HELP! inspection/HPI check?

[shnozz]

I am interested in a kit car but its based a long way from where I live (like a different country )

Is there any approved "inspectors" of specialised kit car stuff or will the AA do a basic mechanical inspection? I would waste a lot of money in flying to see the car if it was a heap...

also, can you do standard HPI checks for theft/accident damage on a kit? its SVAed and non-Q plates

[batbuilder]

The AA will do an inspection on kit cars. You get a 4 page report and they are very thorough, but expensive. I think it is about £200 for a kit car.I think this includes an HPI, look at www.theaa.com.

A few years ago I was a bit suspicious of a production car I was going to buy, got the aa to check and it turned out I was right, and spotted a few other things as well. You can also chat to the inspector who did it on the phone.

It cost me a lot less for the inspection than to fix the problem.

[moomin]

shnozz said:

I am interested in a kit car but its based a long way from where I live (like a different country)

I assume it's in NI then? what sort of car is it?

shnozz said:

also, can you do standard HPI checks for theft/accident damage on a kit? its SVAed and non-Q plates

yep, they still have to be insured...

moomin

[steve_D]

If you want the full monty inspection then the AA fits the bill. If you just want someone to give it a quick look before you go out yourself then I would suggest you post for a volunteer.

Steve

[shnozz]

cheers guys. the car isnt in NI actually - but as far in terms of distance - North Scotland. Its dependant on a few factors but very handy to know. ta.

[anonymous-user]

There's always a chance there's a handy PHer not too far away that might be prepared to pop around for a gander before you start spending cash out on an AA check.

And just as a point of interest, the AA mechanical checks don't do an HPI check as they have their own CarData check.

[Numptie]

shnozz,

If it's in the Aberdeen area, I could have a quick look for you.

Cheers,

N

[gdr]

Hope its not the Corpulent Tosser's which allegedly was for sale!

[Numptie]

Aye George, that did occur.

If it turns out to be CT's Tiger, I'll declare that I won't be able to be impartial.

I will however be able to supply an honest account of the car's condition - which CT will be happy about.

Looks like you had a good day at KH on Saturday - what was the score with the other Ultima on fire at the hairpin?

Cheers,

N

[gdr]

Just checked, CT's Tiger on a Q so not the one shnozz is after.

shnozz, I'm also Aberdeen area like numptie, don't mind preliminary eyeballing of your prospective purchase if in this region, but probably better getting AA for full expert opinion before parting with cash. I also travel across to Inverness quite often so could check out a car over there too.

btw the other Ultima at KH was Dave Fiddes. Minor spin at hairpin, stalled engine, exhaust full of petrol, woooombaaah!!! Most impressive but quite harmless. Good day, excellent weather but I had a starter failure on arrival and had to resort to push starts. Did a few laps but had to be a bit cautious as a spin and stall would have caused a red flag and made me public enemy no. 1.

[shnozz]

cheers guys - thanks for the very enthusiastic response. Right, HPI check is a relief as I wouldnt want to buy anything dodgy (its a fair old chunk of ££s) and the AA report sounds like a plan.

The car is in Glasgow (at a dealer) and its hard for me to get the time to come up from Southampton to view it. They will do a px but I want to try and sell the TVR privately to keep the difference between the 2 as little as possible in terms of ££s.

Is anyone over Glasgow way that is available? Thank you so much for your help so far everyone.

[gdr]

shnozz said:

cheers guys. the car isnt in NI actually - but as far in terms of distance - North Scotland. Its dependant on a few factors but very handy to know. ta.

Excuse me shnozz! Glasgow is most definitely not in North Scotland! But is a long way from Southampton. Good luck with purchase.

[shnozz]

gdr said:

shnozz said: cheers guys. the car isnt in NI actually - but as far in terms of distance - North Scotland. Its dependant on a few factors but very handy to know. ta. Excuse me shnozz! Glasgow is most definitely not in North Scotland! But is a long way from Southampton. Good luck with purchase.

my apologies. Was trying to give the impression it wasnt "just over" the border though.

[shnozz]

feck off you stalker

nope, not me. Only 2 that have caught my eye, not you with your "vitamin cars" - one a day

[williamball]

EasyJet from Bristol (OK, not Southampton) around £60 return to Glasgow. RyanAir do Bournmouth to Glasgow (but its Prestwick, so you need a train to the City). I think FlyBe do a direct Southampton-Glasgow. It might be over the Border, but it aint a different planet - it's only an hour away by air.

If the car is worth a few £, I'd hop on a plane.

Trust me, I know

WB

[shnozz]

williamball said:

EasyJet from Bristol (OK, not Southampton) around £60 return to Glasgow. RyanAir do Bournmouth to Glasgow (but its Prestwick, so you need a train to the City). I think FlyBe do a direct Southampton-Glasgow. It might be over the Border, but it aint a different planet - it's only an hour away by air. If the car is worth a few £, I'd hop on a plane. Trust me, I know WB

i hear you mate. I have looked into the options and its about £180 single return. Oddly, the outward flight is only £35 - so I guess I will be forced to drive home

its finding the time to spend a day or 2 up there to have a look at her. Couple that with the fact my car knowledge is only around TVRs and never any experience with kits before so I dont want to "miss" anything that someone more knowledgeable would spot.

Next week going to try and get a day off work to head up there. Cheers