Buying a car previously owned by AMI Insurance

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mattwnz

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#744786 14-Jan-2013 21:39

ubergeeknz:
martinschcnz: The airbag light only came on briefly along with the other usual dash lights when turning the car on. Once started the lights all went off.

I am in Christchurch can anyone recommend a reputable panelbeater who for a fee could inspect the car on my behalf in Auckland.

Those are probably the normal precheck lights. I think if they remain on, then that is when there is a problem.

xpd

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#744861 15-Jan-2013 08:43

mattwnz:
ubergeeknz:
martinschcnz: The airbag light only came on briefly along with the other usual dash lights when turning the car on. Once started the lights all went off.

I am in Christchurch can anyone recommend a reputable panelbeater who for a fee could inspect the car on my behalf in Auckland.

Those are probably the normal precheck lights. I think if they remain on, then that is when there is a problem.

Correct, most cars have the airbag light come on for a moment on startup, but should turn off again within a few seconds.

You could see if anyone on SkylinesDownUnder could have a look anyway for a few beers and give their opinion. :)

XPD / Gavin

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Cambo

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#745167 15-Jan-2013 15:39

I work at a major Subaru service agent in Chch.

I'd recommend a pre-purchase inspection at a Nissan service agent (most likely know what they are doing). They will take about an hour to check everything, plug in the scanner and check for fault code history and that the parameters (ignition/timing etc) are as they should be. A good technician will also be able to pick out any signs of major collision repairs.

It is very important to get the service history - you could easily be lumped with a dog. Cars go through many owners mainly due to maintainence problems. If you can get service history, you may discover previous work still under professional warranty/guarantee which could save you $$$.

If it had undertaken major repairs, I wouldn't put it past AMI to have fitted after-market or even second-hand parts because they wanted to save money. In most cases, these parts won't have the warranty backing that genuine factory parts do. We have annoyed customers return every 6 months to have A/M parts fitted, when the insurance co would save so much money if they paid for genuine in the first place.

Note on airbag light: Normal for airbag light to light up briefly on engine start, just the ECU doing its checks. I have seen a number of vehicles come in the workshop with airbag lights on (even intermittant) all after panel work.
Either the plugs had come loose, or the wiring loom damaged - most probably due to interior stripping and chassis straightening after which the wiring wasn't plugged in properly or damaged by the repairer. The plugs shouldn't come undone from any kind of collision, but usually by human hands poking around.

Martin_NZ

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#746169 17-Jan-2013 10:11

Hi and thank you to everyone who has taken time to reply.

I contacted AMI directly and they have confirmed (after some prodding) that the car was paid out to the policy holder and later sold at auction after being recovered from being stolen.

thanks again
Marty

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