Grant

Always get an independent dealer inspect

I bought a car a year ago from Barnfield Cars and found the low gears were very stiff. I took it to the dealer and they said there was air in the clutch fluid and the shifter was misaligned. Luckily it only cost me 250 pounds. I honestly thought the gear box was shot which would have cost 15k as a high prestige car. I took it for a service and they said the second key was not programmed ( another 500 pounds). They also said there was very bad salt corrosion on the alloys ( inside) and if they were not shot blasted and re painted they would get really bad, ( 700 pounds). They also said the shocks were very badly corroded and would need to be reviewed annually. Now the car was 8 years old, but I paid top price and one of their recommended garages did an inspection. None of these faults were mentioned.... So, my advice is always take the motor to a dealer for a full independent and thorough inspection before making an offer. Don't use the garage next door.