4 reasons why second hand European cars can be more unreliable choices for used car buyers
Second-hand European cars can appear to be great value as the first owner of the vehicle bears the brunt of the value depreciation. It is important to remember that European used cars do present some challenges for used car buyers, making them potentially more unreliable choices compared to other options. Several factors contribute to this perception:
1. Complexity and Cost of Repairs
European cars are often engineered with advanced technology and intricate systems. While this enhances performance, it also translates to higher repair costs and a greater dependency on specialized mechanics. Finding qualified technicians and obtaining genuine European car parts can be more challenging and expensive, leading to delays in repairs and higher maintenance expenses.
2. Lack of Maintenance History
Many used European cars in the market are imports or have changed multiple owners. Tracking their complete maintenance history can be difficult, leaving buyers uncertain about how well the vehicle was cared for. A lack of proper servicing could result in hidden mechanical issues surfacing after the purchase.
3. Electronics and Electrical Issues
European vehicles tend to have complex electronic systems that may be prone to temperamental glitches and failures over time. Repairing electronic and electrical components can be intricate and costly, posing a risk to used car buyers.
4. Availability of Spare Parts
Some European car manufacturers may limit the availability of spare parts for older models, leaving owners with limited options for replacements. This can result in longer waiting times for repairs or the use of aftermarket parts that might not meet the same quality standards.
While not all European cars are unreliable, these potential drawbacks make it crucial for used car buyers to conduct their own thorough research, a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, and also weigh the long-term costs before investing in a second-hand European vehicle. Buyers should also be prepared for higher maintenance expenses and choose models with more accessible service networks and a well-documented maintenance history.
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We understand that the used car market can move extremely quickly. Seller’s can be difficult for our team to organise an inspection with or worse, they may sell the vehicle to another buyer before allowing our Carinspect mechanic to inspect the vehicle. For this reason, we offer an outstanding refund policy for customers using our service. Carinspect offers a full refund (minus a 3% credit card fee) for inspection bookings that for any reason cannot go ahead. The following two exceptions apply:
- If the purchaser requires the inspection to be cancelled for any reason and the inspection time and date has already been set with the seller, Carinspect will retain a $60 administration fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
- On the occasion that the Carinspect mechanic has already travelled to the seller’s location to complete the inspection and is unable to fulfil the service, Carinspect will retain a $150 cancellation fee whilst refunding you the balance of the booking.
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Our mobile team will travel to where the vehicle is being sold. Whether it's a home, workplace, dealership or auction house, our mechanics will inspect the vehicle at the location most convenient to the seller. This service is great for busy sellers or vehicles that cannot meet us at one of our workshop locations across Australia. These inspections are subject to environmental constraints. Bad weather, steep driveways or undulating surfaces or poor lighting can affect inspection results. You’ll receive your report immediately after the inspection is completed together with a phone call from the mechanic.
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We cannot guarantee inspections to take place on the weekend as this time is usually assigned to completing overflow work. Although there are some sellers who only have very specific times that a car can be available for inspection, please be aware that our team deals with this everyday and almost always finds a time that works for all parties - even if it means the seller not being with the vehicle whilst we inspect it.
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