Used vehicle inspections
Discussion
What's the usual way you get an inspection done on a used car? I wil be looking to get an inspection done on the next purchase so if, for instance, I go down the Peter Morgan route and make an arrangement, do you leave a holding deposit with the seller? What if they find anything wrong, am I right in thinking any holding deposit is lost? And I presume you come to some sort of agreement with the seller re. price?
Likewise, given an inspection is likely to take a few days to arrange, what if someone else comes along and is willing to take the car off them there and then and the seller lets the car go? I presume this would be different depending if buying privately or through a reputable dealer but anyone know the "dos" and "don'ts" having been through this before?
Thanks!
Likewise, given an inspection is likely to take a few days to arrange, what if someone else comes along and is willing to take the car off them there and then and the seller lets the car go? I presume this would be different depending if buying privately or through a reputable dealer but anyone know the "dos" and "don'ts" having been through this before?
Thanks!
To answer your question, most dealers will expect you to pay a deposit (up to £500) if you want them to take the car off sale. A deposit shows them you are a serious buyer, but only put the deposit down if you are sure the car has met all your wishes (and assuming you will get an expert to inspect it technically). The reputable independents will usually agree the deposit is returnable if an inspection reveals a serious issue that they cannot resolve or you feel reveals that the car was not advertised accurately. If the holding deposit requested is more than £500, personally I would walk away.
A private purchase can be different in that if you establish good faith between buyer and seller, you may be able to get first refusal on the car while you arrange an inspection, without paying a deposit. If you can trust the seller, it helps build trust in the car that way.
In many cases tho', without a deposit and no trusting verbal agreement, sellers can indeed sell the car to whatever buyer comes up with the money first.
It is not unusual to find trade and private sellers who require a non-refundable deposit if you want to do further due diligence. I'd think long and hard handing over any deposit faced with this scenario as the receivers can develop sticky fingers. In my experience, if the seller suggests the deposit is non refundable, the car may not be worth buying anyway.
The point to start negotiations depends on how close the asking price is to your budget. If it's a trader ad, they are not going to want to haggle much unless they've had difficulty moving the car. Time advertised is important in the pricing of a car. Most dealers would prefer to fix any issues found in an inspection and sell it to you at the asking price. A private seller is likely to expect a negotiation process, unless the car is a collectible or very sought after. Aiming to negotiate up to 10% off is not unreasonable, assuming the asking price aligns with the guide price for that model with those miles etc. The time for that negotiation begins once you are convinced the car is for you and can be amended/concluded once the results of the inspection are in.
I would suggest that most reputable Porsche specialists can do worthwhile Porsche pre purchase inspections, but most sellers won't want to take their cars to a third party location. You may be able to persuade a trusted Porsche mechanic to go out from his workshop for you, or you could take a look at a trustworthy mobile Porsche service.
Hope that helps.
A private purchase can be different in that if you establish good faith between buyer and seller, you may be able to get first refusal on the car while you arrange an inspection, without paying a deposit. If you can trust the seller, it helps build trust in the car that way.
In many cases tho', without a deposit and no trusting verbal agreement, sellers can indeed sell the car to whatever buyer comes up with the money first.
It is not unusual to find trade and private sellers who require a non-refundable deposit if you want to do further due diligence. I'd think long and hard handing over any deposit faced with this scenario as the receivers can develop sticky fingers. In my experience, if the seller suggests the deposit is non refundable, the car may not be worth buying anyway.
The point to start negotiations depends on how close the asking price is to your budget. If it's a trader ad, they are not going to want to haggle much unless they've had difficulty moving the car. Time advertised is important in the pricing of a car. Most dealers would prefer to fix any issues found in an inspection and sell it to you at the asking price. A private seller is likely to expect a negotiation process, unless the car is a collectible or very sought after. Aiming to negotiate up to 10% off is not unreasonable, assuming the asking price aligns with the guide price for that model with those miles etc. The time for that negotiation begins once you are convinced the car is for you and can be amended/concluded once the results of the inspection are in.
I would suggest that most reputable Porsche specialists can do worthwhile Porsche pre purchase inspections, but most sellers won't want to take their cars to a third party location. You may be able to persuade a trusted Porsche mechanic to go out from his workshop for you, or you could take a look at a trustworthy mobile Porsche service.
Hope that helps.
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