So what do you check?

A

AlanJ

Elite
 North Yorks
Several posts on here recently (and previously) from purchasers who once they have handed over their hard earned cash find problems with the car. For example:

Aero trim only fitted on one side :cry:

Incomplete or inaccurate service history :o

Ill fitting panels (possible accident history) :(

Certainly it’s now what should be expected from a franchised BMW dealer (or indeed any reputable dealer) but all of these issues can be avoided by simple checks before purchase which really don’t take up much time. Or perhaps it’s the thrill of the moment that overtakes the prospective purchaser.

So what do you check when purchasing and pre owned vehicle (or indeed when picking up a new purchase)?
 
  • Service History
  • Previous MOTs to verify mileage
  • HPI (even if the seller says they've done one)
  • Condition/type of tyres/discs/pads
  • Paintwork - for scratches dings
  • Check that all the electickery/gadgets work - seats adjustment/memory, sat-nav, mirrors, etc
  • State of the underfloor - for bumps/dings from enthusiastic driving
  • Check oil colour/consistency/grit - especially if it's supposed to have just been serviced
  • On the test drive I will drive slowly for the first 10 minutes or so with the windows down to check for noises, and feel for any untoward movement in the steering/suspension
  • Still on the test drive I will do some short 2000-4000rpm pulls to see if there's any lumpiness/flatspots

There are lots of little things I check automatically that I just can't remember at the moment.
 
mmm-five said:
  • Service History
  • Previous MOTs to verify mileage
  • HPI (even if the seller says they've done one)
  • Condition/type of tyres/discs/pads
  • Paintwork - for scratches dings
  • Check that all the electickery/gadgets work - seats adjustment/memory, sat-nav, mirrors, etc
  • State of the underfloor - for bumps/dings from enthusiastic driving
  • Check oil colour/consistency/grit - especially if it's supposed to have just been serviced
  • On the test drive I will drive slowly for the first 10 minutes or so with the windows down to check for noises, and feel for any untoward movement in the steering/suspension
  • Still on the test drive I will do some short 2000-4000rpm pulls to see if there's any lumpiness/flatspots

There are lots of little things I check automatically that I just can't remember at the moment.
Click to expand...

Same here :thumbsup:
 
More or less the same here. It's good not to get emotional, and indeed check all the details. :thumbsup:

I always check the paint on the entire car with an electronic meter, such as that one:
http://allegro.pl/miernik-lakieru-p-10-s-al-pomiar-fe-i-al-promocja-i2266710689.html
A BMW dealer can do this, but it's more of a spot check, while you can take your time and be more accurate.

On US imports, I check the Carfax history.

Also, I take the car to an independent specialist garage designated by me. No purchase without a second opinion.
 
It's important to have a detailed written checklist. In the excitement of a potential purchase, it's impossible for anyone to remember everything that should be checked. And don't let the seller's eye rolling and fidgeting coerce you into overlooking portions of your list.

Also, write down everything you find wrong, no matter how small. Great evidence when bidding them down.
 
Good to take a friend with you and ask them to be critical and nit-pick at the car you're thinking of buying. I was so impressed with a nice shiney car once i would have missed the poorly repaired panel but he picked it up and I walked away. Good idea to write a check list :thumbsup:
 
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