Using a mechanic inspection when buying from a dealer?

mankteln

Just wondering do people usually organise a mechanic to check out car when buying of a dealer (obviously used car, approx 12k). It's something I'd usually do when buying privately but this is from a franchise dealer and should have a year's warranty so I'm thinking maybe I should save the money?

Wanderer78

i personally would, be at least you have some come back with the dealer

User1998

Realistically most people don’t even get mechanical inspections done buying privately and even less so when buying from a dealer. I personally think its a bit overkill if buying from a dealer with warranty.

Del2005

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122198998#Comment_122198998

If your mechanic spots an issue it's easier to get fixed before you pay or get a discount.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122199087#Comment_122199087

Yeah thats fine but generally speaking the majority of people wouldn’t bother with it myself included and if the dealer is any way decent the car wouldn’t have any issues to begin with and if any issues were to arise they would sort it under warranty

By all means get a mechanical inspection if you want I’m just giving my personal opinion

Flinty997

Have to say my experience of dealers is so poor I can see why someone would do this.

It shouldn't be needed. But is..

extra-ordinary_

Do a carcheck on it. The 12 month warranty should give you peace of mind after purchase - as long as you know what exactly is and isn't covered.

goochy

I generally would trust main dealers

Back Home

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122199253#Comment_122199253

🤣 They are not your friends, all cars should be checked by a mechanic, it's foolhardy not to.

As a mechanic who was in the game for 40 odd years I've seen dealerships get up to all sorts of bending the rules stuff.

pah

Engine and gearbox is standard warranty cover. Lots of things a mechanic might spot that a dealer wouldn't cover once the car is gone off the lot

greasepalm

Oh yes we gave the car a Full service and oil filter is rusty and air filter dirty, cough cough.

swoofer

I am currently looking at changing car and if your car is secondhand just dont believe a word they tell you, use your eyes. Get them to pop the bonnet and take out oil dipstick, if oil is thick then its not been serviced, look at windscreen washer bottle if its half empty same applies. Make the wipers work press the screen washer if you get streaks wipers need replacing, turn on lights and indicators iif some dont work bulbs need replacing. Check the make of the tyres make sure its same make on all four, check the spare, and when in boot look for damp patches. Then ask to see service log.

Its your money.

Whocare

Definitely get it Inspected recently bought 20 thousands+ vehicle in dealer that around very long time only because I have interest in vehicles went under it major oil Leak from gearbox had top it up to take it back to dealer Literally almost no oil in it . Unless your buying from main dealer if it Independent Definitely get someone to look over it on ramp is best with under tray taken off

hello2020

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122201507#Comment_122201507

In USA good car mechanic shops have this standard checklist for used cars . they put the car on ramp and provide a detailed report with recommendations for set fees.

Found it very useful when buying cars in America. Could not find a similar alternative in Ireland though .

amelialily2584

You should trust your main dealer.

bucketybuck

Depends what you mean by a "mechanic inspection" as well. You can bring some lad to look at the vehicle if you want but I know I'm not letting him into our workshop or use our lifts or brake tester. Which means he is only really going to see things that anybody with a bit of sense could see for themselves anyway.

Signore Fancy Pants

I bought a car from a dealer 2+ hours away without seeing it. I did the normal motor check etc, and was assured by the seller that it was pristine and wanted for nothing.

Car was delivered, big chunk of dash trim missing, washer bottle broken, poor repair job on rear.

So I engaged a motor engineer / assessor to conduct a post inspection. They raised a few issues and gave me the report.

Car had been in a light tip but no real issues.

Gave it to the dealer and they organised a fix for everything and a replacement car for the interim.

Going forward, I will ALWAYS organise a pre-inspection prior to purchase.

mankteln

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122203122#Comment_122203122

I'd arrange that it'd be taken to the mechanic's garage to go up on their lift, that's what I've done in the past when buying private. Always arranged in advance with the seller, to be honest if I did try to arrange it with a dealer in advance and they had an issue with it I'd wonder why.

Whocare

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122203122#Comment_122203122

With attitude like that i would tell you stick car up your arm as obvious your selling a pup of car .I bet you would have problem with inspector plugging into obd to check for mileages adblue problems ect plus obvious the inspector or customer mechanic friend wouldn't be using lift garage worker would lift vehicle

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122204267#Comment_122204267

You can’t just let a supposed mechanic come into your premises and use your ramp and equipment.

Whocare

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122205343#Comment_122205343

He won't be using ramp or equipment garage staff will lift vehicles and he would do Visual inspection ect . I regret I didn't get lift went I bought 20 thousand + pickup with massive oil Leak from transfer box unbelievable for just sevice vehicle which it was going by condition of oil and air filter diesel filter but didn't bother lifting it on ramp must have done sevice on ground. Personally I wouldn't buy any vehicles without seeing it on ramp independent garage can be pure cowboy in my eyes. 3 months warranty and if wasn't interested in cars and didn't look under it and if lasted till outside warranty period I be looking at 5 thousands + bill to fix it using secondhand part . I though buying from dealer who around long time would inspection vehicles on ramp before selling it on unbelievable pure rubbish 7 hours around trip to take it back. I definitely recommend anyone buying from independent garage get it inspection