SAMPLE REPORT A CLEARER PICTURE BEFORE YOU BUY

This is what
you can expect.

Explore an actual 2016 Subaru Forester pre-purchase inspection: a five-mile test drive, recorded measurements, photos and clear findings. Names, contact details and the address are fictional, and the VIN is masked for privacy.

Shared with permission. Your report will reflect the vehicle we inspect.

SEATTLE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
SAMPLE

YOUR VEHICLE CONDITION REPORT

2016 Subaru Forester

Independent pre-purchase inspection
Modern Used Car Inspection

Inspection report
PREPARED FORAlex Morgan (sample)
ORDER NUMBERSAMPLE
VINXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
REPORT STATUSInspection report
VEHICLE LOCATION123 Example Lane, Seattle, WA 98101
01

THE INSPECTOR’S OVERVIEW

The important details, first.

This 2016 Subaru Forester AWD ran and drove well during the inspection. The odometer showed 80,226 miles before the test drive and 80,231 miles afterward, a recorded test-drive distance of 5 miles. Starting, idle, acceleration, shifting, steering and suspension operation were rated Good. Three items deserve attention before purchase: a dime-sized windshield crack, the front brake pads, and the air-conditioning system. A small windshield crack, approximately the size of a dime, was noted. Have an auto-glass specialist assess whether repair or replacement is needed. The visible front brake pads appear low. Have a repair shop measure the remaining pad thickness and assess when brake service is needed. The A/C did not cool as expected, and the compressor cycled rapidly. These findings were consistent with low refrigerant from a slow leak; have the system checked for leaks and serviced as needed. The diagnostic scan recorded four history codes: U1235 (lost communication with EyeSight), B1011 (battery control power supply), B1012 (backup battery power supply), and U1500 (keyless UART communication malfunction). These codes were not active during the inspection. I consider them consistent with a previous low-voltage condition; the battery was fully charged at the time. If related warning lights or symptoms return, further diagnosis and a rescan are recommended. All four Michelin tires had recorded tread depths of 8/32 inch, and the tires and wheels were rated Good. No visible fluid leaks or obvious signs of repainting or bodywork were found in the inspected areas. Photographed paint thickness readings ranged from 3.93 to 6.76 mils; the highest reading was on the hood. Exact readings and photographs are listed in Paint & body, along with the limits of the estimated panel associations. Paint thickness alone does not prove original paint or rule out previous repairs. See the detailed findings and measurements below.

0Urgent checklist items
4Checklist items needing attention
28Checks with no issue observed
0Checks not completed

These totals count checklist entries, not separate repairs. Individual tire and wheel findings are listed separately below. Not applicable: 6.

02

KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Items to review closely.

AttentionExterior & structure

Windows, mirrors and weather seals

A small windshield crack, approximately the size of a dime, was noted. Have an auto-glass specialist assess the damage and determine whether repair or replacement is needed.

AttentionTires, brakes & suspension

Brake parts we can see

The visible front brake pads appear low. Have a repair shop measure the remaining pad thickness and assess the front brakes to determine when service is needed.

AttentionInterior & electrical

Heat and air conditioning

The air conditioning did not cool as expected, and the compressor cycled on and off rapidly. These findings were consistent with low refrigerant from a slow leak. Have the A/C system checked for leaks and serviced as needed.

Vehicle details

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

The vehicle at a glance.

Manufacturer specifications decoded from VIN, reviewed and corrected by your inspector. These describe vehicle configuration; inspection findings follow below.

VIN
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Before test drive
80,226 miles
After test drive
80,231 miles
Test-drive distance
5 miles
Model year
2016
Make
Subaru
Model
Forester
Trim / series
Premium + MR + ES
Fuel type
Gas
Engine displacement (L)
2.5
Cylinders
4
Drivetrain
AWD
Transmission
Automatic
Body style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Doors
4
Manufacturer
SUBARU CORPORATION
Assembly country
JAPAN
Does the VIN match?Good
Odometer readingGood

Odometer before the test drive: 80,226 miles. Odometer after the test drive: 80,231 miles. Recorded test-drive distance: 5 miles. See the labeled before- and after-test-drive dashboard photos.

Keys and service records providedGood

ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

Scan results

A closer look at the vehicle’s computers.

Completed
TOOL USEDTOPDON TopScan

The scan records messages from the vehicle’s computers. Read the codes together with their status and the inspector’s findings.

Codes recorded

The scan screenshots show four distinct diagnostic trouble codes, each marked History:

U1235Lost communication with EyeSight.
B1011Battery control power supply.
B1012Battery power supply (backup).
U1500Keyless UART communication malfunction.

What this means

These codes were stored in history and were not active at the time of inspection. Based on the inspection, I consider them consistent with a previous low-voltage condition. The battery was fully charged at the time of inspection. History codes alone do not confirm a currently failed component. If warning lights or related symptoms return, have the affected systems diagnosed and rescanned.

Systems checked electronically

Where fitted and supported. See the scan status and any inspection limitations.

  • Engine performance and emissions controls
  • Transmission controls
  • Anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control and stability control
  • Airbags and seat-belt restraints
  • Steering and electronically controlled suspension
  • Lights, door locks, windows and other body controls
  • Heating and air-conditioning controls
  • All-wheel-drive controls
  • Driver assistance, including cameras, radar and parking sensors

Inspector’s findings

Scan results and stored fault codesAttention

Four history codes were recorded: U1235 (lost communication with EyeSight), B1011 (battery control power supply), B1012 (backup battery power supply), and U1500 (keyless UART communication malfunction). They were not active at the time of inspection. I consider the stored codes consistent with a previous low-voltage condition; the battery was fully charged during the inspection. If related symptoms or warning lights return, further diagnosis and a rescan are recommended.

How to interpret a scan

A fault code identifies a condition recorded by a computer; it does not confirm a failed component. History or stored codes can relate to an earlier event. A clear scan does not rule out mechanical faults, intermittent problems or previously cleared codes. Scan coverage does not establish that every component works correctly.

Road test

Steering and suspension parts we can seeGood
How the vehicle accelerates and shifts gearsGood
How the steering and suspension feelGood
How the brakes work during the road testGood
What we tested and what we could not checkGood

Engine & fluids

Condition underneath the vehicle (visible areas)Good
How the engine starts and idlesGood
Leaks we can seeGood
Belts & hosesGood
Fluid levels we can checkGood
Battery and cable connectionsGood
Does the engine cooling system work?Good
Exhaust condition (visible areas)Good

Tires, wheels & brakes

MEET YOUR FOUR CORNERS

A little tread tells a big story.

More tread means deeper grooves. Each tire’s depth and condition are recorded below.

1–3/32 inLow tread
4–7/32 inModerate tread
8–15/32 inGood tread depth

Depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. Left and right are viewed from the driver’s seat.

LF

Left front

Michelin · 225/60/17

8/32 inGood tread depth
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: 36 PSI

Tire: Good

Wheel: Good

RF

Right front

Michelin · 225/60/17

8/32 inGood tread depth
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: 36 PSI

Tire: Good

Wheel: Good

LR

Left rear

Michelin · 225/60/17

8/32 inGood tread depth
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: 36 PSI

Tire: Good

Wheel: Good

RR

Right rear

Michelin · 225/60/17

8/32 inGood tread depth
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: 36 PSI

Tire: Good

Wheel: Good

Additional tire & wheel observations
Front tires & tread measurementsGood

No additional note recorded.

Rear tires & tread measurementsGood

No additional note recorded.

Tread colors describe depth only. Tire damage, uneven wear and wheel concerns are recorded separately.

Brake parts we can seeAttention

The visible front brake pads appear low. Have a repair shop measure the remaining pad thickness and assess the front brakes to determine when service is needed.

Does the parking brake work?Good

Interior & controls

Seats and interior conditionGood
Seat beltsGood
Do the windows and locks work?Good
Lights and turn signalsGood
Heat and air conditioningAttention

The air conditioning did not cool as expected, and the compressor cycled on and off rapidly. These findings were consistent with low refrigerant from a slow leak. Have the A/C system checked for leaks and serviced as needed.

Warning lights on the dashboardGood
Do the wipers and washers work?Good
Does the horn work?Good

Exterior, glass & paint readings

Body panels and paint conditionGood
Windows, mirrors and weather sealsAttention

A small windshield crack, approximately the size of a dime, was noted. Have an auto-glass specialist assess the damage and determine whether repair or replacement is needed.

Visible rust and signs of repairsGood
mils

BEYOND THE SURFACE

Paint & body inspection

We check paint thickness around the vehicle for differences that may suggest repainting or body repairs. See the readings below, followed by what they mean.

FINISH ANALYSISSUV / wagon
FRONT6.76014.40024.43034.49045.29055.27063.93074.91084.94094.63105.9411REAR
Panel readings in mils∞ No reading
01Hood6.76 milsSimilar thickness
02Roof4.40 milsSimilar thickness
03Rear hatch / doors4.43 milsSimilar thickness
04Left front fender4.49 milsSimilar thickness
05Left front door5.29 milsSimilar thickness
06Left rear door5.27 milsSimilar thickness
07Left rear quarter3.93 milsSimilar thickness
08Right front fender4.91 milsSimilar thickness
09Right front door4.94 milsSimilar thickness
10Right rear door4.63 milsSimilar thickness
11Right rear quarter5.94 milsSimilar thickness

Left and right are viewed from the driver’s seat. Panel numbers match the readings below. Illustration shows the selected body style, not the exact vehicle.

What the readings mean

Mils measure paint thickness. Differences between panels can suggest previous paint or body work; readings alone do not prove original paint or accident damage. The measured panels have similar paint thickness.

Inspector’s paint & body findings

No obvious signs of repainting or bodywork were found during the visual inspection. The hood location was confirmed. Other panel locations are estimated from the photos.

Scope & limitations

A visual, non-invasive inspection of accessible components at the time of inspection. No dismantling is performed. Hidden defects and future failures may not be detected. A road test is subject to safety and seller permission. Items not inspected are identified in the findings. This report is not a warranty, a guarantee of roadworthiness, a title search, an emissions test, or a prediction of future reliability. Use the documented findings and repair recommendations when making your purchase decision.

LET’S TALK IT THROUGH

Questions about your report?

Your inspector can help explain the findings.

206-843-7600 ↗
Based on an actual pre-purchase inspection, shared with permission. Names, contact details and the address are fictional; the VIN is masked. Photos exposing identifying labels or license plates are omitted from this public selection. Findings and recorded measurements reflect this vehicle at the time of inspection.