Independent Inspection

[GaryC]

I've just put the deposit on a 2012 Octavia RS in Victoria (Kevin Dennis VW). As I'm living in Adelaide, I'd like to get an independent mechanic to give it a thorough once over before I pay the balance. Who's a good one to call? Price isn't too much of an issue (to an extent...)

[morbo2000]

Funnily enough I put a deposit on a 2010 Octavia RS yesterday in Victoria. I had a company called State Roads do an inspection today on the car even though I'm in Vic as I wanted a bit of piece of mind.

It was $289, the inspection took about an hour and they do a road test as part of it. Afterwards they email you a 6 page report and the inspector is supposed to give you a call too but I haven't received one yet. According to the website if you are interstate they will provide photos for free.

Only issue I have is that they were there much earlier than the appointment time (luckily the seller didn't mind), and because of that it's marked on the report that they couldn't do their cold start checks.

Other than that I think I'm pretty satisfied.

You're other main option is RACV. They have pricing for inspections on their website.

[GaryC]

I've had a few discussions with friends and colleagues, and they said it wasn't worth getting the inspection. Reasons cited were that the car is near new, it's a reputable dealer, and that there's still warranty left. What they say makes sense, but I don't know..

[Antiplastix]

For $290, you could fly there and walk away if the cars not up to standard.

[rjg]

I had a pre purchase inspection done once. Complete waste of time and money and they failed to pick up some very basic issues. If you're buying from a reputable dealer and if it's still under new car warranty I wouldn't worry.

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[BenM]

It would really depend on the ks but if it isn't brand new I'd be tempted to spend the money for peace of mind, having bought a few cars from the mainland sight unseen you need to know what to expect. Having said that most of my purchases have been private - at least with a dealer you have some comeback if it's not as they say.

I have also used State Roads in the past and found them very good and thorough.

[GaryC]

For $290, you could fly there and walk away if the cars not up to standard.

I couldn't do that since my deposit's already with them. The contract says "subject to inspection", so I don't think I can get it back unless there's something proven by the mechanic or it's melting or something.

The car's done about 7,000 kms.

[morbo2000]

In my case I'm buying from a private seller and the car is out of warranty. I got an inspection done mainly for piece of mind after the problems I had with my previous car (which admittedly this type of inspection would be unlikely to pick up).

My biggest fear now is having the timing chain tensioner fail since it seems to be cars of the age and km's of the one I'm buying that are most likely affected. I've already gotten a quote for replacing it which I've factored into my purchase.

[rjg]

I couldn't do that since my deposit's already with them. The contract says "subject to inspection", so I don't think I can get it back unless there's something proven by the mechanic or it's melting or something.

The car's done about 7,000 kms.

Mate it's essentially new, is this the wagon in Deer Park?

I wouldn't worry, if anything was to be wrong with it it's covered by new car warranty.

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[slixx]

I just had StateRoads check out a 2008 MKV GTI for me. They were very professional

Report was well documented and he even gave me a call afterwards. We spoke for about 20mins and gave me some advice on price and he personal opinion

Not bad, but for $298, thought it was a little over priced, but really didn't have any option

Hope I can do the deal this weekend and join the VW family, by proxy anyway!! (Buying for the wife)

[Transporter]

I've had a few discussions with friends and colleagues, and they said it wasn't worth getting the inspection. Reasons cited were that the car is near new, it's a reputable dealer, and that there's still warranty left. What they say makes sense, but I don't know..

Take that advice, you will have long enough time to get any fault (if any) repaired, before the warranty expires.
Enjoy your new Octy.

[GaryC]

Your logic is logical. I'll cancel the inspection tomorrow!

[brad]

I had a pre-purchase inspection done by the NRMA (when they used to do inspections) on a 2yr old U13 Bluebird with 40,000km on it. The inspection picked up a few minor issues (cracked blinker lenses & missing caps off the A/C) but failed to notice the headlight glass sitting on the chassis rail & the lower control arm that was bent 40mm backward.

These were picked up when i went to do a wheel alignment 6 months later (new tyres). Both the NRMA & the dealership didn't want to know so I had to pay for the replacement myself (~$400). They claimed that me / my wife must have caused the damage but the LCA had been re-painted where it was bent & the toe was still set to specification (should have been way out).

[GaryC]

Wow, 40mm is a lot!

[brad]

The tyre missed the back of the mudguard by about 3mm when turning.

I didn't pay much attention to the vehicle as it drove quite well & I assumed the pre-purchase Inspection had looked at this type of thing & also had a dealership service done about 3 months after purchase (which included "inspect undercar & suspension components).

Wife had just had first baby & was using the car all the time; I was riding a motorbike as my primary transport & working 50-55hr weeks trying to make up the income shortfall from her not working anymore. Double checking other peoples workmanship was the last thing on my mind.

All history now but I'd be inclined to get an inspection by an independant specialist these days.

OTOH, a work colleague was buying an Avensis Verso & State Roads steered him clear of two heaps of rubbish that had been bodgied. Well worth the $260 each he paid but it gets expensive if you keep getting rubbish inspected.