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SAMPLE / NOT A VEHICLE RECORDVehicle condition
report.
An observation should lead to an informed decision. This sample shows how findings, evidence and limitations can be presented together.
Read priorities.
Understand the limits.
The examples below explain the format. They do not establish a real vehicle’s condition, repair cost or suitability for purchase.
01INVESTIGATE
Visible fluid residue
- Observation
- Illustrative finding: residue was observed on an accessible engine-area surface. The fluid source and cause have not been confirmed.
- Evidence record
- Example evidence reference: engine-area photograph and inspector note. No actual photograph or vehicle is represented here.
- Suggested next step
- Ask for a suitable workshop assessment before deciding whether to purchase. Confirm the cause and obtain a separate repair quotation.
02PLAN
Service history unavailable
- Observation
- Illustrative finding: maintenance records were not available at the inspection.
- Evidence record
- Example evidence reference: documents requested and the owner’s response, with unverified statements clearly labeled.
- Suggested next step
- Request records from the seller. Budget for a vehicle-specific baseline service after purchase if the history cannot be established.
03NOT INSPECTED
Underbody access unavailable
- Observation
- Illustrative limitation: the location did not provide safe access or lifting equipment for a full underbody assessment.
- Evidence record
- Example evidence reference: inspection location and access restriction recorded by the inspector.
- Suggested next step
- Arrange a separate lift-based inspection where required. An inaccessible area is not recorded as having passed.
Keep the whole picture.
An actual report should also list the systems inspected, diagnostic compatibility, permitted road-test conditions, photographs where available, and every inaccessible or inconclusive check. A fault code alone does not prove that a component needs replacement.
Inspection scope excludes ownership or legal verification, hidden defects requiring dismantling, future reliability guarantees and repair coverage. Additional assessments and repairs need a separate agreement.