Pre-Purchase Inspection: A Cautionary Tale

[CompFi]

I have learned so much from this forum. Not just via the expertise of the members but also from those willing to share their experiences when things don't go quite as planned. So, here is my attempt to give back in a similar way.

While I share the obsession with these amazing cars, I lack the expertise of many here. So, when it came time to review a car offered for sale on the other side of the country from me, I chose to contract the inspection services of a certified appraiser that came with recommendations and positive online reviews etc.

He conducted his inspection and noted some "minor" discrepancies that he initially conveyed to me via voicemail.

Here is where things began to go south. I left him a voicemail expressing my interest in more details on the discrepancies which he dismissed as minor and that I looked forward to his final report detailing those discrepancies.

Despite assurances of an independent inspection devoid of conflicts of interest etc, it became obvious to me that the inspector was more interested in repeat business from the seller than representing my interests as the buyer. So much so, that the inspector refused to provide me with his inspection report, presumably unwilling to risk angering the seller.

In the end, I did not pay for such unprofessional service. But this experience still levied costs upon all parties. Not the least of which was time - mine, the seller's and the inspector's.

I am not here to smear anyone nor damage their livelihood. So, for many here, this is merely a cautionary tale to confirm that the vendors on which you rely don't have a conflict of interest. But for those in need of inspection services in the San Francisco Bay area, shoot me a PM if you want to ensure that you steer clear of this inspector.