Vehicle inspection services???
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Vehicle inspection services???
Am in the buying mode for a C5. Living up here in the northwest corner of the country, nice, reasonably priced corvettes are few and far between. I've seen several C5's on this forum that I'd be interested in; however, my business precludes my taking much time off, especially this time of year.
To the questions, finally.
Have you guys (and gals) ever used a vehicle inspection service? If so, how was your experience? Alternatives? Recommendations?
Thanks in advance; this is a great forum, learned a ton!!
Jim
To the questions, finally.
Have you guys (and gals) ever used a vehicle inspection service? If so, how was your experience? Alternatives? Recommendations?
Thanks in advance; this is a great forum, learned a ton!!
Jim
Racer
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
From: Agoura CA
I have used Guldstrand Engineering in Burbank and would trust Dick to inspect a car I was buying. I also have used West Coast Corvettes I Anaheim and believe they would do a good job. This assuming you are looking at Corvettes in Southern California.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 58
From: Madison, WI
St. Jude Donor '11
My 2 cents: It's hit or miss with respect to inspection companies whether you pay $100 or $250 for the services. Used a couple a few years back and it was always difficult to gauge the experience / expertise of the actual inspector. Sure they can pick out the major issues but it's the minor ones that we all care about when it comes to vettes.
My thoughts are that nothing, absolutely nothing, can beat having a fellow member inspect it for your. When I was looking last year and I had not moved to Chicago at that time there were tons of great guys willing to help me out. Be glad to look at it for your and send you back a detailed review if it's here in the Chicagoland area. Unlike those other inspection services it won't cost you anything with us.
Best of luck in your hunt.
My thoughts are that nothing, absolutely nothing, can beat having a fellow member inspect it for your. When I was looking last year and I had not moved to Chicago at that time there were tons of great guys willing to help me out. Be glad to look at it for your and send you back a detailed review if it's here in the Chicagoland area. Unlike those other inspection services it won't cost you anything with us.
Best of luck in your hunt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 8,700
Likes: 298
From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl
There is a company that in national....its name is: SGS
they do a 150 point inspection, take a test drive and provide the results which includes pictures and all results for $99.50.
Do a Google search...SGS inspections for web site and phone number.
they do a 150 point inspection, take a test drive and provide the results which includes pictures and all results for $99.50.
Do a Google search...SGS inspections for web site and phone number.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Thanks guys for all the help, I've seen SGS (e-bay's inspectors). Anyone else?
I appreciate the offers of having forum members do one for me. However, I feel like I'm imposing and need to help defray some of the cost for their time, etc. What's a reasonable amount for inspection services? $100 or ?
Thanks.
Jim
I appreciate the offers of having forum members do one for me. However, I feel like I'm imposing and need to help defray some of the cost for their time, etc. What's a reasonable amount for inspection services? $100 or ?
Thanks.
Jim
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 544
Likes: 33
From: SW of Chicago Illinois
I think most would think $100 or so was reasonable. Would also depend on how much of their time was spent and how far they had to travel to view the car. For me this would only be a inspection to see if it's worth pursuing. I wouldn't expect a helpful forum member to give a full mechanical workup or underneath inspection. If the deal works out I would make it contigent upon a further inspection and try to arrange to have the car taken to a Chevy dealer and pay for a full mechanical check-up as well.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
From: RSM CA
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Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,775
Likes: 30
From: Haslett MI
I've used SGS before - very professional, got lots of pics and input on the total condition of the car - inside and out ... would use them again without hesitation
Heel & Toe
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
You might consider CarChex.
I've used them a few times. They are certified mechanics and do a thorough visual inspection, take lots of pictures, and take the car for a road test. They've found things that I would not have noticed. The charge is $100-$150 depending on how far they have to travel. One downside is that they only operate in and around large towns and cities.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 55
From: Port Saint Lucie, Florida
Hi
Being that you are live in the north west l would stick to west coast vettes being that you don't have that much free time.
And one more thing what is your budget because this will determine if you are looking for a daily driver or a garage queen or some where between!
Some of our members don't care about anything but $ and some of us are looking for a brand new C5 and are willing to pay for it.
Your budget will determine what you will get.
You get what you pay for and the difference of only $3000 could be the difference from a daily driver to a nice pristine vette.
The best year for a C5 is the 2002.
Good Luck
Being that you are live in the north west l would stick to west coast vettes being that you don't have that much free time.
And one more thing what is your budget because this will determine if you are looking for a daily driver or a garage queen or some where between!
Some of our members don't care about anything but $ and some of us are looking for a brand new C5 and are willing to pay for it.
Your budget will determine what you will get.
You get what you pay for and the difference of only $3000 could be the difference from a daily driver to a nice pristine vette.
The best year for a C5 is the 2002.
Good Luck
