I've not posted much as I still don't have a FF in the stable yet (I read the posts a few times a day though), but, when we've moved house and I know how big the budget will be, I will be buying Mrs S a used FFRR. Is there such a thing as a company who we trust to give a prospective purchase a jolly good inspection to cut down the chances of buying a pup? First time FFRR owner

i believe the AA and RAC do car inspections.. ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
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yeah now you say that I recall they do inspections, would they be appropriate for the complexities of one of these beasts or would I be better saving my cash up and doing plenty or research? I'm not a mechanical numpty btw, I work on my racebike, racetruck and the enemy's clio First time FFRR owner

A new MOT and AA/RAC inspections wouldn't hurt, but a good plough through the wiki and trying everything on the car before you buy. It is much easier once you have owned one for a couple of years, so take along someone who has one? Look at several cars before deciding on one.

Problems are more likely to be electrical/electronic than mechanical if a prospective car has been reasonably well looked after. .
Experience is the only genuine knowledge, but as time passes, I have forgotten more than I can remember
Volvo V70 P2 2006 2.4 Petrol 170bhp Estate SE
MG Midget Mk1 1962

Previous: L322 Range Rover TDV8 3.6 2008; L322 Range Rover TD6 3.0 2002; P38A Range Rover V8 1999

Take it a drive and when you get back feel the centre of all the wheels to see if the calipers are binding on as both my cars had this issue on the rear. Check that the tv works if not you will need a new tuner.
Check in the spare wheel well for water, if there is then there is a problem somewhere

Not to diss either the AA or The RAC but I think it is pretty much a standard check and would not cover certain aspects of the car that would need checking. Air Sus springs to mind, you might be OK if you got a guy that knew them well but you might not.

The best thing you can go for is full Main Dealer Service History, in my experience these guys always let you know about everything needing doing or possibly needing doing that others may miss. Also it means the car has not wanted for anything, vital in my mind when buying one of these. Anything the previous owner has not done you will need to and anything he has done you will likely not have to do for ages! I know that's teaching to suck eggs. But a simple rule that I reckon is one of the best, also depending on the age go for a warranty company like Warranty Direct. The front diff failed on my 07 car and they paid up no quibbles etc. I would at least get one for the first year until you get to know the car. Also walk away from even the smallest hint of bullsh*t ! No excuses for not having all the paperwork, keys, etc. no excuses for any quirks of a particular car either. If that is not enough, perhaps through here find someone local who knows these trucks and can offer some advice.

Lovely cars, epic to drive etc, but a way of life more than simply owning a car in terms of upkeep.

Not trying to put you off, on the contrary, highly recommend but go in with eyes open as to the realities of the relationship and you should be pretty happy!!