people always suggest not to skip this step but practically I don't see it's easy to do, how did you guys go about this when you purchased a second hand car? bring it to a mechanic or bring one with you (assuming you don't have any car savvy friend), would it be safer to skip this when you are at a 'reputable' dealer, lets say, a Mazda dealer when you are after a second hand Mazda? I just find it's hard to arrange being it you are likely to go through several candidates if not more, do it every time would be a massive chore.
Where Do You Get a Mechanic to Inspect a Used Car You Are about to Purchase?
weee on 10/02/2020 - 14:39
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The organisations equivalent to the RAA will check used cars. It was 3 or 4 hundred when I did it. Probably saved some money as they found lots of problems
Depends on the car.
The auto associations do very thorough inspections. I have seen them find a list of issues on a brand new car.
Worth it if you are buying a $25k used car, but less so if you are buying a very cheap old car, as they will find many issues which are just to be expected in an older car.What brand new car was this?
Mitsubishi, but 20 years ago.
The issues were things like poorly aligned door trim, marks on windows, missing floor mats.
All super pedantic (in my opinion) but the person buying the car hoped to avoid a lemon by having it inspected, and the extremely detailed checklist highlighted many things.but the person buying the car hoped to avoid a lemon by having it inspected
But the car would be under warranty as it is brand new? Were floor mats standard back then? Surely just ask the dealership for them?
I would suggest checking Gumtree for mobile mechanics. Especially if the car is unregistered, then you can't drive it to a workshop.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-mechanics-garages/sydney/mobile…
Phone a few local mobile mechanics in the area where the car is and talk to them about what they can do for you.
Otherwise there are some companies that can do a comprehensive inspection for $300 but I have had local guys do them for $90 including photos and a written report.
Tried Google?
Type pre purchase car inspection
Then press enter
then use your electronic pointing peripheral to scroll through the results
Google will give you expensive companies instead of cheap local guys with minimum Web presence.
paint thickness gauge
you are likely to go through several candidates if not more, do it every time would be a massive chore
mechanic inspections should be the last step of a car purchase. you don't do it to compare cars, just to make sure you aren't about to make a mistake with the car you have already chosen.
RAC(X) for your state.
RACN for NSW then?
:) it should be but those dam N states didn’t want to follow suite!
Who you calling a damn N?
I sold a car privately via car sales a few years ago and one buyer used https://www.stateroads.com.au/
The mechanic/inspector came to my street and did it all on the side of the road.
You shouldn't need to do it at a dealer particularly if they're offering warranty with purchase. If you're buying from private seller, ask them to pop into a local mechanic (or pre-arrange) for a full inspection. If they get funny or decline, then walk away. You do it when you've found the perfect vehicle for you and would be ready to pay. Not every nice car you see.