Hi all,
Looking at buying sub $2k cars for my first car. Is it worth getting a vehicle inspection like a Getz. If log books look good and the cars seems to be all fixed up is it worth paying extra to get someone to look at it. Or would it even would it just be fine to get a mate who's good with cars to look over it?
Cheers
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get a mate who's good with cars to look over it
Are they a mechanic? Then sure.
Thanks for this advice mate it saved me. I looked at a car today with my mate and everything was (profanity) (not that I could really tell)… oil leak, suspension, drive train, air con, clutch, trans, timing chain, all needed replacing.
Bringing my mate along saved me a (profanity) ton of money. Cheers.
Just go for it without a PPI.
I look forward to your future forum posts.
PPI?
Pre Purchase Inspection
$2 seems like a good price for budget direct to not have my phone number
While I would normally say that an inspection is highly recommended, the Getz is such a simple and reliable car, as long as they have record of timing belt being done, and your mate has any idea at all, it should be fine. Only a few things really go wrong with them, rh engine mount (you'll feel the vibration, costs under $100), shocks can seize solid when taken to full extension when old (not just a Getz thing, common to a few cars), misfire due to old leads. They are so simple there is barely anything to go wrong.
Always just had a mate come with me. 10 out of 10 so far has worked out.
For 2k I wouldn't be paying a mechanic. For 2k I'd be surprised they had a log book.
For 2k, maybe its a really old car.
Then i would guess the logbook is already completely filled out years ago.
An NRMA/RACV etc inspection is like $120 or something?
Nope.
Do PPSR or ban
Everyone has their story about their first car…. Best to read up on an inspection checklist. Learn the parts of the car. Download the list and "inspect" a car that you can access. Open things like the rad cap, check the oil, atf etc. Things like CV boots can be hundreds to fix (including labour). Try to not buy the first or second car you see. Aim for five plus imo. Look under the car…! Learn what is normal surface rust and bad rust… People can get dodgy roadies and have failing items looked over. Exterior damage and anything dodgy looking can be a clue for other neglect or old repairs. You want something that looks "perfect"/well maintained with no leaks and doesn't have weird issues. Avoid anything repaired as you can always find better cars with no accident history.
If you find one, then do the ppsr check. If you did want to get the pros, they are hundreds but can save you "thousands" in avoiding costly repairs (eg buying a better car that you can resell for higher). Would aim for under 150k kms, you can get them if you hold out. I look at this category a lot and best sub $2000 deals are on Grays. There is no RWC, so you have to know what you are doing.
Depends on your appetite for risk. You’ll be paying 10% of the car’s value for an external look over by someone with experience. A friend with mechanical experience will cost a lot less and likely get the same result.
I’ve bought quite a few cheap cars and never had a paid inspection. Just rely on my own experience and judgement.
Yes depends on what your experience is with cars but always good to find a friend who knows something… Also I've bought a car for $100 that was okay and others for $5000 that were not good… You live and you learn mate.. I'm happy only a few duds out of all the cars I've had.. it's not always the car.. It's the person.. It's the suburb.. It's simple things like do they even wash the car.. do they look at you when they talk or do they talk crap… Always drive the car… Let it idle for 5 minutes to get to temperature.. Check the coolant levels… Etc
others for $5000 that were not good
Do you think a mechanical inspection would have found the things that were no good and therefore prevent you from buying? In my cheap car purchasing, if it’s running OK when you buy them a mechanic probably wouldn’t find whatever blows up in 6months.
Isn't that a good reason to get an inspection?