Wrong Computerized Check up of car

HighGrade
By HighGrade

Dear QL members,

A friend of mine bought a second hand car recently. He did full computerized check and they said, everything is perfect and this is a perfect car to buy. They do mention one line "Car damage from bottom due to humps". When my friend asked about it, they said, "there are minor scratches. You can ignore them. We just want to mention every small thing in the report."

After buying the car, my friend took it to the dealer for service and got an estimate of 8000 riyals. According to the dealer, all suspension parts, strut are in need of urgent change.

He needs advice on "how to legally handle this situation?" Is there a way in Qatar to sue or file a complain against the computerized checkup shop?

Your help would be highly appreciated.

By Chinnadurai• 4 May 2015 14:51
Chinnadurai

Thanks for reply , I have text message by chat in what's up, is it enough!?

By Wild Turkey• 4 May 2015 07:31
Wild Turkey

Not really, unless you have the sellers 'promise' in writing!

By Chinnadurai• 4 May 2015 05:46
Chinnadurai

Anyone can tell me ? I tested one can by paying 400 QR From computer testing centre but the in result car found completely repainted and some service around 5000 has to done, the owner of the car before promise me to repay the money if any major issue in the car but now he refused to give money, is it possible

To complaint in consumer dept.?

By blankspaces• 3 May 2015 17:34
blankspaces

I had the same experience and my repair cost estimate is 12k...And today the ac stopped functioning too. I'm done.

By blankspaces• 3 May 2015 17:34
blankspaces

I had the same experience and my repair cost estimate is 12k...And today the ad stopped functioning too. I'm done.

By HighGrade• 3 May 2015 16:48
HighGrade

Thank you everyone for your comments. I agree that these computerized checks are scams and one should go to actual dealer for car checkup.

As a customer, we should try our best to complain about such incidents, no matter what the end result would be. I think giving a try to Consumer Protection Department won't hurt as mentioned by Gasoline.

I'll update you guys later once my friend gets some information from Consumer Protection department.

By Gasoline• 3 May 2015 15:26
Gasoline

Hopefully the Consumer-Protection-Department will fine all those scamming Computer-Check-companies. and shut them down. Lots of these story's been posted nearly every day regarding the computer check up con.

By newexpatqatar• 3 May 2015 15:23
newexpatqatar

This is disappointing ..

By Wild Turkey• 3 May 2015 14:12
Wild Turkey

I couldn't agree more.

By sheikh_chilli• 3 May 2015 13:31
sheikh_chilli

Dear all, these computerized checks, in my opinion are a big scam. I recently sold my car which I took care of dearly and had serviced from the dealer. When I initially bought the vehicle second hand, I had it inspected at the dealership (Toyota) for a fee of 840QR which highlighted all of the problems in the car. Additionally, the dealership were able to offer something that these computerized checking placed can't - a warranty.

Only a month prior to having the "experts" check my vehicle on Salwa Road, I had a full service with new brakes installed on the car; Salwa Road mechanics found my brakes to be "useless" after taking the car for a 2 minute drive (apparently this is how a thorough check on your brakes is done). They found the breaks to be a little "spongy"; anyone with a little technical knowhow knows that this is the norm after having new brakes installed as it takes a while for them to wear in. Ultimately this "big problem" become a "minor problem" when I produced my Toyota repair and service record.which left the "experts" a little embarrassed.

It seems the only thing this over hyped and substandard system of checking cars is good for is taking your money. Sure you'll get an experienced opinion, but I have an uncle who can do that) and will also give you an idea of your engine's efficiency as a percentage. The lads that run these places are far from being experienced and qualified mechanics who really do not have much of a clue or the equipment to fully inspect a vehicle and give an educated conclusion on the state of the vehicle.

In my opinion, forget the dodgy computerized checks. If you are really serious about buying a car, take it to the dealer's service center and pay the extra (you could possibly even negotiate a lower price); that way you'll know EXACTLY what you're in for when you have to have any repairs or servicing done.

in conclusion - a money making scam.

By Molten Metal• 3 May 2015 11:31
Molten Metal

This happens in cases where a seller has a friend at a computer check shop ............. ................ .....................

By Gasoline• 3 May 2015 08:47
Gasoline

Computer check company is total con. Refer to privous post http://www.qatarliving.com/posts/how-complain-consumer-protection-department-qatar

By m.ziya12• 3 May 2015 08:40
m.ziya12

dear friend don't be afraid logic u go services agent the service charges 10 time costly than outside garage no need any inspection direct go to good mechanic my be around 500 to 600 riyal resule ur problem or he said no need any repair

By stkp2014• 3 May 2015 08:19
stkp2014

You can go one more car inspection center(salwa road, don't go to industrial area),take the report and go to police.

By britexpat• 3 May 2015 08:02
britexpat

I doubt it. They will have covered themselves in the small print

By Wild Turkey• 3 May 2015 07:56
Wild Turkey

Unless the "computer-check-company" has given a warranty for their results it will be difficult.

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