Advice, warnings and recommendations:
This inspection report has been carried out without prejudice on your behalf. This report was prepared based upon the evidence observed, reported and presented on the day and at the time of inspection. I have not included anything in my report which has been suggested to me by anyone else including those responsible for my fee without first forming my own independent view of the matter. I believe the facts I have stated in this report are true and the opinions I have expressed are correct.
A number of significant items were identified in the essential/advisable repairs sections of this report, which require rectification. Your attention is also drawn to any comments made in the comments sections.
Please note that only the items listed above have been checked. That means that on this type of vehicle many costly items, fittings, equipment and systems have not been checked or tested. The client must satisfy him/herself in this respect and check that all others items work to the client’s satisfaction prior to purchase.
Please note that the inspection and report is neither a warranty nor guarantee as to the future reliability, performance and condition of the vehicle. It is purely an assessment of the vehicle at the time and date of the inspection. Additionally, the inspection and report does not underwrite the purchase of the vehicle or make any recommendation to purchase the vehicle. The purchase decision lies entirely with the customer. The engineer does not act as an agent or representative of the customer.
The underside of this vehicle is fitted with protective guards. The topside of the engine is also covered. This has restricted the inspection of the lower and upper parts of the engine, engine bay, chassis and transmission.
The items listed as “could not be checked†(---) normally indicate items were obscured by covers/shields or other equipment, The client must satisfy him/herself in this respect and check that all others items are in a serviceable condition and are to the client’s satisfaction prior to purchase.
Please ensure that the engine drive belt (cam belt) has been replaced at the correct interval as recommended by the manufacturer. Cambelts cannot be checked due to trims/covers obscuring the view, no dismantling is undertaken as this is purely a visual inspection, therefore cambelts are not checked as part of the inspection.
The underside of this vehicle is wet/damp due to the vehicle being driven in wet weather conditions; this may mask the presence of fluid leaks at the time of inspection. Therefore this has restricted the inspection of the lower parts of the engine, steering, suspension and transmission. Any such masked fluid leaks may reappear in the future.
The engine bay/underside appears to have recently been steam cleaned which may mask the presence of oil leaks at the time of inspection. Any such masked oil leaks may reappear in the future.
Antifreeze only has a 2/3 year life and requires its strength adjusting after this time or replacing as per manufacturer’s specifications.
It is essential that after the purchase and delivery of this vehicle that all under bonnet fluid levels are checked on a daily basis. These checks could identify any latent oil, coolant and/or fluid losses that could not be identified during the initial inspection and road test.
Gearbox, Transmission or final drive oil is not checked as part of this inspection due to the complexity, access and design of some transmissions, therefore it is imperative that you clarify with the vendor that the transmission oil has been changed at the correct interval according to the manufacturers recommendation, it is also important that the oil is at the correct level and is free from contamination, you are advised to have this checked by a specialist before the purchase of this vehicle is considered.
It should be carefully noted that the life expectancy of clutches is uncertain and difficult to predict, being dependant on owners driving style, vehicle operation and terrain. The fact that the clutch has not been identified as faulty/slipping/juddering on the report does not and should not be taken to imply that the clutch assembly will have a continuing life expectancy from the time of our check. They can begin to slip at any time.
The brakes on this model are not fully visible, without wheel removal. Therefore, it is advised that the road wheels be removed and a general brake wear and serviceability inspection be carried out prior to purchase. Ensure all components are within manufacturer's wear specification and replace any worn or badly corroded parts.
Brake fluid should be replaced at regular intervals.
It is not possible to comment whether the tyres fitted to this car are the actual tyres recommended by the manufacturer.
It is advised to have tyres of the correct size of similar make, tread pattern and tread depth across axles, this will benefit steering and handling, the operation of transmission, 4 wheel drive, traction control, ABS, and puncture detection systems. This can also prevent premature transmission wear or failure.
It is imperative that the tyre pressures are checked and adjusted as necessary according to the manufacturer’s specification; continued use of the vehicle with incorrect tyre pressures will result in premature wear and can affect the handling and performance of the vehicle, tyre pressures are not checked as part of the inspection.
Alloy and steel wheels: every effort has been made to check for distortion and damage, however this is not always possible to identify due to the constraints of the inspection, it is therefore advised that if any signs of damage to the tyres or wheels is noted, then this should be fully investigated further by a wheel specialist, however regardless we would recommend that the wheels are balanced prior to purchase as this is the best and most efficient way to identify distortion.
No vehicle hoist/ramp was available. A large trolley jack and stands were used in order to carry out underside checks. This limits the view of the underside somewhat. Some areas could not be fully seen. There may be further defects, which may be visible given clear underside access and view.
The exhaust has been identified as having limited life because, although there is no leakage present, there is some external corrosion present and the inside of the system, which may have significant deterioration, cannot be inspected internally.
This inspection does not guarantee the authenticity or the recorded miles of the vehicle, therefore you are advised to Contact the previous owners, mileage verification agencies or have a main dealer check the systems to authenticate the vehicle’s history before deciding to purchase.
The items listed as “could not be checked†(---) normally indicate items were obscured by covers/shields or other equipment, The client must satisfy him/herself in this respect and check that all others items are in a serviceable condition and are to the client’s satisfaction prior to purchase.
The engineer was unable to verify dash panel light and switch back lighting operation due to the daylight conditions. Please note that electrical components are assessed by switching them “on or off†only. Accuracy of instruments cannot be assessed.
Although the radio operates when switched on, the full functionality of the in-car entertainment system has not been checked. This is beyond the scope of our inspections. You should ask the vendor to fully demonstrate the systems before purchase.
The battery performance and charging system have been tested, but you should note that older batteries can fail gradually or instantly without prior warning. A typical battery service life is 3 to 5 years depending on usage.
It is advised that you consider some form of Warranty be sought, purchased or confirmation that the manufacturers warranty is still valid for this vehicle. Ensuring that the level of cover is suitable for your needs and the vehicle specification.
If you would like to check if this vehicle is or has been due a manufacturer’s recall you can check at:
http://www.theaa.com/allaboutcars/recalls/index.jsp
http://www.vosa.gov.uk/vosa/apps/recalls/default.asp
The road test distance and top speed was limited due to the general area/inspection location and traffic levels when the vehicle was tested and driven. Comment cannot be made in these instances in relation to possible “high speed†or “sustained speed,†related driving defects, which may become apparent at a later stage after any purchase due to these limiting conditions.
The engineer recommends that the relevant spare keys be obtained prior to purchase.
Obtain service, hand books and radio codes for vehicle prior to purchase as they were not seen in the vehicle.
This vehicle has an air conditioning system fitted. This must be used frequently throughout the year including winter months in order to help prevent unit failure and gas leakage. A/C systems require annual servicing. Ensure that this has been carried out in the past. You are advised to have the system serviced prior to purchase if no recent servicing has been undertaken.
The A/C System was tested in LOW degrees; the functionality therefore may not be working fully.
More of the report:
Essential Repairs:
It is strongly advised that the essential repairs are investigated and rectified prior to purchase.
Discs/pads (if visible) - Rear brake pads worn and low.
Clutch operation - Noise from the clutch area when the clutch pedal is released., further checks required.
Advisable Repairs:
These should be planned and budgeted for.
Glass - Chips to the windscreen.
Wipers/washers - Front and rear wipers smearing.
Headlamp wash/wipe - Headlamps washers not working, the covers are a different shade in colour that the front bumper.
Seat upholstery - Leather upholstery slightly worn.
Steering & ball joints - Slight wear in the steering.
Suspension arms/mountings - Slight wear in the front suspension.
Wheel Rims - Alloy wheels scuffed.
