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Getting a classic checked out in the UK

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  • 02-04-2017 2:48pm
    #1
    biblio
    Registered Users Posts: 143 ✭✭


    I m looking at a classic car and have come across one in the UK south london .
    Instead of going to look at it myself I was wondering has anyone here used UK based inspection services​ to check out a prospective purchase?

    It's a Merc190D by the way


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    #2
    georgefalls
    Registered Users Posts: 791 ✭✭✭georgefalls


    The AA do a very comprehensive inspection.


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    #3
    Silvera
    Registered Users Posts: 4,031 ✭✭✭Silvera


    georgefalls wrote: »
    The AA do a very comprehensive inspection.

    They do. However, imho, they can be 'over critical' of older / classic cars.

    An alternative would be to check (google) if there are any Mercedes (classic?) specialists near the sellers location who could check over the car for you. They would be more aware of potential faults on Mercedes vehicles and any potential easy or difficult repairs required.

    The UK Mercedes owners club may be able to point you in the right direction to locate a specialist ...or may have such a specialist amongst their ranks.


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    #4
    georgefalls
    Registered Users Posts: 791 ✭✭✭georgefalls


    Silvera wrote: »
    They do. However, imho, they can be 'over critical' of older / classic cars.

    An alternative would be to check (google) if there are any Mercedes (classic?) specialists near the sellers location who could check over the car for you. They would be more aware of potential faults on Mercedes vehicles and any potential easy or difficult repairs required.

    The UK Mercedes owners club may be able to point you in the right direction to locate a specialist ...or may have such a specialist amongst their ranks.

    Nothing wrong with being overly critical. At least you'll get your monies worth.


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    #5
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,558 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    If it's a car that will need to be NCT'd (as a 190 would) the more critical the better, I say! The NCT won't hold back.


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    #6
    Testacalda
    Registered Users Posts: 463 ✭✭Testacalda


    For the type of car you are looking at the AA check would be best. For you, I would imagine condition is the number one priority rather than factory correctness, origanility, provenance etc... Might be different if your looking a Pre war car, prestige car, supercar or the like!

    AA might also be easier to arrange compared to trying to find a 'classic car specialist' and cheaper. There inspections is general, not model specific. It will be pretty thorough so it will give you a good idea waht your dealing with.

    and just because the report highlights areas for concren, it doesn't mean it isnt worth buying.


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    #7
    biblio
    Registered Users Posts: 143 ✭✭biblio


    Thanks folks. Some good ideas there. I suppose with any car over 20 years old the main thing to watch for seems to be rust from a bit of research into 190s there are a few areas that can corrode badly. Jacking points and at the base of the rear window seem to be common.

    Edit :the AA just got back to me, they only inspect cars up to 15 years old ah well


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    #8
    Silvera
    Registered Users Posts: 4,031 ✭✭✭Silvera


    biblio wrote: »
    Edit :the AA just got back to me, they only inspect cars up to 15 years old ah well

    Hence my point in not using the AA to inspect a classic. Do some 'googling' to see if there is a Mercedes classic specialist within a 50 mile radius of the car. And/or check out the UK (or Irish) MB club for suggestions / specialists.


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    #9
    john hanrahan
    Closed Accounts Posts: 111 ✭✭john hanrahan


    i wonder would Dekra do it for you, they checked a modern car for me and i thought they were good, but a classic car has a different set of things to look at.

    as part of the process the engineer rang me and asked if there was anything specific i wanted looking at, which i though was good.


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    #10
    buttsoirl
    Registered Users Posts: 43 ✭buttsoirl


    when I was buying my fastback, I used the services of a company like this  http://www.classiccarinspections.com/
    When I spoke to the people involved and told them the area my car was in they had a local company called "Classic workshop" contact me directly.. Very nice fella called Stuart went out and did a very detailed examination of the car. He checked electrics, chassis, engine (compression, basic condition etc) he took it for a test drive.. gave me a full report..  
    the entire thing was 200 pounds.. but worth it. Then I knew a least I could fly over and drive it home safely
    Do a google search for this type of service, or ring a few of them and you will find the one that suits you best and near where you want to go.. as they do charge per mile to get to your car.


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