I had a similar problem

In the UK I always checked the car out myself, always going with a mate or my Dad who knew cars too so we could give the car a good look through, especially at a dealership where the salesman distracts you away from the faults.

When I moved to New Zealand, I needed a car in a hurry, looked at a Honda Accord, but on my own, so I got an inspection company to look iot over. They found the faults I had (2 new tryes, and a leaking radiator). I haggled the price down to the level that it would cover the price of a reconditioned radiator, so was happy. No other faults were picked up.

1 month later a significant oil leak was coming from the distributor, which turned out to be a porblem that the car had obviuosly had for a while. Various other problems also cropped up in the next few months. I couldn't get any recommpence from the inspection company as the problems had happened after a week...yes a week!!

So yeah, ispections are not really worth the salt. BUT if you are not car minded, then the AA is the best bet, I wished I had used the AA.

Rob

Posted By: Auckland Rob, Jun 4, 01:27:23