Anybody used an AA inspection before purchasing a car?
Discussion
Any feedback? Of course they are unlikely to cover everything and be able to perform miracles on a driveway, but would it be of some use, and save me from a potential big bill? - I am hoping will help build general understanding of the car - included: panel checks, oil leak checks, and of course condition of tyres, brakes, etc.
ps. For a RRS TDV8
ps. For a RRS TDV8
I used them some 17 years ago for my first big purchase (a 1990 Mk1 MR2 Tbar) as I wasn't that confident being able to inspect the car myself. It gave me some peace of mind, but to be honest you could do all the checks they do yourself with some careful research. Or just ask a knowledgeable friend/ relative.... as the AA won't be able to tell more than them.
Mike
Mike
mike9009 said:
I used them some 17 years ago for my first big purchase (a 1990 Mk1 MR2 Tbar) as I wasn't that confident being able to inspect the car myself. It gave me some peace of mind, but to be honest you could do all the checks they do yourself with some careful research. Or just ask a knowledgeable friend/ relative.... as the AA won't be able to tell more than them.
Mike
Was thinking this. But things like coolant leaks and oil leaks I don't know how I would check. Tyres brakes yea I could check. But uneven wear sometimes difficult. Saves getting messy asking them to do it. Brake lines etc. their list is very comprehensive. And they test the four wheel drive system apparently. Mike
Its a waste of money.
They are checking used cars, all they give you is a list of faults, every used car will have some.
If you really know so little about cars that you need this kind of check, the list of faults will be meaningless to you anyway, and may scare you off for some quite trivial stuff.
Unless they are checking a selection of used cars for you to choose from, how will you be any better off?
Mechanically if it starts from cold, and drives nice, with no knocks noises it must be ok.
Tyres, brakes and fluid levels you can see yourself.
Cosmetic condition you can see yourself.
Service history will tell you what is due next and how far away it is.
You will already know if its good value, rare car and how far you are prepared to travel to find another.
Nothing can tell you if its going to break down next month.
I think your money would be better spent on a HPI and a warranty instead.
They are checking used cars, all they give you is a list of faults, every used car will have some.
If you really know so little about cars that you need this kind of check, the list of faults will be meaningless to you anyway, and may scare you off for some quite trivial stuff.
Unless they are checking a selection of used cars for you to choose from, how will you be any better off?
Mechanically if it starts from cold, and drives nice, with no knocks noises it must be ok.
Tyres, brakes and fluid levels you can see yourself.
Cosmetic condition you can see yourself.
Service history will tell you what is due next and how far away it is.
You will already know if its good value, rare car and how far you are prepared to travel to find another.
Nothing can tell you if its going to break down next month.
I think your money would be better spent on a HPI and a warranty instead.
Yeah difficult one. It's 300quid so not a huge investment compared to the purchase price and who knows it may allow me to knock off a couple of hundred quid off the price if it spots something I don't. I can check a lot of the things but am no expert in crash damage or spotting leaks etc.
Anyone here actually used one?
Anyone here actually used one?
About as useful as the survey when you buy a house.
They'll list every tiny fault and anything they are not sure about or cannot see, they'll err on the side of caution and say it might be faulty. Turns into a proper arse covering report.
If you don't know the basics I'd suggest you pay the premium of using a decent dealer.
They'll list every tiny fault and anything they are not sure about or cannot see, they'll err on the side of caution and say it might be faulty. Turns into a proper arse covering report.
If you don't know the basics I'd suggest you pay the premium of using a decent dealer.
Well I've only got my own experiences to go upon....
Couple of weeks ago I sold my car & the guy used one of these inspection services. The guy was ex-AA but working for another Internet based car inspection firm.
The guy buying my car lived about four hours away, so factor in his time & petrol to come view it it wasn't such a bad deal.
The inspector did a thorough job, picked up everything that was wrong (very,very little) & advised accordingly.
I stood & watched him & I've got to be honest, as a distance sale I'd actually use them. & I say that as someone who has been paid to do inspections in the past.
Obviously you get down there & make your own mind up, but at least it saves you the wasted journey if you're busy at work & the car is far away.
Only problem I'd say is get your offers in beforehand, no point trying to haggle once you & the seller knows its a good 'un!
Couple of weeks ago I sold my car & the guy used one of these inspection services. The guy was ex-AA but working for another Internet based car inspection firm.
The guy buying my car lived about four hours away, so factor in his time & petrol to come view it it wasn't such a bad deal.
The inspector did a thorough job, picked up everything that was wrong (very,very little) & advised accordingly.
I stood & watched him & I've got to be honest, as a distance sale I'd actually use them. & I say that as someone who has been paid to do inspections in the past.
Obviously you get down there & make your own mind up, but at least it saves you the wasted journey if you're busy at work & the car is far away.
Only problem I'd say is get your offers in beforehand, no point trying to haggle once you & the seller knows its a good 'un!
LaurasOtherHalf said:
Well I've only got my own experiences to go upon....
Couple of weeks ago I sold my car & the guy used one of these inspection services. The guy was ex-AA but working for another Internet based car inspection firm.
The guy buying my car lived about four hours away, so factor in his time & petrol to come view it it wasn't such a bad deal.
The inspector did a thorough job, picked up everything that was wrong (very,very little) & advised accordingly.
I stood & watched him & I've got to be honest, as a distance sale I'd actually use them. & I say that as someone who has been paid to do inspections in the past.
Obviously you get down there & make your own mind up, but at least it saves you the wasted journey if you're busy at work & the car is far away.
Only problem I'd say is get your offers in beforehand, no point trying to haggle once you & the seller knows its a good 'un!
Sounds good. Mind me asking which company this was?Couple of weeks ago I sold my car & the guy used one of these inspection services. The guy was ex-AA but working for another Internet based car inspection firm.
The guy buying my car lived about four hours away, so factor in his time & petrol to come view it it wasn't such a bad deal.
The inspector did a thorough job, picked up everything that was wrong (very,very little) & advised accordingly.
I stood & watched him & I've got to be honest, as a distance sale I'd actually use them. & I say that as someone who has been paid to do inspections in the past.
Obviously you get down there & make your own mind up, but at least it saves you the wasted journey if you're busy at work & the car is far away.
Only problem I'd say is get your offers in beforehand, no point trying to haggle once you & the seller knows its a good 'un!
And yeah if any PHer lives near Henley (where the car is) and has a good knowledge of these cars let me know if you would be kind enough to offer your services!
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