Every car we list comes with a 150-point report. It is long on purpose: the more we write down, the fewer surprises you get after the sale. Here is how to read it in ten minutes.
Start with the summary
The first page gives the score, the date and the technician. A score is the number of points that passed; anything below 150 is listed underneath with a photo. Read those lines first — they are the whole story in short.
Advisories versus failures
An advisory is something to watch: a tyre at half its life, a seat bolster with light wear. A failure is something we fix before the car is listed, or the car does not go on sale. If a report shows a failure that is not marked as fixed, ask about it.
The parts that cost money
Brakes, tyres, the clutch and the battery are where the money goes in the first year. The report gives each one as a percentage of its life left. Add them up against the price and you know what the car really costs.
When to walk away
Walk away from structural repairs that are not documented, from a history that does not match the odometer, and from any seller who will not let you read the report before you pay. We would rather lose the sale than sell you that car.
On “How to read a 150-point inspection report”.
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