Do I need a pre-purchase check, or is VINZ enough?

flyingpencil, Dec 2, 3:39pm
Just about to buy a 2006 Toyota Corolla Allex from a decent sized dealer, 29,000kms on the clock. Is a VINZ check for a dealer enough, or should I be getting my mechanic to do a pre-purchase check as well? It is Grade 4 on Jap auction sheet.
secca2, Dec 2, 3:40pm
Get your mechanic to do it
tamarillo, Dec 2, 4:02pm
Ditto. Thorough report from Independant mechanic. Ask them if they think milage is true.
robotnik, Dec 2, 4:59pm
It is a Toyota with low kilometers for sale from a dealership which is presumably reputable. Just get VINZ to do a full inspection if you really want or not bother with anything as you are covered by the CGA and the chances of anything going wrong on a Corolla are slim to none.
phillip.weston, Dec 2, 5:03pm
And how much of a premium are you paying for a near ten year old Corolla with unnecessarily low kms? I think your money would be better spent on a 2010+ model with 50-100,000kms.
kazbanz, Dec 2, 5:51pm
The last of the corollas with a normal auto box. I would still get a full PP inspection. Particular attention to the tyres. Low km and 9 year old car can mean splitting in the tread
thejewellerybox, Dec 2, 5:53pm
Do get your local mechanic to check. don't bother with the aa checks, they are expensive and not thorough enough.
flyingpencil, Dec 2, 6:49pm
All new tyres, but thinking I will get PP check done. Seems the CGA google led me to the Consumer Affairs info website which is full off good info on purchasing a car.
deus701, Dec 2, 7:55pm
what is the alternative to an AA checK? (As I don't have a mechanic I 'trust' enough to do a check)
mack77, Aug 10, 11:00am
An alternative could be your local Toyota franchise dealer, if there is one in your town.