Getting a classic in the USA inspected

[andyps]

After some help. I've been in contact with someone in Sacramento, California, about a car I am interested in buying. The price seems good for it and I've looked at all the import costs - it works out about right and within my budget. Ideally, of course, I would like to see the car and make a decision about whether it is worth the money for me but a trip out there would blow the budget so there isn't much point in that. On that basis, I was thinking that the ideal thing would be to get it inspected but I have no idea how to go about this - don't think the RAC stretch that far!

Any ideas of who might be able to do this? It isn't so much a full technical inspection, part of what I want is just to be sure the car is what it appears to be in the pictures and someone who could spot any major problems with it.

[jith]

andyps said:

After some help. I've been in contact with someone in Sacramento, California, about a car I am interested in buying. The price seems good for it and I've looked at all the import costs - it works out about right and within my budget. Ideally, of course, I would like to see the car and make a decision about whether it is worth the money for me but a trip out there would blow the budget so there isn't much point in that. On that basis, I was thinking that the ideal thing would be to get it inspected but I have no idea how to go about this - don't think the RAC stretch that far!

Any ideas of who might be able to do this? It isn't so much a full technical inspection, part of what I want is just to be sure the car is what it appears to be in the pictures and someone who could spot any major problems with it.

Drop me a line Andy and I'll contact NO. 1 son. He's based in Chicago but he has offices in California and is a real petrolhead with numerous contacts; I'm sure he can help.

J

[the pips]

If you're still looking for help my son lives in West Sacramento. He's a bit of a petrolhead but it may be safer for him to arrange a RAC type inspection.

Let me know if you need anything

Regards
Doug

[85Carrera]

I used Carchex. Comprehensive and accurate report. Also didn't charge me when the first car they were going to inspect for me was sold before they got there.

[andyps]

Thanks for the replies, really helpful. I knew PH could come up with answers!

[andyps]

Just booked an inspection with Carchex. Fingers crossed!

[85Carrera]

How did the inspection and what's the car?

[andyps]

Really frustratingly having been told I had first refusal and booked the inspection I got an email from the seller saying that he had taken a deposit from someone local for the car. Fortunately Carchex have refunded me so the search for a Lancia Fulvia Zagato continues. A shame as this was an early all alloy bodied car at what potentially was a very good price if the condition matched the description - difficult to tell properly from photos provided by a seller, hence the wish for an inspection. I guess someone thought it worth the money so whether I missed a bargain or avoided a lot of expense I will never know!

[POORCARDEALER]

You might find it still for sale, maybe he didnt fancy his 40 year old plus car pulled to bits by a general car inspector more used to looking modern cars over....just a thought

[andyps]

POORCARDEALER said:

You might find it still for sale, maybe he didnt fancy his 40 year old plus car pulled to bits by a general car inspector more used to looking modern cars over....just a thought

The thought occurred to me, in which case I am better off out of the deal - when he initially agreed to an inspection I almost didn't bother as that maybe shows confidence that the car is Ok. Because of the lack of chance to see the car for a few weeks after paying I couldn't afford to take too much risk so wanted the inspection. Actually, they wouldn't pull it to bits, they said they wouldn't even lift the carpet to look for rust in the floorpan, only taking photos from underneath the car.

The right car for me is out there somewhere!

[uk66fastback]

I know a 240Z guy in Sacramento who would have helped you out for sure ... get yourself over to Bring A Trailer and have a look at some of the auctions, these kinda cars come up quite regularly.

Here's a link to a search I did on BaT

http://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=Lancia+Fulvia+Z...

Edited by uk66fastback on Wednesday 30th March 00:22

[jaisharma]

FYI there is an active Lancia club in the USA