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Used car checks?

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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 08:23 AM
  #1  
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Default Used car checks?

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Im off to look at an Audi RS4 tomorrow - if I like what I see Ill give the guy a deposit and aim to pick it up on Saturday - IF it passes an RAC / AA used car check.

Just wondered what experiences people have of these? Good / Bad - worth it? waste of money etc ?

Also Experian / HPI style checks - should I?

Andy
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 08:25 AM
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I think it's only 35 quid for an HPI check so I would always get one just for peace of mind. Have not ever had an AA/RAC inspection carried out though. Could save you a lot of money though I suppose.
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 08:34 AM
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There's an Autocheck banner that rotates among those at the top of the board - click that and generate some revenue for the site!

It's better value than HPI - 5 checks for (from memory)
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 08:37 AM
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Ah I knew someone on here was something to do with one of them!
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 08:51 AM
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I think you should do a HPi check at the very least!!

I have a friend who works for a car finance company and does HPi checks for me every time someone in the family needs a car. I
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Old Mar 13, 2007 | 10:40 AM
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I would take it to Audi

It will probably be cheaper than the AA too
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Old Mar 14, 2007 | 05:17 AM
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I've used them, even when buying from a garage, and found them really good as I'm a mechanical numpty.

They come out to wherever the car is located, take the keys, do the inspection, then send the report to the purchaser, highlighting any defects. They are however, working on a generic multi-point inspection, as opposed to looking for any weaknesses specific to that car (although I'm sure you can ask them to do so)

They're very thorough and even identified panels that had been replaced or resprayed, defective tyres etc
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Old Mar 14, 2007 | 06:30 AM
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Absolutely Andy.

Even just asking the vendor if you can do an inspection may give you a feeling if the car is as advertised.

However bear in mind the vendor probably will not want any body crawling over the car-again if the guy is particular that you take it do a dealer it may raise your expectations.

The guy who wanted to purchase my S wanted to have the bushes checked-I said no as I didn't want anyone loosening and re-tightening nots/bolts. I was happy for him to go to a dealer and for them to tinker and look but not to pul my car apart.

A similar situation arose with the seller of my M5-he allowed me to take it to a main dealer (worked out in my favour) rather than an independent.

Give and take really.
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Old Mar 14, 2007 | 09:02 AM
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Hi guys... only just seen this!

DO AN AUTOCHECK

Seriously, I won't do the full sell, but the advantages are:

- You can check up to 5 cars for
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Old Mar 14, 2007 | 09:07 AM
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Forgot to add... we (Experian) also operate and market the AA Car Data Check product with the same data.
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