07799 142860
used him 6 weeks ago for a Chim
greater peace of mind when spending your precious £ks
very very very pleased with car - love it
open the integral garage door from kitchen every morning - smile - sorry im digressing
report & valuation open & honest
no disrespect to the big motoring organisations they cover the basics very throughly but you need somebody who has extensive experience of TVRs

[beano500]

Big Al. said:

BlackBison said: So has anyone used this David Batty guy to inspect a car? Did he do a good job? Not personally, but I believe his is well respected within the trade, and has a lot of satisfied customers on P/H. You'd agree with that wouldn't you shortly?

( at Big Al. )

Yup - you can't get better than letting you're TVR have a good Battying. He prepared the first car I had, and although I didn't get him to look over the current car, it was only because I had a very detailed knowledge of the car's history.

What you get is a pretty down to earth view on what's what and a very patient approach to explanations of the best ways to solve any problems... I mean issues.....I mean "TVR features".....

[Mark.S]

BlackBison said:

So has anyone used this David Batty guy to inspect a car? Did he do a good job?

He checked both Chimaeras I've owned (took them to him) and they turned out to be great. Only problem with Dave is he tends to be very busy, all the time, so it might not be worth his while to trek away from the garage to do an inspection. Always worth asking though.

[Podie]

Whenever having a car inspected I have used an independent TVR specialist... depending on location I would happily recommend Joospeed, APM, David Batty and Leven.