I worked for a fork lift dealership and the forklift namufacturer paid us 3 hours labor to do a PDI inspection list. The main branch was supposed to do the PDI . I don't know what the people in the shop did for the 3 hours but it wasn't the PDI. I would go over a new forklift when ever I went on the first service call and the management never questioned it. Wheels would fall off the forlkifts. You could see a wrench was never put on the lug nuts.Certified and PDI is a marketing tool.
Even at a Lexus dealer, certified pre owned is only as good as the person inspecting the vehicle.
How many guys doing a pre inspection bother to check the spare tire air pressure as an example?
Reminds me of when I took my Lexus to Toyota for a state inspection (tried to in my head think they’ll treat the car better yeah right and it was $76 instead of $43 like at BMW). They did a free multipoint too. Instead of $6700 needed per Lexus, all was good and everything was checked off, including the clutch fluid. Well it’s been 7 years since, I reckon I better check the clutch fluid again. I hear clutch fluid is hard to access on the LS430, so not looking forward to it.I worked for a fork lift dealership and the forklift namufacturer paid us 3 hours labor to do a PDI inspection list. The main branch was supposed to do the PDI . I don't know what the people in the shop did for the 3 hours but it wasn't the PDI. I would go over a new forklift when ever I went on the first service call and the management never questioned it. Wheels would fall off the forlkifts. You could see a wrench was never put on the lug nuts.
I would expect that there is a sheet with sign off boxes AND the signature of the person who did the checks. There is no shifting of the person responsible.
Truthfully, it sounds like this dealer went further than most. I understand how you feel, but it’s important to be realistic about the time and effort put into each vehicle. With used vehicles, regardless of cost or age, I’ve almost always had little things here and there I had to get fixed right out of the dealers lot.I bought a used Honda (from a Nissan dealer) back in September.
Here are hits and misses from the PDI (Pre Delivery Inspection):
Hits: New oil, all filters (air, oil, cabin) new battery. NAPA parts. All safety inspections done (lights, tires and so on), legitimate. They did an absolutely stellar recon job - I saw the car before and it was truly amazing. Salesman said it was a $299 value and I believed him.
Misses: On the way home the entire under shield fell off, not just the oil change access portion (plastic clips broken). So that night I had to rig that back together. Rear window washer fluid didn't work. By the time I found out it was winter so I just only recently fixed it and it was not great to have to go through a winter with slop always on the back glass. Moonroof inoperable. That one they fixed and they did it willingly. I wasn't about to pull the headliner, so I didn't mess with it.
For sure this is not a certified Lexus and I was not expecting the gold treatment but I feel as if I basically bought a car wholesale. What about your experience?
Those of you who bought a certified (or regular) used car, was it 100% perfect?
The only used car I bought from a new car dealer ($14k) was my bad. I didn’t do any inspection at all since I wanted this Florida no accident car.Truthfully, it sounds like this dealer went further than most. I understand how you feel, but it’s important to be realistic about the time and effort put into each vehicle. With used vehicles, regardless of cost or age, I’ve almost always had little things here and there I had to get fixed right out of the dealers lot.
The dealers are not going through the cars with a fine tooth comb. The idea is to perform basic maintenance, repair major mechanical problems, and send it down the road. Just the way it is. Not saying it’s right, though.
Doing due diligence is rude?The PDI should be done by the buyer or an independent shop/mechanic of buyers choosing.
But most think it’s “rude” to do that as it shows they don’t trust the seller.
No, but many dealer will try to make you feel that way. Some private sellers do it too.Doing due diligence is rude?
Sounds like your dealer has something to hide. If you brag about your 300 point super duper inspection and get all uncomfortable when someone else checks your work that is a big red flag.No, but many dealer will try to make you feel that way. Some private sellers do it too.
I have enough of a relationship with my car salesman at Nissan/Honda that he lets me take the cars I’m looking at home. My Camry got a very thorough inspection by me in my garage.The PDI should be done by the buyer or an independent shop/mechanic of buyers choosing.
But most think it’s “rude” to do that as it shows they don’t trust the seller.