Inspection in London thoughts / comments / help

[peteA]

Hoping to purchase an Aston Martin in London and the seller has no objections to me arranging an inspection which is good!

They have offered to take the car to the local dealer (Stratstone)

But, I'm wondering...

should I get a reputable Indy / specialist to do it instead?

What do you guys think? It will be at my cost so want the best value but most importantly for it to be thorough. If it's an Indy any recommendations? Any idea re what sort of cost to expect?

My worst fear is the dreaded ticking V12 and would like to avoid!

Thanks in advance + fingers crossed I get my first AM

[montecristo]

The other place you could get it inspected is Nicholas Mee in (far) west London, an accredited independent. I don't have an opinion on whether they are better than Stratstone for this kind of thing.

[gfc580]

Hi,

I bought a DB9 privately just after Christmas and the previous owner was very accommodating and let me have an inspection done before the real discussions started regarding price etc.
He was really good about it and we took it to Bamford Rose in the Midlands and made a day out of it stopping in the local pub for some lunch and a good chat.
I was really impressed with BR, they quoted me 3hrs labour for the inspection and gave me a report at the end which listed all the things that required work, were slightly out of adjustment and pointed out some minor cosmetic issues. Adrian from BR then sat us down and went through the report with a fine tooth comb and explained all the thing that required doing, fortunately nothing that stopped me from purchasing the car.
I obviously understand that the Midlands may be a bit too far to travel but I thought I'd tell you about my experience.
The DB9 is my first AM and wanted to try and do things right and I'm glad I took it to BR.

Geoff.

peteA said:

Hoping to purchase an Aston Martin in London and the seller has no objections to me arranging an inspection which is good!

They have offered to take the car to the local dealer (Stratstone)

But, I'm wondering...

should I get a reputable Indy / specialist to do it instead?

What do you guys think? It will be at my cost so want the best value but most importantly for it to be thorough. If it's an Indy any recommendations? Any idea re what sort of cost to expect?

My worst fear is the dreaded ticking V12 and would like to avoid!

Thanks in advance + fingers crossed I get my first AM

[Neil1300r]

peteA said:

Hoping to purchase an Aston Martin in London and the seller has no objections to me arranging an inspection which is good!

They have offered to take the car to the local dealer (Stratstone)

But, I'm wondering...

should I get a reputable Indy / specialist to do it instead?

What do you guys think? It will be at my cost so want the best value but most importantly for it to be thorough. If it's an Indy any recommendations?

From the Frequently Asked Questions Wiki

Independent Garages


Please fill in if you have any recommendations


Bamford Rose 01608 663 514 www.bamfordrose.com/ Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire
Bridge Mill Motors 01625 618 007 www.bridgemillmotors.co.uk/ Macclesfield, Cheshire
Chiltern Aston 01442 833 177 www.chilternaston.co.uk/ Hemel Hempstead
David Appleby Engineering 01295 768654 www.davidapplebyengineering.com/ Banbury, Oxfordshire
McGurk Performance Cars 01926 691000 http://www.mcgurk.com Kineton,Warwickshire
Nicholas Mee 020 8741 8822 www.nicholasmee.co.uk/ Londow W6
Trinity Engineering 01932 862040 www.trinityastonmartin.co.uk/ Cobham, Surrey

[leerandle]

If you plan on using the same place to perform your servicing then you can get the inspection done and if there are any issues, get them costed. Then you can negotiate your price with the seller and know what jobs are required in the future.

I bought my AM from a private seller, but paid AM in Edinburgh £350 for the inspection and then got a reduction on my next service as they had just done some of the inspection already.

[peteA]

Thanks for the replies

Stratstone London can carry out the 140 inspection for 2 hours labour - £399 + VAT

I think I'll check with a London based Indy / specialist for a comparison.

Cheers

[V8LM]

The 140-point check is what they do before they will sell an extened warranty, and as such focusses on the things the extended warranty covers.

Does it have a wheel at each corner? Check. Check. Check. Check.
Does it have two doors? Check. Check.

[leerandle]

Yes, agree its a 140 point check, but I do think its a bit more thorough than x4 tyres check etc. I am happy to send a copy of mine if you want it, so that you can see what it covers. I think its quite comprehensive and would be very useful to have prior to purchase.

[peteA]

leerandle said:

Yes, agree its a 140 point check, but I do think its a bit more thorough than x4 tyres check etc. I am happy to send a copy of mine if you want it, so that you can see what it covers. I think its quite comprehensive and would be very useful to have prior to purchase.

Yes please, if you don't mind

Can you pm via ph? Don't know if it's still working...

[RobDown]

There's aston services London too (owned by dj smail), just 5 mins from stratstone Western avenue