Independent Inspection

[GaryC]

I've just put the deposit on a 2012 Octavia RS in Victoria (Kevin Dennis VW). As I'm living in Adelaide, I'd like to get an independent mechanic to give it a thorough once over before I pay the balance. Who's a good one to call? Price isn't too much of an issue (to an extent...)

[morbo2000]

Funnily enough I put a deposit on a 2010 Octavia RS yesterday in Victoria. I had a company called State Roads do an inspection today on the car even though I'm in Vic as I wanted a bit of piece of mind.

It was $289, the inspection took about an hour and they do a road test as part of it. Afterwards they email you a 6 page report and the inspector is supposed to give you a call too but I haven't received one yet. According to the website if you are interstate they will provide photos for free.

Only issue I have is that they were there much earlier than the appointment time (luckily the seller didn't mind), and because of that it's marked on the report that they couldn't do their cold start checks.

Other than that I think I'm pretty satisfied.

You're other main option is RACV. They have pricing for inspections on their website.

[GaryC]

I've had a few discussions with friends and colleagues, and they said it wasn't worth getting the inspection. Reasons cited were that the car is near new, it's a reputable dealer, and that there's still warranty left. What they say makes sense, but I don't know..

[Antiplastix]

For $290, you could fly there and walk away if the cars not up to standard.

[rjg]

I had a pre purchase inspection done once. Complete waste of time and money and they failed to pick up some very basic issues. If you're buying from a reputable dealer and if it's still under new car warranty I wouldn't worry.

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[BenM]

It would really depend on the ks but if it isn't brand new I'd be tempted to spend the money for peace of mind, having bought a few cars from the mainland sight unseen you need to know what to expect. Having said that most of my purchases have been private - at least with a dealer you have some comeback if it's not as they say.

I have also used State Roads in the past and found them very good and thorough.

[GaryC]

For $290, you could fly there and walk away if the cars not up to standard.

I couldn't do that since my deposit's already with them. The contract says "subject to inspection", so I don't think I can get it back unless there's something proven by the mechanic or it's melting or something.

The car's done about 7,000 kms.

[morbo2000]

In my case I'm buying from a private seller and the car is out of warranty. I got an inspection done mainly for piece of mind after the problems I had with my previous car (which admittedly this type of inspection would be unlikely to pick up).

My biggest fear now is having the timing chain tensioner fail since it seems to be cars of the age and km's of the one I'm buying that are most likely affected. I've already gotten a quote for replacing it which I've factored into my purchase.

[rjg]

I couldn't do that since my deposit's already with them. The contract says "subject to inspection", so I don't think I can get it back unless there's something proven by the mechanic or it's melting or something.

The car's done about 7,000 kms.

Mate it's essentially new, is this the wagon in Deer Park?

I wouldn't worry, if anything was to be wrong with it it's covered by new car warranty.

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[slixx]

I just had StateRoads check out a 2008 MKV GTI for me. They were very professional

Report was well documented and he even gave me a call afterwards. We spoke for about 20mins and gave me some advice on price and he personal opinion

Not bad, but for $298, thought it was a little over priced, but really didn't have any option

Hope I can do the deal this weekend and join the VW family, by proxy anyway!! (Buying for the wife)