Pre-purchase inspection?

[AyBee]

I'm currently looking at buying my next car which is likely to be in the £12-15k range with c.50-60k miles (Scirocco R, M135i, etc). For private purchases, do people generally bother with pre-purchase inspections or do you just back yourself? I'm reasonably mechanically minded and have been researching what to look out for but I'm still not sure whether it would be sensible to get an independent to check it over before I commit. If you do get an inspection, who would you get to do it (AA, RAC, independent dealer, main dealer)?

Thanks.

[RacingGreen0001]

When I purchased my first car I created a check-list in excel that I would use to check a car out.

I did toy with the idea of using a 3rd party (like AA or RAC) - but opted to do it myself primarily because I was purchasing from a dealer and the value of the car was relatively low.

Maybe you could use my list ? I hope it helps...

EDIT : I've just re-read the post and it seems like OP knows his stuff - I think my list is more geared towards first time drivers. Sorry!

Checks

1. Check Documentation
2. Read through Service History, determine whether there is anything wrong
3. Check online MOT details for past advisories
4. Outstanding HPI/Finance Check
5. Check VINS match on all documentation
6. Check engine is cold when arriving
7. Check body colouring
8. Check for rust around hinges, and bends in bodywork
9. Check directly beneath car for oil spots or other leaks
10. Check heater/AC at full blast
11. Check dashboard lights all work when switched on
12. Check carpets, boot floor, for leaks
13. Check all buttons work, e.g. headlights, indicator, wipers, central locking
14. Check bonnet opens and closes, does it also stay open ?
15. Check all doors close/open properly
16. Check spare tyre and wheel locking key
17. Check all locks
18. Check upon ignition that the car does not violently shake (nor does the engine)
19. Check ignition is smooth - does it take longer than usual in starting ?
20. Check colour of smoke exhaust on start up and high rev
21. Check exhaust does not have leak
22. Check oil is at correct levels
23. Test Drive over varying roads (dual carriage, suburbuan road, speed bumps)
24. Brake from 30 shadow gripping wheel to see if car pulls off anywhere (if it does, indicates a problem with tracking)
25. Brake to determine how the brakes perform, listen for noises, creaking
26. Check for pops or bumps at high revs and high acceleration
27. Check gears slide and don't crunch
28. Ensure temperature gauge does not go above middle temp when test driving
29. Restart car after turning car off
30. Check full wheel turns

Edited by RacingGreen0001 on Friday 10th November 11:59

[AyBee]

Useful list, thanks, was just curious whether the majority of people spending this much money privately would get the car checked over by someone who properly knows what they're looking for as opposed to someone just going on basic mechanical knowledge and the mk1 eyeball with a little bit of common sense...

[RacingGreen0001]

AyBee said:

Useful list, thanks, was just curious whether the majority of people spending this much money privately would get the car checked over by someone who properly knows what they're looking for as opposed to someone just going on basic mechanical knowledge and the mk1 eyeball with a little bit of common sense...

I'm a relatively inexperienced motorist, when compared with my esteemed PH peers....

So, at your price point, I'd would personally look at getting a third party inspection, especially if purchasing privately or from a dubious shady dealer not offering a warranty.

Hopefully, somebody with more experience can answer?

[Graeme123]

When I sold my FN2 type r the guy who purchased it had an AA inspection done on it. Never even heard of them before he asked me if he could have it done.

Cost him £200 and he got peace of mind he was buying a mint car. Car came back that good he paid what I was asking for it

If I was to buy 2nd hand in the future I would get one done, then you know the chances of any underlying issues will be reduced

[steve-5snwi]

Are you buying privately or from a dealer ?

[mike9009]

I had a third party inspection done many moons ago on my mk1 MR2.

In hindsight, I thought it was a bit of a waste of money. I am not 'very' mechanically minded, but I know when something feels wrong with a car. If anything was to fail after that point it was unlikely to be picked up anyway by the inspection. Since that point I have used my own 'skills' to pick out cars.

The list above is helpful, the new MOT history check is very useful for advisories and stuff. If in doubt you could stick it in for an MOT somewhere??

I may have been lucky with all my purchases (except my first car! )


Mike

[AyBee]

steve-5snwi said:

Are you buying privately or from a dealer ?

The one I have my eye on is a private sale right now but if I miss that one, it could be from a dealer. Found a local specialist who will do a check for £100 so seems pointless not to get one done at that price in order to get it up on the ramps and checked over for any crash damage or immediate mechanical issues. Also gives me the chance to use anything found as a bargaining tool on the price I think.

[AyBee]

So my original plan of taking it somewhere doesn't work - the buyer is too far away to ask them to do that. I went to see the car on Friday and it all checks out to me, but I'd like to get it checked over independently - who do I use? AA? RAC? Someone else?

Thanks!

[twokcc]

AyBee said:

So my original plan of taking it somewhere doesn't work - the buyer is too far away to ask them to do that. I went to see the car on Friday and it all checks out to me, but I'd like to get it checked over independently - who do I use? AA? RAC? Someone else?

Thanks!

Used RAC for last 2 car purchases cost about £250. Been very pleased with reports and like fact that you can speak to engineer after he has done check. One thing that I particularity like is that they use a paint meter to check paint depth for repairs and go over the bodywork looking for dents/marks far more thoroughly than I could ever do. With last report paid for optional fault code reading, this picked up faults but no idea if old or current faults. Seller agreed to have codes cleared by BMW Mini with a report to confirm that car was fault free.. Just be aware that as cars get more complex their will be somethings that they cannot check(heated front screen on mine) and that all communication systems work. Not a problem if buying from a dealer but could be if buying privately.

[Integroo]

I just spent six grand on a used Type R, was going to get an inspection at £200-ish but couldn't find someone who would service the area. I bought without, but I have had a bunch of issues an inspection would have picked up - loose exhaust baffles meaning the exhaust needs changed, various electrics that don't work (though tbf I should have been more careful checking those myself), oxidised alloy wheels that need a refurb (again, should have picked up on this myself, but didn't realise what it was), and an oil consumption issue (not sure if an inspection would have picked this up).

I think it's worth it on a 12-15k car. Even if just to make sure it's not got a headgasket issue or a leaking rad that has been covered up with an egg white or something ...

[Fury RS]

I have used car inspection companies on two occasions for private purchases, first time on a Mitsubishi Evo VII back in 08' and last year on an E92 M3. The inspections were both done at the sellers houses ending up with an approximate 10 mile road test. A full report is sent to you by e-mail plus HPI report then a phone call off the engineer. I found them both quite comprehensive with all the information necessary to hopefully put your mind at rest.
The day after I purchased my M3 (43k mls) after a spirited 90 mile run in it the "Bong of Death" sounded up on my 'I' Drive lighting up like a christmas tree, limp mode etc etc. The dreaded throttle actuator fail that all these V8 and V10 BMW engines will at some time suffer irrelevant of mileage/age.
I didn't bother contacting the inspection company as this failure was one that could/will occur at some time.
Another plus point was the inspection reports helped toward me selling both of the cars in question to the first viewer.

[AyBee]

Who did you use please? I think the benefit comes in agreeing a sensible price knowing the issues as well as being able to present it when I come to sell so worthwhile I reckon.

[steve-5snwi]

Is there a specialist close to them that they would be happy to take the car too ? Where in the country is the car ?

[Fury RS]

AyBee said:

Who did you use please? I think the benefit comes in agreeing a sensible price knowing the issues as well as being able to present it when I come to sell so worthwhile I reckon.

Dekra on the Evo and My Car Inspections for the M3. The Evo was over £200 back in 08', the M3 cost me £225 for a Pre Purchase Gold Inspection (Premium Inspection) back in June 2016. As I commented previously, I believe the reports helped towards me selling both cars to the first viewer without fuss...

[Fury RS]

I would also consider a local reputable Indie Specialist if one nearby to the marque you are looking to buy say like BMW, VW etc. Maybe cheaper and should be more knowledgeable to the specific car...

[Prepared1874]

Hi guys,

I've seen a 1995 non-turbo Fiat coupe for sale on eBay. I'm struggling to value it as they're pretty rare theses days, but getting an inspection done is a must. Is getting it up on Ramps essential, or would one done on a driveway suffice?

Thanks
Ryan

[Patrick Bateman]

I did for my Boxster. The trader was soon forking out over £1000 on what they found.

I haven't done it before that and I suppose it would depend on the car but it can be worth the hassle if the car has the potential for bills like that.

That was two a/c condensers, a radiator + hoses, re-balancing front wheels and a roller for the drive belt. I suspect if you translate that to a typical BMW the bumper wouldn't even have to come off, only one a/c condenser to worry about etc.

[ransom81]

Patrick Bateman said:

I did for my Boxster. The trader was soon forking out over £1000 on what they found.

I haven't done it before that and I suppose it would depend on the car but it can be worth the hassle if the car has the potential for bills like that.

That was two a/c condensers, a radiator + hoses, re-balancing front wheels and a roller for the drive belt. I suspect if you translate that to a typical BMW the bumper wouldn't even have to come off, only one a/c condenser to worry about etc.

Who did you use please?

[Patrick Bateman]

Motortune.