Looking at a 2nd hand car

spank_inferno

Myself & my other half will be viewing a 2nd hand car later on.

Not having done this very often, can Boardsies provide any advise?
(we are car novices)

the car is: 02, Ford Mondeo diesel, 2ltd TDCI, 85000 miles.

It has been advised we should get the AA to inspect the vehicle on our behalf?
Not being mechanics and not being able to have one visit it, is this a good idea?


Thanks in advance for your comments

Bodhan

Do a Motorcheck on it, get it inspected then you get to know the facts. There's no point in spending thousands on a car with outstanding finance or poor history. Spend the money, Motorcheck is on boards as a user, they can arrange all you need

crossy

Check it out on www.cartell.ie . It will give you a full history of the car.

Muckie

Or maybe get a mechanic(check for prices 1st) to come inspect the car

when you go to look at it. Don't wanna buy a car the "looks alrite"!

then lets you down and costs a fortune to repair.

murphym7

Bodhan wrote: »

Do a Motorcheck on it, get it inspected then you get to know the facts. There's no point in spending thousands on a car with outstanding finance or poor history. Spend the money, Motorcheck is on boards as a user, they can arrange all you need

Has this happened to many people? Just wondering how do cars with outstanding finance get sold on much.

spank_inferno

thanks for your assistance guys.

I think we will go with the AA to assess it.
If they say its fine we will buy it, so it shouldnt be wasted money.


thanks again

Are you buying from a dealer or privately ? Link to the add a possibility ?

spank_inferno

Link is here

http://www.driving.ie/usedcars/index.cfm?fuseaction=car&carID=201026198654210

Well, I rang the AA and their engineering assessment of a vehicle (though thorough) is still €400!

That does seem a bit pricey to me, I guess I may have to find someone a bit cheaper!

crossy

Cartell do an inspection, history check and a lot of other things for about 2 hundred and 50

AA check is an overpriced test that plagues on peoples fear of being caught by a dodgy seller or a dodgy car. €400 is mad money to be honest.

Wats_in_a_name

When I bought my used car in June I was going to get a AA check, then went down to my local Indy to see how much. AA want 350, Indy was 100. They did a full check of the engine, emissions, checked for damage & repairs took it out for a spin to check cluth etc it was very thorough and he gave me a list of everything and cost to get them fixed. Thankfully it was a short list. Id recommend a indy

AutoDirect.ie

Hi Spank_Inferno,

From our combined experience (chattering staff!) we'd definitely advise getting an AA check and a Motorcheck.ie report. We've done a lot of research into used cars in Ireland and it can be a veritable minefield! The AA 101 Point Autocheck, while not cheap, has 101 points, so it's pretty extensive. Although, as RoverJames pointed out, there are more affordable alternatives. Either way, a check from a reputable firm would be prudent. And the Motorcheck.ie report is outstanding in its level of detail - if there's anything that would dissuade you from buying the car it'll be in there. Have a look at their website for some close calls on video, it goes to show what's out there. Anyway, best of luck, hope it goes well!