Pre Purchase Vehicle Inspection (RAC)

Member Name: degsy70

Product:	RAC
Date:	06/02/09 (116 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Peace of mind

Disadvantages: Not worth it if buying £200 car

I thought I would give some information regarding the car checks that can be bought from the RAC.
In the current economic climate it is surprising how used car sales are still relatively popular but consumers must now make absolutely certain that they are not buying a wreck.
The RAC offer a range of vehicle inspections that cater for all cars and offer you the piece of mind you need as well as some useful bargaining fodder to take to the vendor.
They have a team of 50 or so engineers who typically are experienced mechanics or breakdown technicians who now want a less demanding role, they are ideally suited to vehicle inspections. Whether you are buying an Aston Martin or a 10 year old escort the service is well worth the money, the average cost of repairs is £200 so you need to make sure you are getting a reliable motor.
They offer two types of inspections:

Essentials- This is a comprehensive check of things like bodywork, electrics, under body, tyre tread depths and more. They will list damages on the vehicle and recommend whether it is a Desirable or Essential repair. A full report will be emailed and posted to the buyer. In addition they offer a verbal report (extra £10) where the engineer will call you directly and discuss his report. You can also choose to disclose the findings to the vendor. Price is £132 for member, £146 for non member.

Essentials Plus - this is a more comprehensive inspection with a 166 point check of the vehicle, road test, HPI check and free verbal report. Price is £175 for a member and £190 for non member. This is the most recommended inspection as it is very comprehensive.

Prestige - this is an essentials plus but for more prestige higher performance vehicles and 4x4s. it is more expensive as only a handful of the engineers have the skill set to do such an inspection. Price is £349 for a member and £379 for non member.

The engineers do the inspection all on PDAs adding a nice professional touch.
It is a very popular service that the RAC provide and the engineers and friendly and very qualified.

Summary: Great service from household name