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I want to ask a question for my friend who just checked out a car she wants to buy which is painted white.

We did a AA LemonCheck Report which shows the car was imported as a brown and grey colour.

From our inspection, we can't see either of these colours on the vehicle.

Our concern is the car dealer who owns the car may have repainted the exterior to cover any possible damage which may have happened after the car was imported from Japan.

She rang the dealer who said the vehicle had not been repainted. They said to repaint the vehicle would be a huge cost that could easily exceed the value of the car itself.

She is worried whether to proceed or not.

Can you please provide some advice on this.

Eric

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 11 January 2010

It is possible the information on the AA LemonCheck report is incorrect in regards to the vehicles colour. The total data is sourced from several different data bases and is only as reliable as the person who initially entered the information at the time of the vehicles entry into NZ.

The dealer is correct when they say the cost to change a vehicles exterior colour is high and would not normally be financially viable.

However, you need to be sure if your friend is still keen to purchase this vehicle.

I strongly advise you take the vehicle to a panel beater / painter and ask them to inspect the paint work and general body condition. They should be able to tell you very quickly if the car has been repainted or not.

There may be a charge for this service but I doubt it would be very much.

If the dealer has nothing to hide then they should not object to this request and may in fact arrange for an inspection and provide a written report to you.

When buying any used vehicle assume nothing, and take the necessary steps to remove any doubts you may have before you commit to buy.