Real cases: the faults the seller didn't mention

📅 26/10/2026

Fiat Panda 2010, 144 892 km

Oil leaks, coolant contamination and clutch wear

What we found

• Oil leaking from the valve cover gasket and oil residue on the engine
• Sludge and deposits beneath the oil filler cap
• Oil or emulsion in the coolant; the source of contamination needs diagnosis
• Clutch biting at the end of pedal travel and release bearing noise
• Several repainted panels and body filler recorded on the left front door

📅 22/10/2026

Tesla Model Y 2025, 12 668 km

Bumper scratches and recorded repainting

What we found

• Scratches on the front bumper
• Scratches on the rear bumper
• The report records repainting of the rear bumper and right A-pillar

📅 16/10/2026

Mazda MX-5 2009, 144 423 km

Low oil level, leaks and a wet boot floor

What we found

• Engine oil below the minimum level and oil drops beneath the engine
• Oil traces around the sump and underneath the gearbox
• Blue smoke on start-up and metallic noise under acceleration, requiring workshop diagnosis
• Wet boot floor; the source of the water ingress was not confirmed
• Clutch biting at the end of pedal travel
• Body filler recorded on the bonnet and left rear quarter panel

📅 16/10/2026

Volkswagen Tiguan 2025, 33 845 km

Bumper scratch and a dent in the rear door

Asking price: €47 000

What we found

• Scratch on the left side of the front bumper
• Dent in the right rear door

📅 15/10/2026

Peugeot 308 2022, 66 160 km

Oil leak, tyre damage and low brake fluid

What we found

• Engine oil above the maximum level and a leak from the valve cover
• Low brake fluid level
• Damage to all four wheels and to the front right tyre sidewall
• Different tyres between axles; the inspector recorded tyres over six years old with cracking
• Dents in the bonnet and rear bumper, a scratch on the right rear quarter panel and a windscreen chip
• The seller did not present the vehicle registration document during the inspection

📅 15/10/2026

Peugeot 308 2022, 41 157 km

Full repaint and cylinder-head work

What we found

• The inspector recorded a full repaint and body filler in several areas
• The wing and bonnet bolts showed signs of having been undone
• The inspector noted that the cylinder head had been removed and refitted with sealant; the reason was unclear and the area was dry at the time of inspection
• One headlight had been replaced
• A chip on the front bumper, signs of work on the factory seam and a colour mismatch on the front section of the left sill
• Wear and peeling on the gear selector

📅 09/10/2026

Jeep Wrangler 2008, 158 931 km

Deep frame corrosion and oil leaks

What we found

• The inspector described deep or perforating corrosion on the front frame rails
• Local surface rust along the frame and corrosion on the doors
• Oil traces around the valve cover, injectors and crankshaft sensor, on the breather and on the hose leading to the air filter
• Leak traces in the power steering system and oil on the intercooler hose
• Oil on the underside of the gearbox, transfer case and front differential; a metallic noise while driving
• Dirty coolant and brake fluid

📅 08/10/2026

BMW 116 2025, 28 216 km

Repainted bonnet, wings, door and bumpers

What we found

• The bonnet was recorded as repainted
• Both front wings were marked as repainted
• The front right door was marked as repainted
• Both front and rear bumpers were recorded as repainted

📅 07/10/2026

Fiat Panda 2013, 141 824 km

Leaks and rear impact repairs

What we found

• Oil leaking from the valve cover, oil seepage around the sump and drops of oil beneath the engine
• A leak at the high-pressure fuel pump and a fuel smell in the engine bay
• Coolant leaking near the water pump
• Repair traces at the right rear; the inspector recorded evidence of a heavy impact
• Oil level above maximum and brake fluid requiring replacement
• Noise from the front right CV joint and a tendency to pull to the right

📅 05/10/2026

Lexus UX250h 2020, 98 328 km

Adaptive cruise fault and pulling right

What we found

• The bumper was misaligned at the panel gaps
• The steering wheel had been retrimmed
• Wear and peeling on the gear selector
• Adaptive cruise control did not work; the inspector noted that calibration was needed
• The car pulled to the right during the road test

📅 02/10/2026

Toyota Yaris 2015, 96 480 km

Scratch low on the front bumper

What we found

• A scratch on the lower right of the front bumper
• Mileage recorded at the inspection: 96,480 km
• Inspected version: 998 cc petrol engine and manual gearbox

📅 02/10/2026

Opel Karl 2019, 122 035 km

Engine noise, oil and fuel leaks

What we found

• Metallic and other unusual engine noises
• Oil seepage around the sump and drops of oil beneath the engine
• A leak at the fuel pump
• Repainting and disturbed factory seam sealing at the front bumper and front section of the left sill
• High oil level, low brake fluid and coolant described as diluted with water
• An accessory drive belt requiring replacement and a tendency to pull to the left

📅 01/10/2026

Honda Jazz 2011, 44 715 km

Purchase recommended with a tyre replacement and paint damage to address

Asking price: €9 250

What we found

• Rear right tyre sidewall damage and cracks around its outer circumference; the inspector recommended replacement
• Paint chips exposing bare metal on the left A-pillar
• Scratches on the front left door and rear bumper
• Scratches on the rear section of the right sill and the front right wing

The seller's asking price on the inspection date was €9,250. No completed price reduction was recorded.

📅 01/10/2026

Toyota 4Runner 1987, 142 103 km

Automatic gearbox slipping, leaks and weak braking

What we found

• The automatic gearbox engaged D/R slowly, shifted harshly and slipped: engine speed rose without corresponding acceleration
• The engine stalled when switching between D and R; the report records a high gearbox oil level
• Oil leaks were recorded at the front and rear differentials, gearbox and transfer case, with slight seepage at the engine sump
• The braking test recorded weak deceleration
• Corrosion was found along the A-pillar edges, with bonnet chips down to bare metal and traces of an earlier red paint finish
• Engine response was below expectations, with jerking under load

Mileage recorded at inspection: 142,103 km; this is not independent verification of the mileage history.

📅 29/09/2026

Suzuki Grand Vitara 1998, 118 838 km

Engine leaks, difficult starting and steering play

Asking price: €6 900

What we found

• Leaks were recorded near the second injector and valve-cover gasket; the valve-cover leak made the condition of the head gasket difficult to assess
• The engine had been washed, but traces of seepage remained around the turbo and fuel filter; a front axle leak was also recorded
• Starting was difficult, with blue smoke on startup and engine response below expectations
• The report records belt and pulley noise and recommends replacing them
• Steering play was recorded, with a recommendation to inspect the steering rack, and the shock absorbers were noted as needing replacement
• The air conditioning blew warm air and the electric window controls had faults

Mileage recorded at inspection: 118,838 km; this is not independent verification of the mileage history.

📅 28/09/2026

Audi Q2 2023, 47 590 km

Gearbox jerks, acceleration hesitation and registration document not shown

Asking price: €24 900

What we found

• The automatic gearbox jerked during shifts, engaged D/R slowly and jolted when switching between D and R
• A hesitation during acceleration was recorded
• The seller did not present the vehicle registration document (DUA/livrete) during the inspection
• Mileage recorded at inspection: 47,590 km

The odometer reading is not independent verification of the mileage history.

📅 24/09/2026

Audi A5 Cabrio 2010, 107 371 km

Windscreen chip, recommended buying

Asking price: €14 500

What we found

• A chip was found in the original windscreen
• Mileage recorded at the inspection: 107,371 km
• The report lists one finding: the windscreen

📅 23/09/2026

Fiat Panda, 242 362 km

Water-pump leak, blue smoke, hard starting

What we found

• Coolant leaking from the water pump; coolant level below minimum
• Blue smoke on start-up and when revving, with an unusual start-up noise
• Difficulty starting the engine and noticeably reduced performance
• Oil seepage around the sump
• Signs that an airbag cover has been opened; cloudy lamp lenses

📅 23/09/2026

Audi A5 Cabriolet 2013, 136 482 km

Oil leaks, engine faults, suspension repairs

What we found

• Substantial oil leaks: traces around the upper timing cover and valve cover, with drops under the engine
• The inspector recorded numerous engine faults in the OBD diagnostic results
• Front suspension repairs needed: control-arm bushes and the right shock absorber
• Front wings have been replaced; damage to the front right tyre sidewall
• Reduced performance, pulling to the right, a front left knock and a burning smell after the drive
• A windscreen chip; the inspector also noted wear on the roof

📅 21/09/2026

Mazda CX-5 2017, 114 016 km

Repainted panels and pulling to the right

What we found

• Repainting recorded on the front right wing, front right door and front bumper
• The inspector noted repainting traces and a disturbed factory seam
• The car pulled to the right
• The left door mirror would not fold
• The car's jack was missing
• A bonnet chip and scratches near the rear left door handle and on the left side of the rear bumper

📅 19/09/2026

Citroën Jumper 2006, 303 227 km

Corrosion, roof-hatch leaks, brake concerns

What we found

• Corrosion on the front left door, sills and rear right quarter; signs of repainting and uneven panel gaps
• Signs of water ingress around the roof hatch in the living area
• A concern was recorded about the brake pedal position; rear brake discs and pads need replacing
• Engine oil above the correct level, some emulsion in the coolant and oil seepage around the sump
• In the living area: toilet flush not working, damaged mattresses and floor covering
• The seller did not present the registration document (DUA); one key and no spare wheel

📅 18/09/2026

BMW 530 2001, 262 369 km

Poor engine assembly, smoke, driveline knocks

Asking price: €8 500

What we found

• Hard starting and an uneven idle; the preheating system is not working
• The inspector’s assessment records poor engine assembly and injection problems
• Blue smoke on start-up, with burnt-oil and exhaust smells under the bonnet
• Oil traces on an air-conditioning pipe
• An airbag fault in the OBD report; a fault with the front centre parking sensor
• Heavy steering, strong prop-shaft knocks and a front right suspension knock

📅 17/09/2026

Nissan Micra 2016, 88 521 km

Major accident, poor repairs, brake faults

Asking price: €5 900

What we found

• The assessment records a major accident and poor repairs; factory seams are disturbed, including around the boot floor
• Signs that an airbag cover has been opened
• The brake pedal is soft, sinks and pulsates under braking
• Jerking under load, a burnt-oil smell and oil seepage around the sump
• Gears are difficult to engage or grind; vibration under acceleration, pulling to the right and a front right knock
• Damaged front left CV boot; a headlamp and the alternator belt need replacing

📅 16/09/2026

Volvo XC90 2021, 73 168 km

BMS concern, pulling to the left

Asking price: €46 900

What we found

• The BMS fault check — for the battery management system — is marked critical
• A crack in the left rear lamp
• The vehicle pulls to the left while driving

📅 16/09/2026

MINI Countryman Cooper SE ALL4 2019, 137 344 km

Sunroof blind, selector button, alignment

Asking price: €16 500

What we found

• Damaged panoramic-roof blind
• Broken automatic gear-selector button
• The car pulls to the right; wheel alignment is recommended in the report

📅 15/09/2026

Smart EQ fortwo coupé 2021, 45 032 km

Disturbed seams, airbag faults, glued lamp

What we found

• Signs of repainting, a disturbed factory seam and uneven body panel gaps
• Numerous safety-system faults; an airbag warning on the dashboard and signs that an airbag cover has been opened
• The left headlamp has been replaced; a damaged lamp has been glued, with visible sealant
• The windscreen has been replaced
• Air conditioning blows warm; damage to the dashboard and glovebox closing mechanism
• The vehicle pulls to the right while driving

📅 14/09/2026

Mitsubishi Colt 2008, 119 950 km

Tyre damage, oil leak, transmission jerks

Asking price: €5 000

What we found

• Tyre sidewall damage; the front left tyre finding is marked critical
• Oil leaking from the valve cover; the alternator belt needs replacing
• Start-up noise, an uneven idle and blue smoke when revving
• Unusual exhaust noise and smell; the inspector recorded that the catalytic converter needs replacing
• Jerks and delays when changing gear, with slipping: revs rise without matching acceleration
• Pulling to the right, suspension knocks, uneven body panel gaps and areas of corrosion

📅 04/09/2026

Tesla Model 3 2020, 181 711 km

Cracked roof, dropped door, boot corrosion

Asking price: €16 500

What we found

• Resprayed panels with disturbed factory seams: front bumper (dent), boot lid (corrosion under paint), rear right quarter — a history of body repair
• Cracked panoramic roof — needs replacing; a chip on the roof; rear left window replaced in 2023
• Driver's door hinges need replacing — the door has dropped
• Corrosion on the boot floor; the underbody/battery shield is torn and partly missing
• Front left wheel: sidewall damage on the tyre and a damaged rim
• Battery state of health (SOH) and the OBD log were captured and handed to the client

Asking €16,500 against a market range in our database of €21,300–25,000 for this year and mileage.

📅 02/09/2026

Land Rover Discovery 2017, 145 581 km

Intercooler leak, resprayed right side

Asking price: €30 900

What we found

• Intercooler leak — critical; get a repair quote before buying
• Resprayed panels by paint gauge: front right door and wing, rear right quarter and door, front left door, tailgate
• Windscreen replaced in 2021; scratches on the tailgate and front left door
• Rear wheels — tyre wear needs attention; rear brakes measured
• Service history: oil, timing drive and gearbox oil are word-of-mouth only, no evidence

📅 02/09/2026

Mercedes-AMG CLA 2020, 75 173 km

Engine limp mode, heavy soot, worn brakes

What we found

• The engine drops into limp mode on the move; heavy soot in the exhaust; noticeable slip when pulling away
• Brakes: rear discs and pads due, front pads due (front discs fine)
• Steering rack replaced with a new one, new tie-rod ends; a shock-absorber boot needs replacing
• Body: left wing replaced, signs of parts removal, serious damage to an inner panel; windscreen replaced in 2022, both headlights replaced
• Rear right wheel shows signs of hard use; noisy fan; one key only

📅 01/09/2026

Audi Q7 2015, 216 555 km

Cracked headlights, local resprays, 216k km

Asking price: €35 400

What we found

• Small cracks in the headlight housings
• Local resprays by paint gauge: rear right quarter, rear right door, right A-pillar, front left wing
• Paint readings on every panel — the rest of the body is in factory paint
• Servicing (oil, timing, gearbox oil) is the seller's word only, not documented

📅 27/08/2026

BMW 216 2016, 173 524 km

Limp mode, oil leaks, worn suspension

What we found

• Engine in limp mode: poor acceleration, hard starting, a dashboard full of warning lights, squeaks on start-up
• Oil dirty and below the mark — urgent change needed; leaks on the right side, a smell of burning oil; belts due
• Chassis: no alignment, pulls and wanders on the road, uneven tyre wear, front control arms need replacing, steering-wheel shake
• Body: doors have been off, no gap at the front left, right headlight and rear right light replaced, paint in poor condition
• Interior: A/C barely cools (left side only), cracked screen, no panoramic blind, one key only

📅 24/08/2026

Peugeot 2008 2019, 79 000 km

Whole body resprayed, filler in the sill

Asking price: €14 900

What we found

• The whole body has been resprayed; too much filler in places, the right sill is in filler
• Both front headlights replaced
• Oxidation under the bonnet; injectors have been replaced
• A slight noise from the front left while driving
• Mechanically serviced: oil, filters and belt at 79,000 km — no serious findings

📅 24/08/2026

Toyota Aygo 2007, 235 000 km

Knocking steering rack, dead clutch, cracked tyres

Asking price: €3 400

What we found

• Heavy knocking from the steering rack and the left side of the suspension; the front suspension needs repair and alignment
• Clutch nearly worn out — first gear is hard to engage
• Tyres: dangerous cracks on the rear ones, the fronts are from 2013 — all four need replacing
• Fully resprayed except the roof, filler in places; non-original left headlight (TYC), right glass replaced in 2022
• Brakes respond late — feels like air in the system; the driver's window does not work

📅 20/08/2026

Ford Transit 2015, 146 094 km

Factory paint, confirmed mileage, old battery

What we found

• Body in factory paint on every panel — readings 63–118 µm
• Mileage confirmed: fresh service at 146,009 km (oil, filters)
• Original 2015 battery — replace or recharge
• Power-steering fluid due for replacement; coolant fine
• Rear tyres need replacing, front right wheel needs balancing
• Original headlights, polishing recommended
• Slight turbo whistle — acceptable for this engine, pulls well
• One owner on the documents

📅 18/08/2026

Mini Cooper S Clubman 2016, 163 000 km

Two touch-ups, fresh service, clean history

What we found

• Two local cosmetic resprays (145 µm reading), the rest of the body in factory paint
• Windscreen replaced in 2023, all other glass original
• Fresh service (June 2026): oil, filters; oil level fine
• Wheel alignment needed
• Run-flat tyres are noisy — a trait of these tyres, not a fault
• Steering wheel and driver seat wear — cosmetic work
• Launch OBD scan: no critical codes, report handed to the client

📅 15/08/2026

Toyota Aygo 2005, 162 972 km

Filler resprays, door and wing off, worn clutch

Asking price: €3 500

What we found

• Resprayed in a couple of places with filler — decently done; the right door and right wing have been off
• Bumpers out of alignment front and rear; uneven panel gaps
• Clutch nearly worn — bites right at the bottom
• A/C works but the belt squeals; alignment needed
• Tyres from 2020; serviced in October 2025 at 155,361 km: oil, filters, plugs

📅 12/08/2026

Volvo XC40 2025, 19 364 km

Like new: paint 54–114 µm, two touch-ups

What we found

• Condition of a new car; two local cosmetic resprays
• Paint readings 54–114 µm across panels — within factory range
• Pirelli tyres, DOT 2025–2026, even wear
• Interior unworn: steering wheel and pedals like new
• No OBD codes; serviced on schedule (10,000 km)

📅 09/08/2026

Kia Ceed 2013, 107 000 km

Rear resprays up to 220 µm, uneven bonnet gap

What we found

• Paint meter: rear bumper and rear right door resprayed (up to 220 µm); all other panels factory (43–108 µm)
• Bonnet/bumper gap smaller on the left — trace of past body repair
• Windscreen replaced
• Mileage confirmed: service records (last service ~107,200 km — oil, filters, alternator belt) and interior condition
• Tyres of different years: 2020 and 2026, tread fine
• Battery from 2022; electric power steering
• Second owner; Launch OBD report handed to the client

We advised the client to negotiate on the findings.

📅 06/08/2026

Mazda MX-5 1997, 224 597 km

Engine oil leak, water instead of coolant

Asking price: €10 000

What we found

• Engine oil leak — must be fixed; water instead of coolant in the cooling system
• Battery needs replacing; accessory belts due
• Front wheel-arch liner missing; the body needs polishing and the interior a deep clean
• No valid IPO inspection
• For its age and mileage the car is in good condition

📅 05/08/2026

Mini Cooper Clubman 2016, 139 000 km

Swirl-flap faults, oil use, resprays with filler

Asking price: €15 950

What we found

• Many resprayed panels, two with filler; the front right, rear right and front left doors have been off
• Fault codes on the intake swirl flaps; slight engine vibration; oil consumption of 200–300 ml
• Interior wear is suspiciously high for the stated mileage
• Front tyres with damaged shoulders — replacement advised; uneven front-axle wear, alignment needed
• Windscreen replaced (Pilkington, 2019); service at 132,500 km confirmed

📅 31/07/2026

VW Eos 2.0 TDI 2008, 188 327 km

Factory paint, faultless mechanics, roof works

Asking price: €9 000

What we found

• Factory paint on every panel, even gaps
• Mechanically faultless: engine, gearbox, suspension, brakes
• The folding hard-top works as it should
• All electrics checked; rear parking sensors; electric power steering
• One key only; no auto-dimming mirror

📅 22/07/2026

Audi A5 Cabriolet 2016, 138 000 km

Accident: airbag ECU replaced, timing belt due

Asking price: €23 900

What we found

• The car has been in an accident: the safety-systems control unit has been replaced, safety fault codes stored
• Timing drive never replaced — due now
• Slight vibration from the gearbox while driving
• Front brake discs due (pads 6 mm front, 10 mm rear); oil below the mark; original 2016 battery
• A crease on the rear seat bolster; the car was handed over already warm — no cold start possible; a full under-bonnet check was not allowed

📅 20/07/2026

Nissan Qashqai 2011, 139 047 km

Cracked panoramic roof, resprayed bumper

Asking price: €9 000

What we found

• Crack in the panoramic roof glass — the seller has committed to replacing it; front right door glass replaced
• Front bumper resprayed with a chip; dent on the rear bumper
• Corrosion on the interior mirror mount
• Sunroof sealing needs attention
• No record of the gearbox oil ever being changed
• Mixed tyre brands: DOT 2020 and 2022, front tyres due for replacement

📅 17/07/2026

Nissan Qashqai 2008, 54 000 km

Bonnet off factory gaps, doors removed, corrosion

What we found

• Bonnet not sitting in factory panel gaps
• Both right-hand doors have been off; both side mirrors resprayed
• Corrosion on the tailgate
• Engine bay freshly washed — possible leak traces hidden; coolant above the level mark
• The claimed 54,000 km is not backed up: no service history after 2016, visible pedal wear
• IPO inspection history provided only in part
• Battery from late 2022

📅 15/07/2026

Mercedes-AMG SL 63 2022, 50 831 km

Underbody impact, bumper off, deep scratches

What we found

• Impact marks on the underbody with broken plastic; scratched engine guard with a piece missing
• Front bumper has been off; many deep scratches, stone chips on both front wings
• Rear bumper resprayed — overspray and craters; loose V8 badge trim on a wing
• About 1 litre of engine oil missing; sweating around the engine bay
• Signs of turbo overheating (discolouration)
• Damp floor mat in the rear right
• Rear right power window not working
• Front suspension bushings need replacing
• Uneven tyre wear; damaged front right wheel
• Interior: creased seat bolster, scratches on the steering wheel and headliner

📅 15/07/2026

Volvo XC40 2022, 27 738 km

Bonnet and wing resprayed, panels have been off

What we found

• Bonnet and front left wing resprayed; chip on the rear bumper
• Tool marks on wing bolts and door hinges — panels have been off
• Signs of work on the front bumper mounts
• Active engine fault codes in OBD (logged in the report)
• Cracks on the tyre sidewalls
• Roof covered with a wrap film

📅 13/07/2026

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2000, 138 357 km

Rear impact, deformed boot floor, corrosion

What we found

• Impact to the rear right: deformed boot floor, filler on the rear right wing, rear bumper has been off and repaired
• Rear right boot window replaced, boot aperture repainted
• Corrosion on the roof and a pillar
• Transfer case is leaking; fresh drips under the car after the test drive
• Coolant and power-steering fluid above the maximum mark
• The car pulls to the right; vibration at 80–120 km/h
• Black exhaust smoke — injectors need bench testing
• Rear brake discs need replacing
• Sunroof not working; stains on the headliner

After the inspection we advised the client to negotiate on every finding.

📅 11/07/2026

Toyota Hiace 2004, 183 963 km

Welded chassis rail, filler up to 1,200 µm

What we found

• Paint meter: up to 1,200 µm on the bonnet and tailgate, 972 µm on a pillar — the body is fully resprayed, panels differ in tone
• Weld seams: a chassis rail has been welded — structural repair after an impact; impact marks on the underbody
• Left door and bonnet have been off; dent on the front right wing, chips around the body
• Windscreen and left window replaced; right seat belt replaced
• The seller is not the registered owner (DUA)
• Engine oil at minimum; coolant needs topping up and replacement
• Whistle on start-up — fan viscous coupling needs replacing; clutch release bearing worn
• Ball joints and left CV boot need replacing; vibration under braking — front brake discs
• Tyres dated 2011, worn spare; multimedia unit not working