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Most of the grief I've had over almost 50 years driving is directly associated with dealers/garages touching my cars mechanically.
As stated earlier, if its a banger or even just a moderately old car, you should never use a service record, genuine or otherwise as a be all and end all. A good all round inspection and test drive is always required. Check tyres, brakes, suspension, general wear and tear, rust, accident damage, check oil colour/smell/level etc. and more. Naturally it needs someone who has the right skills and knowledge.
If buying privately, get a handle on the buyer, their reasons, attitude, whether they are hiding something, accept the risk it could be a pile of cr#p
Ask the right questions, maybe get it all recorded or in writing if you have doubts
The state of the tyres/wheels can tell a lot, worn out, damaged, mismatched, noname brands on a prestige marque is a simple sign of someone who doesn't care much about servicing or maintenance (two distictly seperate things btw)
Before buying any car, check car forums about common problems on the cars/engine/gearbox. And whether you need to have further major work carried out, ie cambelts, cam chains, auto gearbox fluids etc Don't forget certain things have a limited lifespan, thinking DPF and batteries.
I would never buy any VAG 1.8tsi engined car, or one with a DSG gearbox. But even here in this modest forum are many tales of every marque having particular engines and gearboxes to avoid,
Edited by brum on 14/04/2021 at 15:28
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