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LBC Inspectors

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Lynn Kirkpatrick

Lynn Kirkpatrick

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So I was looking at a car magazine, you know, one with all of the cars for sale, and drooling all over the pages. And there was more than a few that looked enticing. But they were half way across the country, so it would take considerable and money to be able to check them over. So I had an idea (that doesn't happen often), what if there was a network of inspectors (or testers, examiners, whatever)that if I saw a listing that I was serious about, I could contact someone nearer to the car that I could contact and, for a fee, they check it out.

The idea is that they could act as a representative for the buyer, sort of like a house inspector, that would report on the condition of the car. Anything from taking pictures, checking for damage or the underside for rust, possibily test driving, etc. The inspector wouldn't make a buy/sell recommendation, that would still be the buyer's decision.

Does this sound like a reasonable service? The fee would not be excessive, but it would allow some of us to put to use some of the knowledge we've gained from all of those hours laying antifreeze and brake fluid, trying to figure out what is not as it should be. Certainly, the inspector would need a reasonable level of experience and mechanical aptitude.
 
Good idea. The theory is good, and I am sure that there would be plenty of willing participants. Rather than do it for a fee though, don't you think that there would be enough of us willing to do it for nothing? Otherwise there might be a temptation for some to do it for "easy money" and not really perform an inspection at all? Not forum members of course!
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Just a thought.
 
check out the MG List on Tony Barnhill's site the Autoist. We are everywhere and most of us love to look at MGs. Join the list while you are there. I once had a member look at an Ebay car I was interested in and let me hear the motor run over the cell phone
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An inspection company exists for just that purpose. I stumbled across it last summer when looking for a car across the country. Don't remember the name but it's easily found with a google search. They charge a fee to send an ASAE certified mechanic to inspect the car and produce a written inspection certificate. I think the base rate was about $300 and they perform inspections just about everywhere. Seems the company has contracts with dealerships/repair shops in strategic locations. They will go to the car or the owner can bring it to the mechanic. Very useful and well worth the price, I think.

Sorry I don't have the name right now, but again, it shouldn't be hard to find. Good luck with your efforts, it's a good idea.
 
Anybody who's a member of "theList" on my web site & who wants me to appraise a car in my area before they buy it, I'll be happy to do so for free....anybody not a member, I'll be happy to appriase the car for my usual appraisal fee...
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by tony barnhill:
Anybody who's a member of "theList" on my web site & who wants me to appraise a car in my area before they buy it, I'll be happy to do so for free....anybody not a member, I'll be happy to appriase the car for my usual appraisal fee...<hr></blockquote>


Ditto for me in the Nashville area. I always welcome an opportunity to look at LBC's!
 
Same for me in southern Michigan, but I have to admit to being mostly familar with Sprites, Spridgets, Spits and GT6's.
Jeff
 
I'm not sure how qualified I may be at appraising a car for purchase with someone elses money... but I can give a fair opinion. I have had a couple of dozen of these little buggers and been toying with them since 1964. I do know a "for fee" inspector/appraisor in the area also. That covers Dallas and Fort Worth area.
 
I've done it for pals, I think we have all done it every time we look at Ebay. Not the same as up close and personal but with enough pix, or for that mater not enough pix,or useless pix, we can tell whats up. Paint and body work are whats the hardest.People sometimes get fooled by glossy paint and cute colors.I have a classic example of the latter in my garage. I did it on a lark but in pix it looks real good.Suprisingly enough even guys who have been around the bend a few times, get caught up in emotions over reality. Ahemm.
 
For BoxoRocks, you are not solo in your situation. I bought a "restored" wreck looking to fix front end damage, only to give it up when the shop lifted up a 1/2"deep chunk of putty all along the trunk opening. The previous body guy evidently couldn't get the new trunk seal to lay down quite right. Ah, well.
The point being, as made by you, every one misses stuff sometimes.
 
<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Chuck Cougill: check out the MG List on Tony Barnhill's site. We are everywhere and most of us love to look at MGs. Join the list while you are there. <hr></blockquote>

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, Chuck. I am on the list and would be happy to look at LBCs in the Denver area.
 
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