Buying 2nd hand - Qs about mechanic's inspection & dealer

baggytiger

I'm intending to buy a car 2nd hand (likely to be 3-4 years old). No specific car identified yet, but as I know next to nothing about cars, I'm intending to buy from a dealer with a warranty, and also get it inspected by a mechanic/engineer first.

But I'm wondering about how a few things would work with the dealer regarding the mechanic's inspection:

- Would it be normal to agree a price with the dealer beforehand, "subject to mechanic's inspection"?

- Might the dealer ask for a deposit before the mechanic's inspection? Refundable or not? (Although as an aside, what use is a refundable deposit to the dealer?)

- Is the dealer likely to have some sort of lift or ramp that would allow the mechanic to inspect the underside easily - and agree to this being used?

Any other thoughts on this topic also welcome. Thanks.

zg3409

Get a local mechanic first who will agree to do this.

In terms of the buying garage they are free to have any rules or restrictions they like. Dont pay a deposit until after the inspection. Ideally pick a car that's passed the nct recently at least you know someone has already checked it. Ideally check for full main dealer service history from new. Used car warranties can be problematic where if you later have a problem they may or may not even look at it. Ideally buy locally so you can bring back to them easily if issue comes up. Check what warranty covers and does not cover . Do the basics such as look at service history, check tyres, check car will work for you in terms of size, fuel consumption, tax, maintenance. Ideally haggle on price and compare to similar on done deal. Be prepared to walk away if overpriced.

baggytiger

Thanks for the tip on the deposit and all the other stuff - plenty of good ideas there.

Anyone anything else to add, either on my specific queries or more generally?

greasepalm

Look inside oil cap for gunk and how clean dipstick is can tell how good servicing and oil changes are.

+ the type of car thinking of buying so comments could be left.

How clean engine bay is. Timing belt if fitted was it changed?

Colour of coolant not like tomato soup colour.

baggytiger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120385520#Comment_120385520

Thanks. I'm thinking of getting a Golf or other similar sized hatchback, probably 3-4 years old. I'm in Dublin, but likely to be using it mainly for out-of-town driving outside peak hours - journeys of 50km or more, including a fair amount of motorways / major N roads. No commuting. From what I've read, a diesel (which most Golfs of that age seem to be) would be suited to that sort of use, or have I misunderstood?

Galwayguy35

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120389402#Comment_120389402

Have a 4 year old diesel golf myself, had to bring it back a few weeks after buying it because the DPF needed to be replaced but it was under warranty so cost me nothing but it would have been expensive otherwise.

If most of your journeys is around the city you could end up with DPF problems in a diesel car.

greasepalm

Having worked in a garage one thing was common was German cars coming in for extras as never built to last. Good old warning lights on dash and fault codes so would need more funds for repairs.

zg3409

If buying a diesel with 100,000km+ on it ask and check has dpf been replaced. Often they need replacing between 100,000 and 160,000km at a cost of 1000 euro which may be a relatively high percentage of the car at that age.

greasepalm

What about a clutch and duel mass flywheel also expensive