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Looking to replace one of our cars, from a dealer. We're spending rather more than we have before, around 10k.
Happy to spend £10 doing my own HPI check, even though the garage is doing it too.
the AA will do an inspection for £200: does STW think this is wise? It's an SUV with 4wd, and an ok service history (not all main dealer, but all services done).
Any advice?
Is it an established bricks and mortar dealer or a small outfit?
If it's the former is I'd probably skip the extra checks. A lot of places offer short 90 day warranties for peace of mind on top of statutory rights anyway. The motor trade gets a bad rep but I've had 2 dealer bought second hand cars break in the first few months and both sorted no questions asked on warranty. One had a shagged engine so not cheap for them
bought a second hand car from bricks and mortar dealer - our last car. it was very straightforward, they didn't haggle on the price sadly, but it was well turned out, was in good nick and has been fine this last 4 years.
They supported that I get it checked out when I got home at indy garage, collected me from train station (as I had no transport) and were just very nice.
For 10k it seems a modest additional price to pay. I've never bothered but I've been buying cheap and a 6 month warranty (or is it a year) seemed adequate.
The bigger operations, while having their own shortcomings, usually are better to deal with and toe a reasonable line.
We ended up buying from main Seat dealer in Stirling three years ago - long term family business that have been superb.
This year we bought from Arnold Clark (gasp) as they were untouchable on price. The service had a few wobbles, and to their credit they sorted a few issues amicably after a feedback gripe... They also tried to not sort a minor warranty issue until I pulled the Honest John pages on proof for faults for 6months - and did the work needed.
https://www.honestjohn.co.uk/faq/consumer-rights/
This year we bought from Arnold Clark (gasp) as they were untouchable on price
+1......... Arseholes of the highest order but have a virtual monopoly in the decent second hand car market.
£200 well spent, and also check the mot history on the dvla website, assuming it’s old enough