CLASSIC SAMPLE REPORT FOR THE ENTHUSIAST

A closer look
at a classic.

See what to expect from your Classic Car Inspection report. This example highlights age-related wear, visible corrosion, mechanical concerns, and the details that help you understand an older vehicle before buying.

Your report will reflect the vehicle we inspect.

SEATTLE VEHICLE INSPECTIONS
SAMPLE

YOUR VEHICLE CONDITION REPORT

1966 Ford Mustang

Independent pre-purchase inspection
Classic Car Inspection

Inspection report
PREPARED FORJordan Bennett
ORDER NUMBERSAMPLE
VIN6F07C000001
REPORT STATUSInspection report
VEHICLE LOCATIONSeattle, Washington
01

THE INSPECTOR’S OVERVIEW

The important details, first.

The vehicle shows age-related wear in the body, rubber components and electrical systems. Replace the flexible brake hose with surface cracks on its outer cover before further driving. Brake pedal feel was firm, and controlled road-test stops were straight with no noticeable brake-pedal pulsing; these observations do not remove the need to replace the deteriorated hose. The paint meter recorded 8 mils on the other measured panels, while the left rear quarter returned Infinite / no reading at the lower repair area. Visible finish variation and repair evidence are documented there. Heavy filler or coating beyond the meter’s range may be involved, but a no-reading result alone does not confirm filler or accident damage. This original 1966 vehicle has no compatible onboard diagnostic connection for the scan tool. Vintage electrical functions, warning indicators and engine operation were checked directly. Engine response and transmission shifts were consistent during the road test. Rust near a seam in the metal floor, oil leakage, loose steering and worn suspension cushioning parts (bushings) require further evaluation. Uneven front-tire wear and small pits in the right-front wheel finish are documented in Tires & wheels. Review the complete findings for the scope and limitations of the inspection.

1Urgent checklist items
14Checklist items needing attention
22Checks 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: 0.

02

KNOW WHERE TO LOOK

Items to review closely.

UrgentBrakes, steering & suspension

Flexible brake hoses we can check

Surface cracks are visible on the outer cover of a flexible brake hose. Replace the deteriorated hose before further driving. No active fluid leakage was observed; that does not remove the need for replacement.

AttentionVehicle identification & records

Odometer reading

Five-digit odometer displays 42,186 miles. Actual total mileage cannot be verified.

AttentionBody, paint & corrosion

Paint condition and visible signs of past repairs

Visible finish differences and repair evidence are present at the left rear quarter. The paint meter returned Infinite / no reading there; the other measured panels read 8 mils. Thickness alone does not establish the cause or accident history.

AttentionBody, paint & corrosion

Visible floor and lower-body condition

Rust is visible near a seam in the vehicle’s metal floor. A restoration specialist should evaluate the extent before purchase.

AttentionBody, paint & corrosion

Door, trunk and window seal condition

Trunk weather seal is dry and cracked. Check for water entry.

AttentionEngine, cooling & fuel

Engine and transmission leaks we can see

Oil leakage is visible near the top of the engine (valve-cover area). Leak repair and cleaning of the affected area are recommended.

AttentionEngine, cooling & fuel

Belts and coolant hoses we can check

An upper coolant hose shows age-related surface cracking.

AttentionBrakes, steering & suspension

Steering parts we can see

Extra looseness was observed in the steering during the inspection. Steering-system service is recommended.

AttentionBrakes, steering & suspension

Suspension and rubber mounts we can check

The accessible suspension bushings (cushioning parts) show visible age and cracking.

AttentionInterior & vintage electrical

Seats, interior trim and ceiling lining

Driver-seat outer bolster shows wear and a split seam.

AttentionInterior & vintage electrical

Dashboard gauges and warning lights

Fuel-gauge response is intermittent. Gauge accuracy is not verified.

AttentionInterior & vintage electrical

Wiring and battery connections we can see

Non-original accessory wiring is visible under the dash. Have routing and protection evaluated.

AttentionRoad test

How the steering, ride and brakes feel

Road-test braking was straight with a firm pedal. Extra looseness in the steering and occasional front suspension noise over uneven pavement warrant further evaluation.

AttentionTires & wheels

Tires & wheels

See Tires & wheels for measurements and full findings.

Vehicle details

VEHICLE SPECIFICATIONS

The vehicle at a glance.

VIN
6F07C000001
Does the VIN match?Good

Identification plate and visible body markings checked and recorded; year, model and visible configuration are consistent with the supplied vehicle information.

Odometer readingAttention

Five-digit odometer displays 42,186 miles. Actual total mileage cannot be verified.

Service and restoration records providedGood

Supplied service receipts and restoration notes reviewed with the seller; recent maintenance entries recorded.

ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

Scan results

A closer look at the vehicle’s computers.

Not supported
TOOL USEDNot supported for this vehicle

This vehicle does not support a compatible electronic scan. Mechanical and electrical observations are documented in the inspection sections below.

Scan availability

Not applicable — no compatible onboard diagnostic interface.

What this means

Vintage electrical functions, warning indicators and engine operation were evaluated directly; see checklist findings.

Electronic scan support

Electronic scanning is not supported for this vehicle.

Inspection coverage notes & limitations

Original 1966 vehicle systems

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 parts we can seeAttention

Extra looseness was observed in the steering during the inspection. Steering-system service is recommended.

Suspension and rubber mounts we can checkAttention

The accessible suspension bushings (cushioning parts) show visible age and cracking.

How the warm engine restarts and respondsGood

Engine restarts after the road test and returns to a steady idle. Throttle response and operating sounds checked.

Road-test route and conditionsGood

Road test completed with seller permission on dry local streets, including low-speed turns, acceleration, shifting and controlled braking.

How the vehicle accelerates and shifts gearsGood

Engine responds consistently to light and moderate throttle. Transmission engages and shifts through the demonstrated gears without noticeable slipping.

How the steering, ride and brakes feelAttention

Road-test braking was straight with a firm pedal. Extra looseness in the steering and occasional front suspension noise over uneven pavement warrant further evaluation.

Engine & fluids

Visible floor and lower-body conditionAttention

Rust is visible near a seam in the vehicle’s metal floor. A restoration specialist should evaluate the extent before purchase.

Frame and mounting points we can seeGood

Visible frame rails, mounting areas and lower-body seams checked. No significant distortion observed in the areas viewed.

How the engine starts cold and idlesGood

Engine starts and settles to a steady idle. Starting behavior, exhaust appearance and operating sounds checked.

Engine and transmission leaks we can seeAttention

Oil leakage is visible near the top of the engine (valve-cover area). Leak repair and cleaning of the affected area are recommended.

Belts and coolant hoses we can checkAttention

An upper coolant hose shows age-related surface cracking.

Fluid levels and condition we can checkGood

Accessible fluid levels are within indicated ranges.

Fuel lines and carburetor area we can seeGood

No active fuel leak observed at accessible connections during inspection.

Engine identification and visible setupGood

Visible engine identification and V8 configuration recorded, along with the condition of accessible accessories and connections.

Does the engine cooling system work?Good

Temperature indication remained stable during the demonstrated operation; accessible cooling components checked.

Exhaust condition (visible areas)Good

Accessible exhaust components checked for visible damage and unusual noise.

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

BFGoodrich · 205/70R14

4/32 inModerate tread
AttentionTire: Uneven wear
Notes & condition details

Pressure: Not recorded

Tire: Attention · Uneven wear

uneven shoulder wear.

Wheel: Good

no visible wheel concern recorded.

RF

Right front

BFGoodrich · 205/70R14

4/32 inModerate tread
AttentionTire: Uneven wear · Wheel: Other
Notes & condition details

Pressure: Not recorded

Tire: Attention · Uneven wear

uneven shoulder wear.

Wheel: Attention · Other

Small pits are visible in the wheel finish.

LR

Left rear

BFGoodrich · 205/70R14

6/32 inModerate tread
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: Not recorded

Tire: Good

Tread measurement recorded. No additional visible tire concern noted.

Wheel: Good

no visible wheel concern recorded.

RR

Right rear

BFGoodrich · 205/70R14

6/32 inModerate tread
Good
Notes & condition details

Pressure: Not recorded

Tire: Good

Tread measurement recorded. No additional visible tire concern noted.

Wheel: Good

no visible wheel concern recorded.

Additional tire & wheel observations
Individual tire measurements and wearAttention

Tread-depth measurements and uneven front-tire wear are recorded for each corner below.

Tire age and date codesGood

Visible DOT date codes reviewed and recorded: front tires show 2021 manufacture and rear tires show 2022 manufacture. Tread wear and sidewall condition checked separately.

Visible wheel conditionAttention

Small pits are visible in the finish of the right front wheel.

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

Flexible brake hoses we can checkUrgent

Surface cracks are visible on the outer cover of a flexible brake hose. Replace the deteriorated hose before further driving. No active fluid leakage was observed; that does not remove the need for replacement.

Brake pedal feel, visible brake-fluid system and road-test brakingGood

Brake pedal feel and visible brake-fluid connections checked. Controlled road-test stops were straight, with no noticeable pull or brake-pedal pulsing.

Does the parking brake work?Good

Parking brake demonstrated and released normally.

Interior & controls

Seats, interior trim and ceiling liningAttention

Driver-seat outer bolster shows wear and a split seam.

Seat belts and mounting points we can seeGood

Lap-belt buckles, webbing and visible attachments checked; buckles operate successfully.

Do the lights, horn and switches work?Good

Demonstrated lights and horn operate.

Dashboard gauges and warning lightsAttention

Fuel-gauge response is intermittent. Gauge accuracy is not verified.

Wiring and battery connections we can seeAttention

Non-original accessory wiring is visible under the dash. Have routing and protection evaluated.

Do the heater and ventilation work?Good

Blower and basic controls operate.

Do the wipers and washers work?Good

Wipers and washers demonstrated.

Do the windows and locks work?Good

Accessible windows and door locks operated.

Exterior, glass & paint readings

Body panels: gaps, fit and alignmentGood

Panel alignment appears generally even.

Paint condition and visible signs of past repairsAttention

Visible finish differences and repair evidence are present at the left rear quarter. The paint meter returned Infinite / no reading there; the other measured panels read 8 mils. Thickness alone does not establish the cause or accident history.

Glass, mirrors and exterior trim conditionGood

Accessible glass and mirrors show no major concern.

Door, trunk and window seal conditionAttention

Trunk weather seal is dry and cracked. Check for water entry.

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 ANALYSISCoupe
FRONT801802803804805∞07808809811REAR
Panel readings in mils∞ No reading
01Hood8 milsSimilar thickness
02Roof8 milsSimilar thickness
03Trunk lid8 milsSimilar thickness
04Left front fender8 milsSimilar thickness
05Left front door8 milsSimilar thickness
07Left rear quarter∞ · No readingNo reading (∞)
08Right front fender8 milsSimilar thickness
09Right front door8 milsSimilar thickness
11Right rear quarter8 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.

  • Left rear quarter: The meter could not obtain a reading. Panel material, filler or the meter’s limits may affect the result.
  • Left rear quarter: No reading at the lower repair area. Visible finish and repair evidence documented.

Inspector’s paint & body findings

Finish variation and visible repairs are consistent with prior paint and body work. The left rear quarter returned no reading; possible filler requires interpretation with the visible repair evidence.

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 ↗
Illustrative sample only. This shows the report layout; it does not describe an inspected vehicle. All findings and measurements are fictional. The slideshow uses these same still images; it is not actual inspection footage. The images are illustrations of a 1966 Ford Mustang, not documentation of an actual inspection.