I ordered an AA inspection for a potential new car, and the experience was dreadful from start to finish. I used their inspection service for an Audi, paying £235. Despite this high fee, the inspection was outsourced to third-party inspectors. They checked the car and assured me that there were no issues with the bodywork or any other problems, providing a report that everything was in perfect condition. The inspection took place in a car park, and they failed to notice oil in the shock absorber, essentially just taking some useless pictures.
When I traveled 2.5 hours each way to see and purchase the car, I immediately discovered that it had been poorly sprayed and painted all over. This was obvious to the naked eye, both in sunlight and shade. Opening the car door revealed rough edges of paint. The windscreen had been replaced with a cheap one, poorly attached, and none of this was mentioned in the report.
Upon noticing these issues, I used a Thickness Gauge to further inspect the car and recorded a video, from which I will attach screenshots. Additionally, the non-Audi windscreen replacement was easy to spot. The inspector did not send any pictures of the car’s oily suspension, and the inspection was conducted outdoors, not in a garage. I suspect there were more issues with the car, but I stopped my inspection and drove back due to these significant problems.
Otherwise, I cannot understand how such obvious flaws were missed. I am convinced this was intentional.
After writing to their customer service, I received this response:
“We can only inspect the vehicle as presented on the day of inspection, regardless of weather conditions. It is also a possibility, whilst we are not suggesting this, the windscreen may have been replaced after our inspection. Whilst we accept you may remain dissatisfied, the decision has been made not to uphold your complaint and no further action will be taken on this occasion.”
However, I could easily see the paint issues and verified them with a thickness gauge. The windscreen was the same as in the report pictures, and I don’t think the seller could have changed it overnight. And they didn’t want to be responsible and just do a refund.
Overall, it’s absolutely unacceptable for a company that charges a premium price for their inspections. AVOID this company. It’s a scam. Don’t buy anything from them. They just want to take your money and not provide a proper service.
I have already started the Mastercard Chargeback and am now preparing to sue them with my lawyer.