Buying from dealer - need to do checks?
Discussion
Hi all,
If you buy a car from a dealers, do you need to do vechile checks like HPI, accident damage checks etc? Is the dealer required to do this?
I am told the vechile is straight and looked after.
My gut instinct is to trust them but could it have been written off under previous ownership without the garage knowing? (Serviced by this garage from new)
I just dont want anything to go wrong with this purchase!
If you buy a car from a dealers, do you need to do vechile checks like HPI, accident damage checks etc? Is the dealer required to do this?
I am told the vechile is straight and looked after.
My gut instinct is to trust them but could it have been written off under previous ownership without the garage knowing? (Serviced by this garage from new)
I just dont want anything to go wrong with this purchase!
Edited by FreeLitres on Wednesday 9th June 08:15
I would have thought that a dealer would do an HPI check as that affects his buying in price; I also think that he shouldnot mind you asking him that question and maybe even showing you the result as proof (dealers get the HPI at very cheap prices as they generally do plenty so its not an issue to them).
Jim
Jim
You should start with the assumption that the car , whilst shiney etc, isnt great and that problems need to be found before purchase. Remember a dealer may have, for example, taken the car in from one of his trade sources and so wont have given it much of an inspection himself. Traders COULD be better than private punters at selling lemons.
I would :-
i) HPI (which only shows up finance, ownership and accident damage resulting in written off status).
and
ii) Independent inspection of car - up on ramps to inspect chassis, proper inspection of engine, electrics, brakes, clutch, gearbox etc etc...
You suggested 'trusting' the garage. I wouldnt do that.
I would :-
i) HPI (which only shows up finance, ownership and accident damage resulting in written off status).
and
ii) Independent inspection of car - up on ramps to inspect chassis, proper inspection of engine, electrics, brakes, clutch, gearbox etc etc...
You suggested 'trusting' the garage. I wouldnt do that.
Make sure you understand what the warranty covers as this is the single biggest cause of arguments & disatisfaction 
Most after market warranties are not worth the paper they are written on due to the amount of get out clauses they have.
The reality between what the salesman says is covered & what the warranty company will actually pay in the event of a claim can be completely opposite
. Request to see a copy of the policy booklet before you sign on the doted line. You need to specifically look at items such as who pays for diagnostic time as most policies will exclude this even if the faulty part is covered....oh, I've had some classic arguments over the years on this one......
Check for items such as betterment, recovery costs etc....
If you are not happy with what it covers ask for money off the deal & arrange a warranty independently...there are quite a few warranty companies doing this now....make sure you get a copy of the PDI check sheet.
Bodders
Most after market warranties are not worth the paper they are written on due to the amount of get out clauses they have.
The reality between what the salesman says is covered & what the warranty company will actually pay in the event of a claim can be completely opposite
. Request to see a copy of the policy booklet before you sign on the doted line. You need to specifically look at items such as who pays for diagnostic time as most policies will exclude this even if the faulty part is covered....oh, I've had some classic arguments over the years on this one...... Check for items such as betterment, recovery costs etc....
If you are not happy with what it covers ask for money off the deal & arrange a warranty independently...there are quite a few warranty companies doing this now....make sure you get a copy of the PDI check sheet.
Bodders
When I bought my latest TVR from a TVR garage I trust, I still ensured I had an HPI and independent inspection done. It was very useful in showing a number of items and potential items that I had the dealer correct before I signed on the dotted line.
Not that I didn't trust the dealer to deliver a fantastic car, but when shelling out a large wedge of money, being extra paranoid at the cost of an extra 200-300 pounds could save you a lot in the long run.
Put it like this - better to be safe than sorry.
Not that I didn't trust the dealer to deliver a fantastic car, but when shelling out a large wedge of money, being extra paranoid at the cost of an extra 200-300 pounds could save you a lot in the long run.
Put it like this - better to be safe than sorry.
Never trust anyone selling something second hand.
Do your own HPI check. Have a proper look over the car, if you dont know anything about cars, get an independant inspection.
Here are a few examples from dealers I have looked at (not TVRs but you get the idea):
Big used car dealer, hundreds of cars. Looking at a peugeot that was apparently in excellent condition. Had a quick look, took it for a run round the corner. Alternator light flickering along with dash lights. Quick look underneath, massive welding and fairly banged up. Body not sitting straight. It had been in an almighty crash and bodge repaired. Dealer claimed this was news to him and there was 'nothing wrong with a bit of welding'
Approved used VW from a big VW dealer. Golf V5 , mint condition sir. Flaking paint on o/s rear sill, mis matched colour on o/s doors, boot and o/s rear door have huge gaps and dont close properly. Front o/s of car sitting 6 inches (yes inches!) higher than all the other corners. They wanted £11k for this , it had clearly been in a major prang and badly repaired. Salesman point blank told me I was lying and ended up with me being escorted from site as I was putting off other buyers.....
I have many many more tales, just check thoroughly.
Do your own HPI check. Have a proper look over the car, if you dont know anything about cars, get an independant inspection.
Here are a few examples from dealers I have looked at (not TVRs but you get the idea):
Big used car dealer, hundreds of cars. Looking at a peugeot that was apparently in excellent condition. Had a quick look, took it for a run round the corner. Alternator light flickering along with dash lights. Quick look underneath, massive welding and fairly banged up. Body not sitting straight. It had been in an almighty crash and bodge repaired. Dealer claimed this was news to him and there was 'nothing wrong with a bit of welding'
Approved used VW from a big VW dealer. Golf V5 , mint condition sir. Flaking paint on o/s rear sill, mis matched colour on o/s doors, boot and o/s rear door have huge gaps and dont close properly. Front o/s of car sitting 6 inches (yes inches!) higher than all the other corners. They wanted £11k for this , it had clearly been in a major prang and badly repaired. Salesman point blank told me I was lying and ended up with me being escorted from site as I was putting off other buyers.....
I have many many more tales, just check thoroughly.
Edited by bigdods on Wednesday 9th June 20:55
OatSy said:
Due to the "Sale of goods act" a dealer is obliged to let a buyer know the full details of the vehicle, eg was it a hire car, is it a CAT C or D etc, If they fail to do so you are within your rights to demand a full refund or an alternative car.
I believe they are only obliged to tell you if you ask. By stating nothing they do nothing wrong, they just can't avoid the question or lie. However get it written on the receipt for proof later and it doesn't help if they cease trading.Also agree with OP comment on independent inspection
Mark
I have done a HPI check through RAC. Came back clear, which is good.
I was planning on an inspection - however I have just read this thread, which suggests they dont always get it right.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Soo many scare stories and contradictions... DAMN YOU PISTONHEADS!!!
I was planning on an inspection - however I have just read this thread, which suggests they dont always get it right.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Soo many scare stories and contradictions... DAMN YOU PISTONHEADS!!!
It's the Specialist TVR dealer in Hexham. They have an excellent reputation and I really do trust them. The team there are very knowledgeable and not at all pushy regarding sales.
I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
FreeLitres said:
It's the Specialist TVR dealer in Hexham. They have an excellent reputation and I really do trust them. The team there are very knowledgeable and not at all pushy regarding sales.
I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
The fact that you ask such a question speaks volumes. I am sure the garage have a great reputation. Any garage will have had problems now and again and not all problems will have been dealt with to the satisfaction of the customer. If you feel lucky and accept the risks associated with your decisions then go for it. Do you feel lucky?I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
FreeLitres said:
It's the Specialist TVR dealer in Hexham. They have an excellent reputation and I really do trust them. The team there are very knowledgeable and not at all pushy regarding sales.
I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
If the dealer is trustworthy why would you need an independent inspection? In my experience HHC is about as good as it gets. Just buy it before someone else does!I just can't afford for anything to go wrong with this purchase and I am paying in hard cash and I don’t want anything to go wrong. I simply can not afford a huge bill early into ownership (hence the peace of mind from buying from a dealers)!
Does the dealer choice make a huge difference as to whether I should get an independent inspection or not? The other link I posted above suggested that the dealers give a better idea of condition than the independents.
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