Vehicle inspection even though it's had a recent MOT
Discussion
Hope this is ok to post... and thanks for reading/answering.
We're looking to buy a car second hand privately and have one in mind. I was going to get RAC/AA or similar to inspect but doubting the value of it. Car's had its MOT recently so should be fine? Seller says it's a waste of time. I'm not so sure. What would you do?
We're looking to buy a car second hand privately and have one in mind. I was going to get RAC/AA or similar to inspect but doubting the value of it. Car's had its MOT recently so should be fine? Seller says it's a waste of time. I'm not so sure. What would you do?
Not a waste of time, but I've seen many an inspector miss previous accident repairs to a vehicle.
AA/RAC technicians are trained mechanics, but not always got experience in bodyshops.
Some will, but it's pot luck who you get.
My advice is to take the car to a local workshop, ask them to do an inspection.
It'll probably cost an hours labour.
Maybe worth asking if any of their technicians have any bodyshop experience.
But you are correct to ask whether a recent MOT is enough.
It isn't.
Get someone to look at the car.
AA/RAC technicians are trained mechanics, but not always got experience in bodyshops.
Some will, but it's pot luck who you get.
My advice is to take the car to a local workshop, ask them to do an inspection.
It'll probably cost an hours labour.
Maybe worth asking if any of their technicians have any bodyshop experience.
But you are correct to ask whether a recent MOT is enough.
It isn't.
Get someone to look at the car.
If the seller literally said "it's a waste of time" - then with that attitude I'd walk away. He should have said more like, "sure, if you want to do that".
However, if there is high demand for the car then from the sellers's perspective, you are probably not worth the hassle and he'll pick an easier customer - I had this not long ago - list of potential buyers lined up, I removed the one that wanted an inspection - nothing to hide, but why waste that time when another buyer is easier to deal with.
I'd also walk away if you have a "feeling" the inspection is needed.
I've bought many a car in my life, and none were a lemon bar one, and I was 19 and naive. Never had an inspection done. You get a feeling about the seller, and how they have looked after a car.
However, if there is high demand for the car then from the sellers's perspective, you are probably not worth the hassle and he'll pick an easier customer - I had this not long ago - list of potential buyers lined up, I removed the one that wanted an inspection - nothing to hide, but why waste that time when another buyer is easier to deal with.
I'd also walk away if you have a "feeling" the inspection is needed.
I've bought many a car in my life, and none were a lemon bar one, and I was 19 and naive. Never had an inspection done. You get a feeling about the seller, and how they have looked after a car.
James_33 said:
You say the seller telling you that you getting an inspection is a waste of time?
At that moment i would be walking away for feeling of what's he potentially trying to hide if you did get it inspected.
Each to their own though.
Totally agree. Walk away, sounds like the seller is probably hiding something. At that moment i would be walking away for feeling of what's he potentially trying to hide if you did get it inspected.
Each to their own though.
RogerDodger said:
If the seller literally said "it's a waste of time" - then with that attitude I'd walk away. He should have said more like, "sure, if you want to do that".
However, if there is high demand for the car then from the sellers's perspective, you are probably not worth the hassle and he'll pick an easier customer - I had this not long ago - list of potential buyers lined up, I removed the one that wanted an inspection - nothing to hide, but why waste that time when another buyer is easier to deal with.
I'd also walk away if you have a "feeling" the inspection is needed.
I've bought many a car in my life, and none were a lemon bar one, and I was 19 and naive. Never had an inspection done. You get a feeling about the seller, and how they have looked after a car.
Thanks again for the good advice. I've maybe been a bit harsh. Words were along the lines of: "get one if you want but it's a waste of money". I do slightly worry about your second point: that there's other buyers in the background. Will go for the inspection as would rather have spent money on the inspection rather than £8k on a lemon! Thanks again all.However, if there is high demand for the car then from the sellers's perspective, you are probably not worth the hassle and he'll pick an easier customer - I had this not long ago - list of potential buyers lined up, I removed the one that wanted an inspection - nothing to hide, but why waste that time when another buyer is easier to deal with.
I'd also walk away if you have a "feeling" the inspection is needed.
I've bought many a car in my life, and none were a lemon bar one, and I was 19 and naive. Never had an inspection done. You get a feeling about the seller, and how they have looked after a car.
Put the reg no in here:
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/?_ga=2.606806...
To see whether the MOT threw up any advisories despite passing. Also to check previous tests to see what’s been advised and done/not done.
https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/?_ga=2.606806...
To see whether the MOT threw up any advisories despite passing. Also to check previous tests to see what’s been advised and done/not done.
Really depends on age and make and model of car if inspection is worth the money, and how much knowledge you have/can learn online. I have never had a car inspected, even buying old Porsches etc, but I find this half the fun and always expect there to be a few issues and budget for this. Only once had a car inspected when selling, and they only found a slightly dented jacking point, which I am sure buyer could have spotted from looking them selves, made no difference to value of car but cost them £150ish. Maybe they valued the reassurance.
mikey P 500 said:
Really depends on age and make and model of car if inspection is worth the money, and how much knowledge you have/can learn online. I have never had a car inspected, even buying old Porsches etc, but I find this half the fun and always expect there to be a few issues and budget for this. Only once had a car inspected when selling, and they only found a slightly dented jacking point, which I am sure buyer could have spotted from looking them selves, made no difference to value of car but cost them £150ish. Maybe they valued the reassurance.
I think you've got it, in a nutshell. It is a reassurance that if someone is spending a wedge of cash and they are unsure about cars, then a second opinion from an "expert" will help them make the decision. We always get a survey when buying a house, and often a car is someone's second biggest purchase so for the sake of £100- £150, then it offers peace of mind. If the OP is spending a decent sum, then get it checked out independantly. I know a few guys in the trade who work in the body repair business and they have a fair bit of mechanical knowledge as well, at least enough to spot an issue, but most importantly can spot an accident repair a mile away, which, when buying a car is something often missed (done it myself).
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