Anyone considering a W204

[J400uk]

would this not show up on AA car data check?

Are there other data checks that are more comprehensive? Although the AA 5 car check for £25 is the cheapest I can find ...

No it won't show up on any check as its unrecorded damage, so other than giving the car a professional inspection theres no way a buyer could tell. Its a big problem these days, wish something could be done.

 

[oceanblue1]

hmm... bearing in mind its such a large investment, would you recommend a full AA / RAC check even if you are buying from a dealer?

Any other firm that can be recommended for doing full mechanical checks like this?

 

[J400uk]

Well in theory if you buy from a dealer the car should be OK as they are supposed to do multi point checks on any cars before advertising them for sale.

 

[st4]

Well in theory if you buy from a dealer the car should be OK as they are supposed to do multi point checks on any cars before advertising them for sale.

Mine has been in a prang. A chap from the other forum measured the paint thickness. 130microns is the average, I've got a section on the back left of over 900microns and its been blended in. TV was there when the fella did the measurement for me.

That said car was bought from an MB dealer. I even asked, has it been in an accident. The answer no. One front wing is slightly out.

Dealers will sell on what they can. I still like my car fine, and mechanically so far its been impeccable.

 

[J400uk]

Mine has been in a prang. A chap from the other forum measured the paint thickness. 130microns is the average, I've got a section on the back left of over 900microns and its been blended in. TV was there when the fella did the measurement for me.

That said car was bought from an MB dealer. I even asked, has it been in an accident. The answer no. One front wing is slightly out.

Dealers will sell on what they can. I still like my car fine, and mechanically so far its been impeccable.

If you specifically asked them the question had it been involved in an accident and they said no, and you later discovered it actually had, then surely from a legal standpoint you would be entitled to return the car for a full refund or replacement?

 

[st4]

If you specifically asked them the question had it been involved in an accident and they said no, and you later discovered it actually had, then surely from a legal standpoint you would be entitled to return the car for a full refund or replacement?

Yes, but it wasn't in writing. Proving it would be hard. I also discovered the accident damage 1 year and 20k miles after driving the car so getting a refund/equivilent replacement (when I purchased) would be nil.

The car is fine, drives fine and isn't structurally damaged. Its been inspected by Indies and dealers and is fine, but the body work must have recieved a wee scrape or bang.

Next time, I will bring a paint thickness meter though

 

[oceanblue1]

A proper 3% paint thickness meter is £500! Good if you buy alot of cars but probably more economical to get a AA check for the average joe. Although if it is not a severe bump, the AA man is still not gonna know.

Is there a toolhire place you can get them for a day or two?