mobile pre-purchase inspection around RTP?

Jayne

Jayne

Just here for the memes
Charter Member
Supporting Member
Multi-Factor Enabled
Joined
Dec 16, 2016
Messages
8,028
Location
Unincorporated Wake County
Rating - 100%
34   0   0
I'm looking at a bunch of used cars (on dealer lots) and while they all have their "101 point inspection", I would prefer someone who's _not_ on the sales side to take a look at whatever I'm looking to buy.

Normally I get slightly used things that are still under factory warranty / CPO and don't worry about the inspection, but now I'm looking at older rigs that are going to be prone to issues.

So, is there such a thing as an actual mobile pre-purchase inspection (around RTP) that I could have come to the lot? Google seems to show some, but they seem vague as to what they do. Sounds like shine a flashlight around the engine and make sure the brakes work and run a carfax.

Anyone take a vehicle from a dealer lot to their own mechanic? Seems like a totally legit thing to do (to me anyway but I'm not a dealer).

Anyone use a mobile service? How did it turn out?

Anyone on the forum do this sort of service?

Bueller?
 
I don't know of a mobile service, but I have taken cars to mechanics for a prepurchase inspection twice over the years. Ended up buying both cars, and appreciated the additional peace of mind of having a trusted pro weigh in on what to expect maintenance wise.

If it is a Japanese model, give Wasp Auto a shot in south Durham. For Audi/VW try Absolute Auto off the Page Rd. extension.
 
Jayne said:
I'm looking at a bunch of used cars (on dealer lots) and while they all have their "101 point inspection", I would prefer someone who's _not_ on the sales side to take a look at whatever I'm looking to buy.

Normally I get slightly used things that are still under factory warranty / CPO and don't worry about the inspection, but now I'm looking at older rigs that are going to be prone to issues.

So, is there such a thing as an actual mobile pre-purchase inspection (around RTP) that I could have come to the lot? Google seems to show some, but they seem vague as to what they do. Sounds like shine a flashlight around the engine and make sure the brakes work and run a carfax.

Anyone take a vehicle from a dealer lot to their own mechanic? Seems like a totally legit thing to do (to me anyway but I'm not a dealer).

Anyone use a mobile service? How did it turn out?

Anyone on the forum do this sort of service?

Bueller?
Click to expand...
Just take it to Ten Ten Auto Service at Holly Springs Rd and 1010. Short Fuse on this forum works there. I'd take a car there before I'd trust mobile service that goes remotely, doesn't have a lift, etc, etc...
 
Back when I ran a mobile mechanic gig, a lot of my business was this. I still get calls from those customers when they are car shopping.
 
fieldgrade said:
Just take it to Ten Ten Auto Service at Holly Springs Rd and 1010. Short Fuse on this forum works there. I'd take a car there before I'd trust mobile service that goes remotely, doesn't have a lift, etc, etc...
Click to expand...

I ended up buying my rig today at one of the big Ford dealerships. They did a lot of post-trade in service on it (replaced windshield, new tires, new brake pads, wipers, fluids and whatnot); I couldn't find anything that looked out of whack or that they didn't have record of touching (presumably they're not going to falsify service records). That said, when were down to the last $100 in price difference I gave in if they gave me a 30 day warranty so I could get it checked out and we fix anything that turns up. That gives me plenty of time to get in to Ten Ten... hopefully. Those guys were slammed the last time I had them work on the truck.

Inevitably I overpaid, but I got exactly what I wanted in a one owner used rig with service records (all done at this dealership or the same quick-lube place since the vehicle was new). The only thing I don't care for exactly are the aftermarket wheels, but they're at least simple 5 spoke things that will be easy to clean. I'll probably stop noticing after a while.

They're going to deliver it too which is cool since it's an hour away and the wife wants absolutely nothing to do with this vehicle. I got it before it was finished in service and before it had been detailed, they didn't even have it really listed or pictures on their web site. Without it going through detail I got to see how it looked when they got it in so I can see it was at least not a pig sty, just a used car. Will be interesting to see how well it cleans up, but I'm sure I'll still want to spend a day with the clay bar and buffer to get it shining like a new dime.

I did the paperwork today, but didn't actually pay for it yet. Once they deliver it and I see they've done everything on the 'we owe' sheet and I'm happy then they said to just give the check to the driver. If it doesn't meet with what we agreed upon they said to just send it back and they would take care of it. Sounds reasonable, let's just hope it's 100% on delivery and I can move on with enjoying it and not dealing with fixes.
 
Jayne said:
I ended up buying my rig today at one of the big Ford dealerships. They did a lot of post-trade in service on it (replaced windshield, new tires, new brake pads, wipers, fluids and whatnot); I couldn't find anything that looked out of whack or that they didn't have record of touching (presumably they're not going to falsify service records). That said, when were down to the last $100 in price difference I gave in if they gave me a 30 day warranty so I could get it checked out and we fix anything that turns up. That gives me plenty of time to get in to Ten Ten... hopefully. Those guys were slammed the last time I had them work on the truck.

Inevitably I overpaid, but I got exactly what I wanted in a one owner used rig with service records (all done at this dealership or the same quick-lube place since the vehicle was new). The only thing I don't care for exactly are the aftermarket wheels, but they're at least simple 5 spoke things that will be easy to clean. I'll probably stop noticing after a while.

They're going to deliver it too which is cool since it's an hour away and the wife wants absolutely nothing to do with this vehicle. I got it before it was finished in service and before it had been detailed, they didn't even have it really listed or pictures on their web site. Without it going through detail I got to see how it looked when they got it in so I can see it was at least not a pig sty, just a used car. Will be interesting to see how well it cleans up, but I'm sure I'll still want to spend a day with the clay bar and buffer to get it shining like a new dime.

I did the paperwork today, but didn't actually pay for it yet. Once they deliver it and I see they've done everything on the 'we owe' sheet and I'm happy then they said to just give the check to the driver. If it doesn't meet with what we agreed upon they said to just send it back and they would take care of it. Sounds reasonable, let's just hope it's 100% on delivery and I can move on with enjoying it and not dealing with fixes.
Click to expand...
Congratulations.
If they deliver it 10AM, we expect pictures by 10:30. :D
 
And I am still in suspence. Make sure you ask the front desk guy to talk to Rob when you come so I know it's you and I can make sure it gets gone over extra well. Forum members get special attention if I know they are there.
 
Last edited:
Short Fuse said:
And I am still in suspence. Make sure you ask the front desk guy to talk to Rob when you come so I know it's you and I can make sure it gets gone over extra well. Forum members get special attention if I know they are there.
Click to expand...

Will do.

We're waiting for a window switch assembly to come in, how long can that take??
 
It shouldn't be more than a couple of days for a dealer. A week if you are trying to buy something from a dealer that has to be sourced from the other side of the country.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom