RAC vehicle inspections
Discussion
Never used them myself but in my mind the value depends on the car and your experience / expertise. Clearly if you aren't an expert they will do a better job of checking than you will, however getting the car on a ramp and having a trusted garage check it would be better.
For certain cars I'd want an marque expert rather than the rac, for example there are people who specialise in Porsche inspections
For certain cars I'd want an marque expert rather than the rac, for example there are people who specialise in Porsche inspections
I was about to say "no", but it needs qualifying...
What you're paying for is someone who is knowledgeable about cars in general, to come and take a look under the bonnet, lie on the ground and look what condition the underside is in etc. They will look for things that are right, and things that aren't right.
There's two advantages to having this knowledge:
1) They might spot red flags that mean the car will be a money pit to keep going
2) They might spot things that other people see as red flags that can be cheaply and easily repaired... Thus getting you a good deal.*
Now, if you don't think you have the knowledge and experience to spot oil leaks, rust, signs of neglect then definitely take someone along. If you have a family member or friend who spanners (either pro or amateur) they can do the same thing. If you don't know anyone like that, RAC seems like a good prospect.
* You might be surprised at the things that will scare off most prospective buyers that can be fixed for £20 of parts and an hour of grazing your knuckles.
What you're paying for is someone who is knowledgeable about cars in general, to come and take a look under the bonnet, lie on the ground and look what condition the underside is in etc. They will look for things that are right, and things that aren't right.
There's two advantages to having this knowledge:
1) They might spot red flags that mean the car will be a money pit to keep going
2) They might spot things that other people see as red flags that can be cheaply and easily repaired... Thus getting you a good deal.*
Now, if you don't think you have the knowledge and experience to spot oil leaks, rust, signs of neglect then definitely take someone along. If you have a family member or friend who spanners (either pro or amateur) they can do the same thing. If you don't know anyone like that, RAC seems like a good prospect.
* You might be surprised at the things that will scare off most prospective buyers that can be fixed for £20 of parts and an hour of grazing your knuckles.
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