Buying privately...

[vwawudi]

Guys,

I thought this deserved a thread to get a wider range of opinions (thanks to all who've given advice in the other thread)!

Thinking of buying privately. I know it's a minefield and very nervous about spending upwards of £17K. My last car was bought privately off a colleague for £3500 only.

Target is either a 2008 or 2009 Audi A4 (B8) Multitronic diesel (2.0TDi).

I need advice and tips from those who've done just this.

I will arrange an RAC inspection and HPI check after I view the vehicle.

Anything else? Is there anyway on God's good earth I can insure such a purchase? Anything I can do to ensure that I do not buy a lemon. Will a 1-1.5 yr warranty be sufficient cover?

My nails are getting bitten down to the quick!

Thanks.

vwawudi

[vwawudi]

bumpity bump

[xtremist]

RAC / AA check should highlight most things. If the car is relatively new, it should be free from door dings, paint chips.

I would say, if it looks clean and tidy, then ;)

[vwawudi]

RAC / AA check should highlight most things. If the car is relatively new, it should be free from door dings, paint chips.

I would say, if it looks clean and tidy, then ;)

Thanks, mate. What would you class as relatively new? Late 2008 still qualify?

Spoke to RAC and they said it's a visual inspection/test drive only. They do not do vehicle diagnostics check!! I thought, pay £200 and you won't plug it in to a computer to check for issues??????

[zollaf]

may be better to pay an indy or even a dealer to inspect it for you. if the seller is legit, they shouldnt object, but may insist on driving it there and back, which is understandable. obviuosly you wont have a warranty with this inspection, but it may be a lot more thorough than rac.

[vwawudi]

may be better to pay an indy or even a dealer to inspect it for you. if the seller is legit, they shouldnt object, but may insist on driving it there and back, which is understandable. obviuosly you wont have a warranty with this inspection, but it may be a lot more thorough than rac.

That sounds like an excellent idea. Would a dealer do this? How do I go about getting this done? I guess I could ring up the service dept and have a word.

Not sure if you get a warranty with the RAC inspection though. I asked and was told there were no comebacks. Just checked their website and this is what was stated in the FAQ:

"Do you offer a guarantee on the inspections?
No, our inspection confirms the condition of the vehicle at the time of inspection."

Would it be a bad idea to get the dealer local to the seller to do the inspection?

[vwawudi]

Just spoken to an Audi dealer. They only offer a "Mini-inspection" (visual check). No test-driving or plugging things in to a computer :(

BTW, which is more thorough, RAC or AA inspection?

[zollaf]

no, you want a full service inspection. how come if you take it in for a service they will test drive it and give you a list of fault codes ??? maybe a local indy would be more obliging. i certainly wouldn't part with that sort of money without checking for codes.

[vwawudi]

no, you want a full service inspection. how come if you take it in for a service they will test drive it and give you a list of fault codes ??? maybe a local indy would be more obliging. i certainly wouldn't part with that sort of money without checking for codes.

Perhaps I could ask the seller to take it in for a diagnostic check for fault codes? At my expense? Sensible thing to do? Any idea how much something like that would cost?

Thanks.

[zollaf]

at an indy, about £30- 40. at a dealer, about £75 ish. don't forget though, you want a scan of all systems, not just the engine. maybe if you could find someone on here local to you, with vcds, they may do it for some folding beer tokens, and maybe even have a look over the car for you.

[vwawudi]

Getting cold feet! Will sleep on it tonight and decide tomorrow. I need to be 100% sure I wanna go for this. No room for doubts.
Such a wuss!

[vwawudi]

Chickened out... Shame on me...

[Issac Hunt]

Indeed. I wouldn't have worried. HPI check is more important IMHO. As the car would still be under warranty then any issues would be fixed by Audi. If it had Audi service history and looked and drove well I'd have gone for it and saved a few grand.