Pre inspection for Imported Estima

[jay7472]

Hi everyone,

I'm looking at buying my first Estima. Have viewed it and have had a short test drive but i have no mechanical experience to be able to check the car. The AA doesn't offer an assessment of this car for whatever reason so i'm kind of stuck where to go next. The dealership has good reviews and seems trustworthy (famous lasts words lol) but i would be happier handing over my money if i could get a mobile mechanic with experience in this car to give it the once over. The dealership gives a 14 month warranty which also incudes the hybrid batteries which (at additional cost) can be extended to 4 years so my question is do you know of a service/company that can do a prepurchase inspection with report on this car before i buy ? The car is located in High Wycombe near London.

Also i would rather not pay for the inspection from a person or company based in High Wycombe just to avoid a conflict of interest if you know what i mean.

any guidance would be greatly apricated

[flash22]

The first thing to do is check to see what tax band it is in, If it's classed as PLG it will not be ULEZ-compliant so will cost you £12.50 a day

https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/check-your-vehicle/

Insurance may be another issue

 

 

[jay7472]

The dealership states its ULEZ compliant and i do see this present on other sellers adverts for the same make and model but it doesn't come up on the tfl.gov search when i look. It dose however come up ok when i get insurance quotes for it so the insurance side of it seems fine/ok.

[Cyker]

I'd also say you're better off getting the non-hybrid version unless you have a specific reason for getting a hybrid one, e.g. an E-Four.

The non-hybrids can be serviced by anyone while the hybrid one can be serviced for the most part you'd need to find specialists if you ever need work done on the hybrid parts.

Other than that it's heavier and doesn't really offer any improvement in economy, performance or mpg...

[flash22]

i would look into the tax and ulez situation and not take the seller's word on it

[JohnGW]

Khan's let out a little too much, seems he is still going to charge congestion charges on electric vehicles. No rush to change then.