Buying an ex-rental. comprehensive technical test necessary?

xrapidx

xrapidx

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Asked on another forum - might as well ask here.

I'm potentially buying a ex-rental, 2010 25,000km Daihatsu for my other half from the vehicle agent/dealers. I asked them to send it for a technical test and not a multipoint - I initially asked them to send it to Dekra, and they asked if it could go to AVTS - which I agreed too.

Got the results and it went for a multipoint, not a technical test - which I immediately responded with, the dealer responded that according to AVTS its the same - I then called AVTS and asked them how its the same, and they had no clue what a technical test is, even though its advertised on their website, and the branch I called is listed as one of their technical test centres. They kept on asking if I mean a 50-point check :wtf:

The multicheck didn't come back with any major issues, except a crack in the windscreen, which we didn't notice, and that the oil was over filled. According to the report, no notice of minor or major panelbeating

I couldn't see any body work or mis-aligned panels - the only issue was one my SO picked up, the one back taillight was loose, although the panel around it looked fine, and it didn't look sprayed.

Now - should I insist the vehicle go for for a technical test to Dekra at my cost, or just accept the multipoint? The vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty and maintenance plan till 2013 - and I have included the extension of both in the deal?

Been reading the complaints on hellopeter regarding Dekra - and I'm just wondering it it'd be waste of money... (R1330)
 
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My experience of the technical test at Dekra was a complete waste of money, rather get someone knowledgable about cars to have a look. And do take it for more than one test drive, and for a decent duration.

A technical test is technically (see what I did there :p) a multi point check
 
The technical test is supposed to be more mechanical - i.e. compression tests, etc... where as the multipoint check anyone can do, walk around with a list and tick things off.

My other issue is that dealers probably have a special "relationship" with testing stations - so I'm wondering if anything will come out of it.
 
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Just a warning, I have heard that dealers over-fill the oil so that the engine runs smoother (but only temporarily i.e. a test drive...) than it would with normal oil levels. This could be an indication of a mechanical fault which they have tried to cover up. Drive the car with normal oil levels and try to listen/feel for new vibrations and poor performance. But like I said, this could just be rumor and not truth......
 
Take the car to the Diahatsu dealership you plan to service your car at for an inspection. Personally I'm against rental cars as you have no idea who rode it and how hard. Unless your getting this car at a super bargin, be cautious and rather walk away than be stuck with a lemon.

Personally I was looking at demo models / rentals last month when I bought my car, ended up going new as the price difference was not worth it in the end.
 
xrapidx said:
The technical test is supposed to be more mechanical - i.e. compression tests, etc... where as the multipoint check anyone can do, walk around with a list and tick things off.

My other issue is that dealers probably have a special "relationship" with testing stations - so I'm wondering if anything will come out of it.
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Lol you actually think they do a compression test etc?

Edduck said:
Just a warning, I have heard that dealers over-fill the oil so that the engine runs smoother (but only temporarily i.e. a test drive...) than it would with normal oil levels. This could be an indication of a mechanical fault which they have tried to cover up. Drive the car with normal oil levels and try to listen/feel for new vibrations and poor performance. But like I said, this could just be rumor and not truth......
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Over fill oil to make the engine run smoother? Dude what :/ and what accidentally cause the car smoke in a harsh corner etc during a test drive, nah dude
 
Its from the nearest dealership to us :p

I'm not to fussed about rentals, they get a bad rep, but many people, myself included, are to scared to abuse them with the huge excesses that apply (especially a Cape rental, our roads are WAY better than those up North)

Price is around 13% saving from other models (R15,000)
 
Pretend its yours.
Take it to a dealership and ask them to "Check out my wife's car, and tell me if there is anything that needs attention".
Then after you have replaced everything except the radiator cap, buy that and replace it yourself (a bit of DIY).
That way you know everything will be OK. :)
 
:p

Every-time I see your nick it reminds me of growing up. Grew up in Sibasa.
 
D3x! said:
Lol you actually think they do a compression test etc?



Over fill oil to make the engine run smoother? Dude what :/ and what accidentally cause the car smoke in a harsh corner etc during a test drive, nah dude
Click to expand...

Just what I have been told, I am no mechanic so I can't what I have been told... although I do call BS on this... Theory is that short term overlubrication will dampen vibrations when running cold....
 
My oh my, do I read some rubbish in threads like this!! :wtf:

Nothing wrong with buying a rental, as I have said countless times before.

If you have checked it out for accident damage, which you say you have, and the car goes well, buy the damned thing. The ONLY time you get nervous about a rental is one that has a very low mileage, because that usually means that it spent some time in the shop, either being panel beaten or having problems sorted out.

A rental will always have a full and comprehensive service record as well, as AVIS etc, do not want their name tarnished by cars that let them down.

Again, as I've said in the past, I have owned several ex rentals, and they have all been brilliant cars.

As for a dealer over filling a car with oil to quieten down the engine - puhlease!! Yet another urban legend stalks the streets!! :rolleyes:
 
slightly off topic.. is there a website where you can view rental cars that are now able to be purchased?
 
yeh - I don't have a problem with buying a rental, its not that low mileage - 25,000km - which is where a view rental companies trade-in.

All I want is the technical test done to point out anything I couldn't see. Personally, I wouldn't have thought it had been in an accident when looking at it, until my other half noticed the loose tail light...
 
Rental best 4x4xfar.

People dont care when driving a rental.

Main reason why I will stay away from one.
 
ID_10_T said:
Rental best 4x4xfar.

People dont care when driving a rental.

Main reason why I will stay away from one.
Click to expand...

No different to any used car you might buy ... from a demo all the way to a 50y/o classic that has only been driven "to the shops and back by an old lady" .
 
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