Thanks to the many who have posted valuable advice here as we've researched for our way through the Forest of Indecision and lots of new information while looking for our first box on wheels!
We've now made a conditional offer on a small pop-top caravan. Firm advice here has been to get a pre-sale independent engineer's check on it, which seems thoroughly a good idea.
The dealer selling it agreed he's quite happy for this, but says he's having an independent assessment done anyway and will pass me the full report from the company. It's the one which does all his work, AJP Mobile Caravan Services in Leics.
No reason to doubt them, but they're not MEAC and the man is his regular engineer, so wondering whether that's independent enough, as long as I get the full report, or whether to insist on bringing in a MEAC labelled engineer anyway.
Any comments, either to stiffen my resolve here, or am I being over-worried?
Thanks and best wishes.
The issue with a caravan is there is only so much you can see. Check the fixed it threads where a small damp patch turned into a complete rebuild.
The engineer will have to leave so many loopholes just in case you held him liable.
But as you didnt pay him for it then he had no obligation to yourself.
All he needs to say is the van is in good condition for its age or similar and thats his hands clean.
It's down to a matter of trust really but it's still a third party report which could be manipulated to make the report satisfactory on behalf of the seller whereas if you appoint someone then the report is conducted independently in the interest of you the buyer. I would prefer to opt for the latter and then make the decision of purchase on the report submitted on your behalf.
It's down to a matter of trust really but it's still a third party report which could be manipulated to make the report satisfactory on behalf of the seller whereas if you appoint someone then the report is conducted independently in the interest of you the buyer. I would prefer to opt for the latter and then make the decision of purchase on the report submitted on your behalf.
This is also my confirmed opinion. it would seem the Caravan dealership is in the same league as the secondhand car dealer
Employ your own engineer who then acts in your interest and no one else.
As you are looking at the MCEA scheme, which I have used, my tip would be to make sure you use an AWS registered person, rather than just their QS registration
Reason is that you will probably find, as I did, that AWS workshops don't recognise MCEA QS, as they are a bit snooty about the level and duration of training they receive (I can't comment on whether that is valid or not).
All this seems pretty unanimous, and is most useful in stiffening my resolve - you've given me some useful phrases to incorporate into my polite but firm message as well.
I'm grateful too for the info on what qualifications to look for.
Thanks to all.
I will report back on developments!
If you rely on the dealer,s report, you will have no comeback if any issues arise after purchase (other than any legal rights) as the survey will have been commissioned and paid for by the dealer for his own purposes.
I'm indeed persuaded - these are all most helpful, thanks.
He's come across as extremely helpful and I have no actual reason to doubt him, but if yer man shows any reluctance to let an outside engineer in, the sale's likely to be off very quickly!
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Topic: Engineer Inspection - independent enough?
