Vehicle inspection services recommendations (Hamilton)

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jonathan18

3045 posts

Uber Geek
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Topic # 198908 27-Jul-2016 22:12

I was wondering if anyone had any particular recommendations for car inspection services in Hamilton?

My father's looking at buying a car there, but he doesn't live there, so such an inspection would need to be mobile or done with the cooperation of the dealer. Given the inability to check it out in person, a good inspection is particularly important.

I know AA there do mobile inspections, and VTNZ is six and VINZ is 10 mins away from the dealers, but which of these would be recommended, or are there better options?

The car's a relatively new Previa, as per the guidance I got from another thread on eight-seater vehicles. http://www.fairview.co.nz/vehicles/u058379-2013-toyota-previa-2-4l-auto-8-seater

(He's happy to pay more than initially discussed, given these current model ones come with decent safety features (ESC, seven airbags...).)

Thanks for any advice.

jonathan18

3045 posts

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+1 received by user: 746

Reply # 1599994 28-Jul-2016 08:22

Any thoughts?

I'd like to arrange the inspection today, if possible, so would appreciate any guidance - even if it's more general, ie the relative standards of such reports from VINZ, VTNZ, AA etc...

Thanks!

BlueShift

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Reply # 1600003 28-Jul-2016 08:48

For what its worth I've bought several cars in Hamilton after AA tests and never found anything that they should have picked up but didn't.

I also avoid VTNZ for warrants after a couple of times where they were overzealous in identifying problems, which when I took them to my mechanic, turned out to be not problems at all. Which doesn't exclude them from doing vehicle testing, as in my experience, if anything they'll pick up more problems than exist rather than less...

firefuze

390 posts

Ultimate Geek
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Reply # 1600025 28-Jul-2016 09:28

Have used AA in Frankton for a pre purchase inspection. While the report had what 100+ checked items listed on it, most were completely irrelevant (a lot of cosmetic checkboxes) and was disappointed in the limited mechanical checks. i.e their cylinder compression testing is a estimate test and not actual cylinder readings. As to their method, I could be wrong but they get a estimate figure based on measuring RPM and starter motor output/load etc so I am told?

Personally, I have a friend who owns their own workshop so I go there to get honest upfront advice