TestCar Co Ltd is trying to make the buying process easier by launching the first testing facility for second-hand cars in the country.

The facility on Bangkok's Srinakarin Road will give its customers an unbiased opinion about the tested car.

"Many people who buy second-hand cars in Thailand have the problem of reliability. An owner can claim that the car is in good condition but the customer is left with no choices. Most customers take the car to a dealership to check its past records and some take a mechanic with them to inspect the car - both of which are not good enough. At TestCar we test the car and provide a reliable report to the customer," managing director Shay Garini said yesterday.

The facility, which is equipped to test both four- and two-wheel-drive cars, cost Bt40 million to set up. The company hopes to service 10 cars per day, although the facility can do much more. The testing of one car will take some 30 minutes and the results will be available online within 24 hours.

Garini said the seller will be able to certify that the car is in good condition and the buyer can be confident with his purchase.

To back up its inspection results, TestCar issues a guarantee for two months or 2,000 kilometres - whichever comes first. 

"We provide the warranty to customers who purchase a car based on our report. Our report will clearly state what is the problem with the car. If the report shows that everything is OK and the customer finds a problem, we will fix the problem for them," Garini said.

However, the company will not be involved in fixing cars directly. Its focus will be on finding the problem and providing an unbiased report. If the company started repair work, then it would be like any other garage and customers would lose their trust in its tests, he said.

TestCar's rate ranges from Bt3,200 to Bt5,200, depending on engine size. More information can be found at www.testcar.co.th.

Vijo Varghese

The Nation