Used Car, what STA Inspection grade then can buy?

[Charmet]

Hi guys

 

I am intending to get a 2nd hand used car(about 5 yrs old)..sent for sta evaluation..graded b with these remarks as shown..any advice? Thanks.

 

STA's inspection is fairly basic. Had a friend whose 2005 Altis was graded as a B by STA. He took the car and drove it around and found an odd rotting smell from his boot.

 

Upon removing his spare tire (something we usually don't remove as it's bolted), he realised the underneath of the tire was rotting away, due to water seepage. STA didn't detect the damage causing the seepage and it cost him quite a bit to fix the seal and replace the tire.

 

Instead of STA, why not consider sending it to the AAS, or better, get a mechanic to accompany you to inspect the car?

 

A decent mechanic would be able to tell you if a vehicle has been in a major accident or not by looking at the car frame and other peripherals. When I was looking for a 2nd hand car, I got my usual mechanic to accompany me to look at the vehicle. Any car seller or used car company will allow the mechanic to inspect it. If not, just walk away. The deal is probably sour anyway.

[Destan84]

Thanks for the replies..btw..for the chassis alignment report..does negative figure mean anything? I do understand that the smaller the value..it represent lesser misalignment.

[Nzy]

 

STA's inspection is fairly basic. Had a friend whose 2005 Altis was graded as a B by STA. He took the car and drove it around and found an odd rotting smell from his boot.

 

Upon removing his spare tire (something we usually don't remove as it's bolted), he realised the underneath of the tire was rotting away, due to water seepage. STA didn't detect the damage causing the seepage and it cost him quite a bit to fix the seal and replace the tire.

 

Instead of STA, why not consider sending it to the AAS, or better, get a mechanic to accompany you to inspect the car?

 

A decent mechanic would be able to tell you if a vehicle has been in a major accident or not by looking at the car frame and other peripherals. When I was looking for a 2nd hand car, I got my usual mechanic to accompany me to look at the vehicle. Any car seller or used car company will allow the mechanic to inspect it. If not, just walk away. The deal is probably sour anyway.

 

Yes. STA inspection not much use. Saw a car so badly damaged that they repaired it by welding the rear of another scrap car to it. And it got B for the inspection.

Edited December 9, 2014 by Nzy

[Sci10213]

hi bumping this thread

this is STA Eval for 2005 VW New Beetle 1.6a

please share all thoughts & opinions

thanks

 

 

#6 - once it is worn out, it is going to cost you quite a fiar bit of $$$ to do repairs...

Hi guys

 

I am intending to get a 2nd hand used car(about 5 yrs old)..sent for sta evaluation..graded b with these remarks as shown..any advice? Thanks.

 

not much concerns ...

[Baal]

Understand that its the AA report that the 2nd car dealers fear...

[Holdenutessv]

Bring to AA instead. Forget STA.

[Forte3737]

One reason why AA is better

 

https://www.cpib.gov.sg/sites/default/files/publication-documents/21%20Jan%202011%20Md%20Daud%20Bin%20Nadzim%20Media%20Release.pdf

Bring to AA instead. Forget STA.

 

[1fast1]

Nothing less than an "A". "A" cars already have subtle issues that only specialist inspections (i.e. more thorough than STA) are likely to pick up. So "A" grade should be considered the minimum acceptable.

[Forte3737]

2nd hand cars impossible to get A

Nothing less than an "A". "A" cars already have subtle issues that only specialist inspections (i.e. more thorough than STA) are likely to pick up. So "A" grade should be considered the minimum acceptable.

 

[1fast1]

2nd hand cars impossible to get A

 

 

Really? Not even in perfectly-maintained condition?

[Forte3737]

i dun know about AA but STA seldon give A for old cars

 

Really? Not even in perfectly-maintained condition?

 

[1fast1]

i dun know about AA but STA seldon give A for old cars

 

 

"Seldom" is not the same as never ("impossible" implies never).

 

E.g.: http://www.bmw-sg.com/forums/singapore-bmw-prices-used-bmw-buying-selling-your-bmw/23848-sta-grade-pre-owned-bmw-good-enough.html

 

But STA grades are still unreliable BS, as other posters have pointed out. For bread and butter cars, go for an AAS inspection. For niche cars, get a specialist mechanic/workshop.

[Nzy]

i dun know about AA but STA seldon give A for old cars

 

 

My car got A from STA when I bought it. It was about 3 years old then and 70000km on the odometer.

[Streamchew]

Hi, 1 question.

 

The dealer is sending the car I want to buy for a STA inspection.

 

Do I have to follow?

and can I make special request to check on certain parts?

 

can I discuss with the inspector?

 

or just wait to get report only

[Streamchew]

bump

[Lmws214]

any issue after you bought the car with this "A" grading from STA?

can share pls?

thanks

 

My car got A from STA when I bought it. It was about 3 years old then and 70000km on the odometer.

 

[DACH]

any issue after you bought the car with this "A" grading from STA?

can share pls?

thanks

You asked a three year old question❓

[Lmws214]

i asked cos tomorrow I am viewing a Jap car and thinking if I shld send to STA for inspection  and knows its grading criteria ,thanks