Used Car Mechanics Report - What do you think?

[Troy]

Well, the title may indicate I'm looking for a used car, but in fact my VW 2002 Bora is for sale. I've had someone interested get a mechanics report which showed some obvious things like tyre tread low.

The report also indicated the following with a "guestimate" of repair price.

• Rear brake pads and disc rotors ( $350 - $450 )
• Oil leaks from transmission and engine cylinder head ( $1,500 - $2,000 )

The car has done 165,000kmh. Some exterior cosmetic issues, but looks pretty good and scrubs up well. The interior is very tidy, no leather tears/cracks. CD stacker doesn't work. It's a great car for someone to use as a day car, but probably not if your'e an enthusiast.

2002 Volkswagen Bora 1J V5 MY2002 Sports Automatic

Do these estimated repairs look reasonable? I've been offered $4,200 for the car.

Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks,
Troy.

[Umai Naa!!]

What's specifically leaking on the engine and transmission?

Sounds too generalized to take seriously.

[Transporter]

Hmm, could also be minor oil leak, which is normal for the car at 165,000km approaching the end of its useful life.

[Troy]

What's specifically leaking on the engine and transmission?

Sounds too generalized to take seriously.

Strangely enough, I haven't see a drop of oil on the ground where I've parked it for the last 6 months.

[Polo GTEye N9]

Why didn't you get the transmission cleaned or diy and there would be no issue, as you said no drips in 6 mths! Cheers Al

[Lynchy]

Most mechanics reports aren't worth the paper they're written on.
My 2c

[kendog]

your best bet to get help from the ever helpful guys on this forum would be to try to take a few pics of the engine from a few different angles, showing where the oil is/isn't leaking, and they can give you much more specific info on what the issue is, or weather it's bogus..

An iphone/smart phone will usually slip down in and around the engine, and with a steady hand and a flash, can get some really great and useful shots..

My 2c is: If the person doing the report thought that the (not very specific) oil leaks were of any major concern, he would have suggested that the client not buy it at all.. not just buy it for less money.. Seems like just a general way to knock you down on the price, which is standard. Find out specifically what the leaks are, via a VW/euro mechanic's quote or people on the forum (someone who actually KNOWS what the problem is, and what the repair should realistically cost), and if they're a reasonably inexpensive fix, fix them, get the whole area cleaned up and stick to your higher price!

Good Luck!!

[Transporter]

I do car inspections as well, 99% of time for my already customers, so I will comment on few things here.

Firstly, any oil or fluid leak has to be noted, simply because any small leak that is visible could become a major one in a very short time, which you as a new owner wouldn't appreciate.

...and yes, my mechanical report is worth of the paper that it's written on.
I also check if the vehicle was previously tuned or not and also if the odometer is correct against the engine ECU.

[Lynchy]

I do car inspections as well, 99% of time for my already customers, so I will comment on few things here.

Firstly, any oil or fluid leak has to be noted, simply because any small leak that is visible could become a major one in a very short time, which you as a new owner wouldn't appreciate.

...and yes, my mechanical report is worth of the paper that it's written on.
I also check if the vehicle was previously tuned or not and also if the odometer is correct against the engine ECU.

I guess I should add specialists aside, had RACV miss aftermarket TPS once which led to a whole barrel of trouble down the track.