RAC Inspections

[Crazy Dazz]

Wondering what other peoples experiences have been with either RAC, or your states equivalents?

My first, I decided (based on their advertising) to pay RAC to do a warranty inspection on our XF. When I put it in, I made them aware (verbally and in writing) of three particular issues I wanted them to look at; noisy P/S, unidentified oil leak near front of engine, and a terrible burning smell coming from under the car when hot. When I collected it, they had noted "noisy P/S" and "unknown oil leak" and told me that I needed to investigate those further. Furthermore they claimed there was no trace of the burning smell. Centre Ford fixed the P/S and the oil leak (fuel pump gasket) no problems anyway, so that was money well spent. Trying to find the mysterious smell, I put the car on ramps on looked underneath: Suffice to say that blind Freddy would have spotted the problem. The rear-main was gone, and the bottom of the car was slathered in oil, including all-over the exhaust. So in other words, despite their comprehensive report, the RAC had never even put my car on a hoist.

Not much later, we were selling my wife's Colt. It was a good honest car, no hidden faults. The buyers wanted a RAC inspection, according to which the engine was blown and needed new rings (after 90kk?) and they also helpfully estimated the cost which sent the buyers feeling. We got a quote from Paceway Mitsubishi to replace the rings and necessary gaskets, less than half what RAC estimated, and booked it in. First thing they did was compression test, and informed us it was still within spec, so no work necessary. But, in doing their standard basic assessment noted the rear brakes were almost down to metal. Not Possible, says I, RAC just checked the brakes and they were all noted as "good." So down to Paceway in my lunch break, and sure enough, both sides were within a mm of ruining the discs.

Years later, selling the EF. I delivered the car to the RAC, but noticed a hissing sound. Popped the bonnet, and found a pin-***** in one of the heater hoses, where it was clamped. Of ALL the days. So went and consulted the RAC and I suggested best to cancel the inspection and I would replace the hose and re-book. They looked at the tiny leak and declared it no problem, that could still do the inspection and probably fix the leak whilst they were at it. Great.
Came to collect it in the afternoon, and was told with much disgust that they could not complete the inspection because they had been unable to move the car "because it has no coolant in it."
Bugger! I assumed the leak had suddenly gotten much bigger, or let go completely. Went to look and see what could be done. Hmm, radiator still full, overflow still full... Started engine, initially no leak, then same pin-***** leak only.