http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182417194936?_tr...EBIDX%3AIT

This one? Lovely looking thing. Electric rear seats, upgraded stereo. I've not viewed it, but rang about it last week. Couldn't agree figures to make it worth while to drive down South.

Mileage shouldn't worry you, tell you what, you buy it and I'll have it off you next year when my car fund has increased

I was looking at this one too, but almost £20k for something with that mileage just scares me (and unfortunately the other half more!). 2010 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE

I would suggest that many miles is not really an issue provided there is evidence of good serving.

Mine is a 2011MY VSE and I don't have adpative headlights (therefore dont know if i would miss these) . Adaptive CC is not that brilliant tbh and it gets easily confused on long sweeping bends or when overtaking (could live without it) The dual view screen was also an option on early 2010 reg. Most second hand VSE's will have had the boot nets removed bt should be there. Mine had the pre-heater fob.

The one on ebay link looks very nice combo but the drivers seat is starting to look tired. Mine is a black interior and looks brand new despite 90K on the clock. Lighter interiors are perhaps more pleasing to look at but not the best long term imo.  405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

Yep mileage is the BIG question.

So with that in mind, a pre-purchase inspection seems essential. But I have two choices:

AA / RAC - in my mind will do a thorough 101 point check but those points would be reasonably generic to all cars

or

A local Independent specialist providing a report commissioned by me but since local may have a slight affiliation to that dealer

What does everyone think?

I appreciate it is slightly vulgar to highlight ones own thread, however, this may help you mate as I had similar concerns:

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic32735.html

You can also check to see the MOT history of the cars you are considering buying:

https://www.check-mot.service.gov.uk/

Thanks for those above...

Independent did not want to do a pre-purchase check... He said didn't want any "come back" in case he missed something.

So went with RAC. Couldn't get a slot with AA. Prices: AA £345 RAC £385 (website entices with "from £185" but as soon as they ask the vehicle type the price bumps up.

They will check a long long list of stuff, they told me it would be up to four hours inc. test drive.

Just a bit of reference if anyone is purchasing....

What sort of comeback do you get out of interest, if say something they identified as ok fails after 6 months? There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
KIA E-Niro 4+
2021 Discovery 5 D300 MHEV commercial

I doubt the RAC inspection will guarantee the longevity of anything they inspect. The small print probably states they can only confirm it's condition as inspected.

You could get it MOT'd as well. That way you know the emissions, safety related items like brakes, steering, suspension etc are all ok.

As with anything you buy these days, even houses, there's always an element of risk. You just have to lessen that as much as possible, especially if it's a £20k car.

Good luck. Hope it works out. 2021 D350 Fifty Edition - Carpathian Grey
2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography (2021-2024) - Santorini Black
2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster (2016-2021) - Santorini Black

Got the report. The RAC guy gave it the all-clear. So paid for the car. Pretty excited!

As for RAC and any kind of guarantee, this is what the report says:

Whilst all reasonable care has been taken, the inspection of the vehicle described in this report is visual and external and the RAC is unable to accept responsibility for failure to identify defects not present or apparent at the time of the inspection.
The inspection covers those items listed, however, it must be noted that no dismantling, removal or inspection of any parts has been undertaken. Minor body repairs of a cosmetic nature, which have been repaired to a satisfactory standard, have not been commented upon.
The RAC Inspector is unable to verify the accuracy of the odometer reading.
An RAC inspection is not a guarantee against defects arising in the future and this report in no way constitutes any form of guarantee or warranty.

My view: a bit pricey at £385. But I could only spend an hour looking over the car inc test drive when I went to see it. The RAC guy spent 4 and he inspects cars for a living. I had a long conversation with him after too and I asked if he checked odd things and each time he said yep, checked & working. So very thorough. I got the report within an hour of him finishing too.

Welcome to the FullFat club

Looks like you got yourself a good deal  2021 D350 Fifty Edition - Carpathian Grey
2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography (2021-2024) - Santorini Black
2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster (2016-2021) - Santorini Black

What a great deal: 2011 4.4 SE absolutely loaded - rear electric seats, adaptive cruise, 1200w stereo, heat/cool front seats, one owner and serviced throughout by the same dealer that delivered it new. Who I then rang and got a list of everything they're done to it (which wasn't much). Car's immaculate and the dealer has stone chipped it, fixed the little I could find wrong with it and it even comes with a full drivetrain, no exclusion 3 month warranty.

Thanks!

Excellent choice mate, first dibs come selling time

Looks gorgeous that mate, enjoy

Was there a quick start guide for the 2012MY or were there no changes from 2011? 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black