Seen the car... now what?

[VEIGHT]

Hi all,

Looking to join the fold soon and have finally found the V8 Vantage that i'm after.

Just wanted some advice or buying experiences with regards to buying privately. Now with most of my car purchases I turn up, like the look of it, check it has 4 wheels and agree a price however I want to put a little more thought into it as it will be the most expensive car purchase to date

I 'm armed with Buyers Guide book which has helped me pick the car I want, it has full AM service history and seems to tick all the right boxes.

Is there a company that could have a quick look at the car to check for any nasty surprises? I guess the AA car checks won't cut it! Also any short term insurance companies specifically for test drives?

I have been reading the AM forum here for a while now and itching to get involved so hopefully I can post some pictures soon!

[Ikebaddog]

If your going for a Vantage, don't worry too much, they are pretty bullet proof, enjoy!

[downr]

loads of companies do inspection checks (including most AM main dealers). Give us an idea of your location and i'm sure someone can point you in the direction of someone fairly local

[mikey k]

Where abouts is it?
Maybe ask the dealer if they are happy for it to be inspected by some one like Bridge Mill or Bamford Rose?

[VEIGHT]

It's a private sale in Hampshire.

[Bravo73]

It's just a car, not some magical object. All of the usual rules apply.

A dealer or specialist will offer a pre-purchase inspection. It usually costs a couple of hours labour but you will have to get the car to them. A sensible seller will be happy to accommodate this.

[michael gould]

If it has full Aston history then ring the dealers and ask them about the cars history......you may have to get the owners permission first

[1973ja]

Get someone to check it out, as suggested go to one of the independents. The last time i was in Bridge Mill there was a very broken DB9 which the guy had bought privately needed a new engine. Nobody wants that but avoid the AA etc and go to an AM independent who is then likely to look after it for you as well. Lot of money to buy, lot of money to fix also

[jazzyjeff]

Just whatever you do, don't muck the seller about. If you want to have the car inspected, ensure you do so before you make an offer to buy (assuming that offer is accepted)

[michael gould]

jazzyjeff said:

Just whatever you do, don't muck the seller about. If you want to have the car inspected, ensure you do so before you make an offer to buy (assuming that offer is accepted)

I don't agree with this.........you negotiate a price subject to the inspection being ok............with your idea you pay hundreds of pounds to have a car inspected and then cant agree on price !!!

[avinalarf]

michael gould said:

I don't agree with this.........you negotiate a price subject to the inspection being ok............with your idea you pay hundreds of pounds to have a car inspected and then cant agree on price !!!

Excellent and sensible advice Michael and exactly what you do with my Ladyboys.
How are you old boy ?

[VEIGHT]

Thanks for the advice.

Ok nearly there, seller has agreed to a 147 check however it's a 40 mile round trip to th nearest dealer and hasn't got the time to take it, nor would he let me take it for obvious reasons.

The dealer can pick it up but not till the end of this month (I can't wait that long!).

Does anyone know of someone that could travel to the car and have a look? (Hampshire).

It's got full service history and might be overkill getting it checked, however, I've got previous for not being a great car buyer so want to know what I am buying.

Any ideas?

[Cockernee]

Get the AA or RAC to inspect it perhaps. While they do not have specific AM experience, they can check the major items. It is a car after all and I am sure that they must warrant their work if something was found later, but as always, check the T's & C's.

[Paralight]

PM Sent.

Kind Regards,

James (Paralight) Trackaphone.

[jazzyjeff]

michael gould said:

jazzyjeff said:

Just whatever you do, don't muck the seller about. If you want to have the car inspected, ensure you do so before you make an offer to buy (assuming that offer is accepted)

I don't agree with this.........you negotiate a price subject to the inspection being ok............with your idea you pay hundreds of pounds to have a car inspected and then cant agree on price !!!

Ok then, don't negotiate a price, then afterwards say you want an inspection, then don't bother booking an inspection, then say you've now changed your mind and don't want to buy a car until next year

[VEIGHT]

Paralight said:

PM Sent.

Kind Regards,

James (Paralight) Trackaphone.

James, I can't thank you enough. Andrew came to have a look and went over the car in great detail! Wow he knows his Aston's!

Have a long list of minor issues which for the age is all spot on and he has made me buy in complete confidence.

Hopefully picking it up this week!

[Bincenzo]

Good man! Photos? It's the law!

[Paralight]

Glad to be of service.

Andrew is certainly an all round good chap.

Let me know if you need anything else. As you know pictures are compulsory, although it can be difficult to focus the camera whilst grinning like a loon :-)

Enjoy.

All the best,

James

[Jockman]

jazzyjeff said:

Ok then, don't negotiate a price, then afterwards say you want an inspection, then don't bother booking an inspection, then say you've now changed your mind and don't want to buy a car until next year

Many years ago I had an employee whose mother died so I naturally organised appropriate leave etc.

Just over 3 years later he informed me that his mother had died.....again. This obviously caused me some consternation.

A few weeks ago, his mother served me at the local off licence.

You'd be surprised what some people will say

[B4rnst4ble]

did you give him a bulk buying deal phil?
the only time you scousers go into a post office is to rob it.........
I bet the shock nearly did her in again ?