Getting screwed over by vehicle reports

[DoreSlamR]

Trying to sell my work ute, 2007 D40 Navara.

Just had it serviced at a trusted mechanic and had no issues reported.

An interested buyer took it to auto masters to get a full inspection and they've come back telling her the clutch is on the way out and will cost her up to $3000.

So, I've got my mechanic saying there's no issues with it apart from general wear and tear of a car that's 6 years old, there's no slipping or any other issues associated with a clutch on the way out..

Yet we have another mechanic claiming it's bad enough to make this woman believe it's an urgent problem and is now trying to knock a few thousand off the price.

My mechanic rang the auto masters manager to talk about it and now it seems he's not saying it's not a pressing issue...

Why the games??

[Franco Cozzo]

Because mechanics are like politicans, lawyers and accountants.

[Road_Warrior]

Tell her to jam it. As is, where is. You're not a dealer, you're not a mechanic (are you?), the buyer is simply trying to get the best deal for themselves. But at your expense, it is your car and you are the one who sets the terms unless you agree to what the buyer wants. Your mechanic clearly says it is fine, so it is he-says she-says. You're the one who determines the sale remember.

I had this issue years ago with the person who bought my Fairmont. When I sold it in 2002(?) it was a 9 year old car but the buyer who at that time was still just a prospective buyer if I recall, and hadn't even given me a deposit, organised an RAC check.

Firstly he wanted to take the car away to have RAC do it at their workshop, and I said bollocks, it gets done at my house or not at all.

So the RAC man came to my house and it came back with a whole bunch of relatively pedantic things like rear brake pad wear, shockies needed replacing soon, hand brake needed adjusting, small dent in the roof, climate control throwing up an error message, things like that. Don't forget, a 9 year old car.

The guy rings me and tells me all these "things that are wrong with it" and I simply said, why are you telling me this?

"When can you get all these things fixed?" He says.

I said bollocks (again), if you want the car and if those things bother you, get them fixed yourself, I'm not a dealer nor a mechanic and the price is what it is. I politely informed him that he'd stuffed me around enough as it is, that I was still receiving calls about the car, and he hadn't given me a deposit, so I said if he was going to be painful I'd simply sell the car to someone else.

After some whinging on his part he simply came and bought the car and that was that. Like I said, a buyer is going to try and get the best deal they can for themselves. Nothing wrong with that either.

My point is, don't be afraid to play hardball. There is nothing wrong with someone wanting an inspection report done, but unless there is some outrageous safety issue identified, my position has always been a case of "carefactor 0" and the prospective purchaser can either buy the car at the price I agree to and get the things sorted themselves, or go buy another car.

[DoreSlamR]

That's where I'm at now Road Warrior, she's got till lunchtime to make a decision as I've got someone else interested.

Just frustrated with it all!

[cs123]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

That's where I'm at now Road Warrior, she's got till lunchtime to make a decision as I've got someone else interested.

Just frustrated with it all!

Don't be frustrated with her. she was obviously interested if she had it inspected. You can understand that she is nervous if the inspection raised a possibly costly problem.

Until there is money paid then the car is on the market, just keep shopping it around.

Everyone has to deal with these frustrations when selling.

[GTMOND]

They have a duel mass flywheel I think maybe that's what they are talking about because that price would be flywheel and clutch I would imagine.

[DoreSlamR]

Originally Posted by cs123

Don't be frustrated with her. she was obviously interested if she had it inspected. You can understand that she is nervous if the inspection raised a possibly costly problem.

Until there is money paid then the car is on the market, just keep shopping it around.

Everyone has to deal with these frustrations when selling.

It's not her I'm frustrated with, hell I think if I was in her shoes, I'd walk away from it.

I'm frustrated with auto masters and their flip flopping.

[DoreSlamR]

Originally Posted by GTMOND

They have a duel mass flywheel I think maybe that's what they are talking about because that price would be flywheel and clutch I would imagine.

I know Navaras are known for killing clutches, but there is no indication that's it's going.

It could very well be, but that's the nature of buying used cars..

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

It's not her I'm frustrated with, hell I think if I was in her shoes, I'd walk away from it.

I'm frustrated with auto masters and their flip flopping.

Of course, and I'd fully expect someone to walk away from it as well if I was selling the car and I had had an "expert" tell a prospective buyer there was a potentially costly issue with the car.

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

I'm frustrated with auto masters and their flip flopping.

Well they've got paid for doing the inspection and haven't got anything to lose by reporting something that probably isnt there. How did they come to their conclusion anyway? Either the clutch slips or it doesnt.

[xxx000]

It's called justifying their service

[GTMOND]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

I know Navaras are known for killing clutches, but there is no indication that's it's going.

It could very well be, but that's the nature of buying used cars..

Yeah that's all part of buying second hand. But I guess they are doing what's right for them.

[2011G6E]

I've found it funny over the years the few times I have sold a car unregistered, as is where is, with no roadworthy...and a potential buyer will start pointing out problems.

...erm...you did notice what was written on the sign...?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I've found it funny over the years the few times I have sold a car unregistered, as is where is, with no roadworthy...and a potential buyer will start pointing out problems.

...erm...you did notice what was written on the sign...?

When selling a car or motorcycle, I've always found that honesty is the best policy. Be frank about the flaws and/or problems and a nitpicker has nowhere to go really.

People actually appreciate that and are more likely to buy your wheels at or near your asking price.

[kempy311]

I would move onto the next buyer.

[DoreSlamR]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Well they've got paid for doing the inspection and haven't got anything to lose by reporting something that probably isnt there. How did they come to their conclusion anyway? Either the clutch slips or it doesnt.

High clutch pedal was the wording they used.

[DoreSlamR]

Originally Posted by kempy311

I would move onto the next buyer.

Already have someone else interested.

[neptune blue]

I recently purchased a new second hand car and had a pre purchase inspection done on it
The report picked up the tiniest imperfections in body work like stone chips and other minor wear and tear stuff under the car but it was over all very good

When the mechanic rang me to discuss the report I asked him why he was so picky
He told me that they bench mark the condition of the car against a new car as that's the only way to have consistency in their reporting - which makes sence

Most guys like us understand we are buying a second hand car and weigh up the condition report based on the actual car

Some people expect a used car to be in the same condition as a new car and will focus on the minor issues simply because they are either p***** dumb or just don't understand

I'm sure we have all had experiences selling a car with a perspective buyer nit picking frivolous things
I respond by saying " if you want to buy a car that's in perfect condition , go and buy a new car from a dealer fo $50k but for what I'm asking , this is as good as is gets "

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by DoreSlamR

High clutch pedal was the wording they used.

Doesn't mean its necessarily on the way out. Could be adjustment, or inherent in the design of the clutch release mechanism.

[DoreSlamR]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Doesn't mean its necessarily on the way out. Could be adjustment, or inherent in the design of the clutch release mechanism.

Exactly, and that's what my mechanic said too.

There's no real way of knowing without dropping the gearbox.

[jpblue1000]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

. How did they come to their conclusion anyway? Either the clutch slips or it doesnt.

Clutch feel, clutch pedal bite position, clutch cable adjustment location and knowledge about a cars particular issues will advise on 'potential' clutch problems. Not secret voodoo.
Without seeing the report Id assume the inspector advised potential issue rather than actual. 6 years of wear and tear on a problem clutch system might be nearing its usefull life and the inspector has Identified that in it's report.
Their job is to identify in their opinion any issues, pedantic to you but to the prospective buyer with no mechanical knowledge these might be issues. If they didnt identify possible issues and the clutch failed in a week or two, (quite common too due to new drivers driving in a different manner) they would loose credibility.

JP

[ratter]

Originally Posted by Silver Ghia

Doesn't mean its necessarily on the way out. Could be adjustment, or inherent in the design of the clutch release mechanism.

but it's about the only indicator of clutch wear on a hydraulic system with no adjustment

[Silver Ghia]

Originally Posted by jpblue1000

Clutch feel, clutch pedal bite position, clutch cable adjustment location and knowledge about a cars particular issues will advise on 'potential' clutch problems. Not secret voodoo.
Without seeing the report Id assume the inspector advised potential issue rather than actual. 6 years of wear and tear on a problem clutch system might be nearing its usefull life and the inspector has Identified that in it's report.
Their job is to identify in their opinion any issues, pedantic to you but to the prospective buyer with no mechanical knowledge these might be issues. If they didnt identify possible issues and the clutch failed in a week or two, (quite common too due to new drivers driving in a different manner) they would loose credibility.
JP

True, if they did write it that way. We assume its still the original clutch, if it is, well it is 6 years old and I'm sure the asking price takes in consideration for wear on parts including the clutch. But they are assuming the clutch actually needs replacement when asking for a few thousand off the asking price. What we don't know is whether the asking price is high or low for that model, year and mileage.

Originally Posted by ratter

but it's about the only indicator of clutch wear on a hydraulic system with no adjustment

Agreed.

[DoreSlamR]

After all the dramas, it's now sold.

In my opinion, she's got a bargain, she's accepted to pay $15,000 for it.

Redbook says these are worth over 20k!

I've seen plenty out there at that price too, but I just don't have the time to sit and wait.

[ratter]

as mentioned she has to expect the car is not in brand new condition, point out to her the redbook price and maybe offer to get the clutch done for her so it is brand new but it will go on top of the asking price

[cro142]

Over the years I have sold about 5 cars privately. My cars are well looked after and over-serviced as I am very fussy.

I have found that buyers who request an RACQ test, which I am happy to do, often get misled by an over-zealous report which puts them off a very good car for the price.

Usually a report on even a very good car that is 5-6 year old with 100-120,000km on the clock will run to a page or so.

For example the report will say "bonnet and front bar resprayed" with no reference to what this really means. It suggests the car may have hit a train, when the reality was that I had the respray work done 2 years before to fix a few stone chips.

Without giving heaps of examples, you get the idea.

The trouble is that often the buyer will be put off and actually miss a good buy. Sure, these tests may often identify a dodgy car, but equally a lot of trivial items without qualification of the depth of the problem will actually be counterproductive to a prospective buyer.

A couple of months ago I was selling the car referred to above, with its full page of really trivial items, and the buyer who commissioned the report was put off by it. Fair enough, but he just did not understand what it all meant.
The next day another buyer also saw the report, judged the items to be trivial, and immediately bought the car.

Two days later, the first buyer called back saying he had gone over the report with a knowledgeable mate, and had decided the report items were trivial, and that he would now buy the car. Sorry, too late, its sold. Very unhappy!!

So, these reports can be counterproductive to the buyer if the car is quite good, but has the usual minor blemishes of 5-6 years use. The reports need to be clearer about what is trivial and what is serious. They try to do this, but it is not clear enough for the uninformed buyer that the reports aim to protect.

[neptune blue]

Originally Posted by cro142

Over the years I have sold about 5 cars privately. My cars are well looked after and over-serviced as I am very fussy.

I have found that buyers who request an RACQ test, which I am happy to do, often get misled by an over-zealous report which puts them off a very good car for the price.

Usually a report on even a very good car that is 5-6 year old with 100-120,000km on the clock will run to a page or so.

For example the report will say "bonnet and front bar resprayed" with no reference to what this really means. It suggests the car may have hit a train, when the reality was that I had the respray work done 2 years before to fix a few stone chips.

Without giving heaps of examples, you get the idea.

The trouble is that often the buyer will be put off and actually miss a good buy. Sure, these tests may often identify a dodgy car, but equally a lot of trivial items without qualification of the depth of the problem will actually be counterproductive to a prospective buyer.

A couple of months ago I was selling the car referred to above, with its full page of really trivial items, and the buyer who commissioned the report was put off by it. Fair enough, but he just did not understand what it all meant.
The next day another buyer also saw the report, judged the items to be trivial, and immediately bought the car.

Two days later, the first buyer called back saying he had gone over the report with a knowledgeable mate, and had decided the report items were trivial, and that he would now buy the car. Sorry, too late, its sold. Very unhappy!!

So, these reports can be counterproductive to the buyer if the car is quite good, but has the usual minor blemishes of 5-6 years use. The reports need to be clearer about what is trivial and what is serious. They try to do this, but it is not clear enough for the uninformed buyer that the reports aim to protect.

All depends on who you use
I've used the RACV once and found their report was very general not much detail
I've used state wide 4 times and their reports are very detail the techs are througher and they actually identify panel repair as major or cosmetic

Usually it's the buyer that is the problem as a lot of them don't know anything about cars and simply do not understand the report they have paid for

[Auslandau]

Sold a 10 year old Audi a few years back and the buyer got an RACV check ...... when I saw the report I would have ran a mile it was so long with 'defects' but they were all absolutely minor, car was in good condition for what it was but read like a novel!

Buyer pffft at the report, said that they were minor points, still bought it and I was relieved. I think they just cover themselves in case the buyer comes back and says they only counted 37 stone chips on the bonnet instead of 42!

Would depend on the buyers attitude and knowledge bit as long as you and the buyer are happy, then all is good

[Franco Cozzo]

Surprised you guys could even get someone to inspect your rides, the guy who bought my Ambo rang up about 20 different mobile mechanics across Melbourne who were all willing to come out and have a look, except when they heard it was a 4 tonne vehicle.

Then all a sudden they couldn't jack it up in my driveway, and most couldn't fit it on their hoists as it was too wide.

Then one of the mechanics in my town said no problems, checked it out and was surprised it was in good condition as mostly they're all rooted.

I picked up the guy from Melbourne Airport, drove him back to my place, he handed me $19K cash and off he went back to Sydney, using around 175L of diesel in the mean time lol, didn't give him any trouble at all.

But apparently he is having registration problems over in NSW as they won't let him register it as a 4 seater because they want to see the engineer certificate, which no one has, so they want to take the two back seats out or the engineer refuses to allow it to be registered. Even though it has a compliance plate on the back saying it seats 4 people.

To pass what ever NSW's RWC is it only needed about $400 worth of parts and it passed but now registration problem because of a nazi engineer.

[cheap]

$3000 for a clutch sounds like gold plating.

Is it a dual mass clutch/flywheel combo grenade or a normal clutch?