Looking at a s/h car, private sale, getting it checked out?

Cyrus · 01-12-2005 1:30pm #1

Hi folks, just looking for a little help, going looking at two prospective new cars at the weekend one is an 01 golf gti in a garage (so I can get a warranty) the other is an 03 alfa 156. The alfa is private, full service history etc but as there will be no warranty on a private sale im wondering what are peoples views on ascertaining whether or not a car has been crashed.
Should I get someone to have a look at it before agreeing a deal.
Can anyone recommend a good mechanic in south Dublin that does this type of thing?
Gerry Campbell (TI autos MR ALFA) hardly does it does he?

ciarsd · 01-12-2005 3:18pm

I know AA do it buts its not something you could do for every prospective car - due to costs.

HP autodata, will inform you of the cars financial history (01) 2600905

have you got a competent local panel beater who can check for signs of damage?

Cyrus · 01-12-2005 3:46pm

no, anyone recommend one?

Big Nelly · 01-12-2005 3:51pm

Bring a mechanic!! AA will do a full check on car but charge 500 quid or so....a good mechanic will spot any problems with a quick look over engine and so on.....most cars if crashed bad at all you will spot it....body out of line or something like that! just spend time looking at car and so on! make sure to ask person selling if crashed! then you have come back in a court of law!!

Mayshine · 01-12-2005 4:03pm

Don't forget the 03 alfa will have between 1 and 13 months of its 3 year manufacturer warrantee remaining depending when in 03 it was first reg'ed

Cyrus · 01-12-2005 4:24pm

good point

ciarsd · 01-12-2005 5:35pm

I thought the AR warranty was 2 years standard and extended to 3 if you bought it for an additional price

Mayshine · 01-12-2005 8:13pm

I just assumed that all manufacturers these days offered 3 year warrantees. I'm open to correction on AR though, best to check it out

Looking at a s/h car, private sale, getting it checked out?

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