Sample Plain-Language Inspection Reports
Before you spend $189 on an inspection, see the exact level of detail you get. Toggle between three real-world private-seller inspections below: a Negotiate (-$1,450) SUV, a Walk Away ($4,800+ Hidden Risk) sedan where the seller cleared Check Engine codes 11 miles earlier, and a Buy With Confidence truck.
2017 Toyota 4Runner — SR5 Premium 4WD
Inspector: Marcus Vance (ASE Master Technician (A1–A8, L1) • 16 yrs Toyota/Lexus specialist)
1. Executive Summary — Explained in Plain Language
Rust-free Texas frame and healthy 4.0L V6 powertrain, but needs front brakes, rear shocks, and tires.
The expensive stuff on this 4Runner is in great shape: the boxed steel frame has zero structural rust, the 4.0L V6 started dead-cold with no timing chain clatter, the transmission shifts crisply with clean fluid, and the 4WD transfer case engages smoothly in both 4-High and 4-Low. However, the seller has deferred three wear-and-tear items that you will have to pay for almost immediately: the front brake rotors are warped (steering wheel shakes when braking from 60 mph), both rear shock absorbers are leaking hydraulic oil, and the Michelin tires look thick from 10 feet away but have 2019 date codes with sidewall dry-rot cracks. Do not pay full asking price ($24,500) — use these three documented items to negotiate the price down to $23,050.
2. OBD-II Computer Scan & Cleared-Code Tamper Check
What this means for you: All 6 emissions and powertrain monitors show READY and the computer has logged 8,420 miles since the fault memory was last cleared. That proves the seller did NOT erase a Check Engine light before our visit. Short- and long-term fuel trims are within ±3% on both banks (healthy fuel injection and zero vacuum leaks).
3. Documented Findings, Plain-English Impact & Repair Cost Math
Front Brake Pads & Warped Front Brake Rotors
What the mechanic found: Front inner brake pads are down to 3mm (20% life remaining) and front rotors have heat spots causing a noticeable steering wheel pulsation under highway braking from 65 mph to 40 mph.
Why it matters in plain English: 4Runners are heavy trucks that are hard on front rotors. Resurfacing thin rotors rarely holds up; you need new OEM-grade front rotors and ceramic pads right away.
Leaking Rear Shock Absorbers (Both Left & Right)
What the mechanic found: Dark hydraulic oil and road grime are coating the lower bodies of both rear Tokico shock absorbers; rear end bounces twice after speed bumps.
Why it matters in plain English: Once shock seals blow and leak oil, they lose damping pressure, increasing stopping distances and cupping your tires.
Aged Tires (DOT Date Code 4119 — 7 Years Old with Dry Rot)
What the mechanic found: Tread depth is still 6/32", which is why the seller advertised "good tires," but the DOT manufacturing stamp is Week 41 of 2019 with weather-cracking between the outer tread blocks.
Why it matters in plain English: Rubber hardens and loses wet-weather grip after 6 years regardless of tread depth. Ask for a $450 pro-rated credit toward a fresh set of all-terrain tires.
4. Complete 200-Point Inspection Section Summary
| Inspection Section | Result | Mechanic’s Field Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Engine & Cooling System (28 pts) | PASS | Cold start at 74°F block temp. Zero timing chain rattle, water pump weep hole bone dry, combustion gas test negative. |
| 2. Transmission & 4WD Driveline (24 pts) | PASS | A750F 5-speed shifts smoothly; 4HI and 4LO actuators engage within 2 seconds; prop shaft u-joints greased. |
| 3. Frame, Undercarriage & Structure (26 pts) | PASS | Original factory black frame paint intact with factory barcode stickers still visible on frame rails. Zero rust or collision pull marks. |
| 4. Brakes, Tires & Wheels (22 pts) | ATTENTION | Rear brakes at 7mm (good); front pads at 3mm with warped rotors. Tires date-coded 4119 with dry rot. |
| 5. Steering & Suspension (24 pts) | ATTENTION | Front ball joints, tie rods, and CV boots intact. Both rear shocks leaking hydraulic fluid. |
| 6. OBD-II All-Module Scan & Electrical (26 pts) | PASS | 0 active/pending codes across ECM, TCM, ABS, and SRS. All readiness monitors complete (8,420 mi since last reset). |
| 7. Exterior Body, Paint & Glass (22 pts) | PASS | All 10 VIN stickers match; uniform 4.2–4.8 mil factory paint thickness on all metal panels. Minor rock chips on front bumper. |
| 8. Interior, A/C & Accessories (16 pts) | PASS | A/C blows 39°F at center vents; power rear sliding tailgate window, sunroof, and heated seats operate properly. |
| 9. Road Test Performance (12 pts) | ATTENTION | 8.5-mile city & highway road test up to 70 mph. Tracks straight, strong acceleration; steering wheel shimmy under braking fromfront rotors. |
5. Copy-Paste Seller Negotiation Script
Send this directly to the seller via text message or Facebook Messenger along with your report photos: