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Classic car inspection?

63 messages,  Last post on Dec 11, 2012 at 7:27 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Thunderbird, Car Buying, Coupe

Messages Page 3 of 7

#14 of 63 Re: Classic car inspection? [Mr_Shiftright] by isellhondas

Feb 21, 2010 (4:29 pm)

Replying to: MrShift@Edmunds (Feb 18, 2010 10:53 am)
And I don't think too many people would really care if a 1962 T Bird was 100% authentic. Do you?

#15 of 63 Re: Classic car inspection? [isellhondas] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Feb 21, 2010 (11:40 pm)

Replying to: isellhondas (Feb 21, 2010 4:29 pm)
The degree to which authenticity matters varies a lot from car to car, that is very true.
 
Ironically, the buyer of a 1978 Corvette cares much more than the buyer of a 1978 Ferrari.
 
For a T-Bird, I think the only buyer who would care is one looking for a special or rare set of options.

#16 of 63 www.AutomobileInspections.com by jeff_the_chef

Apr 30, 2010 (4:54 am)

Hi,
 
I can relate my experience with www.AutomobileInspections.com, I started using them after a nightmare I had with the classiccarguy out of California who waited so long to get out and see the car I asked to be inspected that I lost the car! I also considered AIM but felt lack of detail in the report and not being able to speak with a knowledgable representative when I called (just an order taker) left me nervous. I have had three cars inspected with www.AutomobileInspections.com so far and have been really impressed. Two cost me $379 and one $414 because the car was in a fairly remote mountain location. I find the report really comprehensive and detailed and they took a TON of photos each time showing the problem areas the inspector had noted. I couldn't speak directly with the inspector (which I didn't like) but did have a very helpful conversation with someone at the head office who took the time to go over the report with me and answer the questions and concerns I had. Honestly, while they are not the cheapest, if you want the job done right I would strongly recommend you check them out.
 
Best,
 
Jeff

#17 of 63 Re: www.AutomobileInspections.com [jeff_the_chef] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

Apr 30, 2010 (7:20 am)

Replying to: jeff_the_chef (Apr 30, 2010 4:54 am)
If you can't talk to the inspector, I wouldn't use that service unless there were no other alternative. What kind of service is that? You can talk to your contractor, your doctor, your lawyer.
 
Talking to the inspector is the *heart* of the inspection IMO. The head office never saw the car, so that's fairly useless.

#19 of 63 www.AutomobileInspections.com by jeff_the_chef

May 01, 2010 (11:52 am)

Hi Mr. Shiftright,
 
Further to your comments, I have to say I felt the same initially but in all honesty, I really found that I didn't need to speak with the inspector to get his personal opinion. The reports they've done for me were very detailed with over 100 photos everytime. I don't know, perhaps it's not for everyone, but for me - what I needed was good information and good photos, I can make my own mind up about whether or not the car is what I'm looking for, and besides, you know what they say about opinions...
 
Keep up the great work, I often find myself browsing the forums, but this is the first time I felt I had something to add.
 
Jeff

#20 of 63 Re: www.AutomobileInspections.com [jeff_the_chef] by MrShift@Edmunds HOST

May 01, 2010 (12:51 pm)

Replying to: jeff_the_chef (May 01, 2010 11:52 am)
True but when you speak to the inspector you get a) the opportunity to ask about the photos in more detail b) to ask about things you might have forgotten while reading the report and c) how the car felt when he drove it.
 
Photos can be enormously deceptive. You can't spot things like orange peel, door waviness, smells, oil leaks in tight places, the inside of tail pipes (to spot rich running), or the tiny pits on chrome or even shallow dents.
 
If you can't speak to the inspector, you are really losing a good 25% of the inspection and not getting your money's worth, IMO. He can write "tap in engine compartment" but what does that mean?
 
The idea of an inspection is to minimize risk, right? So anything that minimizes rick, that can be added, is the whole point.

#22 of 63 Re: www.AutomobileInspections.com [jeff_the_chef] by nick625

Jun 09, 2010 (2:23 pm)

Replying to: jeff_the_chef (Apr 30, 2010 4:54 am)
Jeff,
 
I'm not familiar with the inspection firm you mentioned but I am familiar with WeGoLook.com. They don't do expert inspections, but for a lot less money they will send an independent representative to contact the seller and arrange to meet to make sure the car (or whatever it is) actually exists. They take current digital pics, check the VIN, etc. and provide them to you along with a report via email. If you want them too look at something specific they will. If you order the Custom report they can even arrange transport or deliver the item to the shipper for you. I have a friend who owns several classic cars who thinks this is great.

#23 of 63 Re: www.AutomobileInspections.com [nick625] by jeff_the_chef

Jun 10, 2010 (4:07 am)

Replying to: nick625 (Jun 09, 2010 2:23 pm)
Nick,
 
I too have heard of companies that do this and it is a useful service but, when it comes to buying a $35,000 Chevelle I need someone who KNOWS what they are looking at, like if it's been in an accident, is full orf rust and bondo or if the numbers match etc. not just someone who can tell me whether the car is there or not. That service you mentioned has its uses but its not something I would condider using for classic cars. I'd rather spend more money and get expert knowledge.
 
Jeff

Messages Page 3 of 7

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