The purpose of this worksheet is to turn a broad model-name search into a decision that can be checked, quoted and handed over without silently changing assumptions.
Do not confuse frequency with possibility
Forum anecdotes and seller claims do not establish population-level failure rates. Use them only to create inspection questions, then judge the candidate through physical evidence, diagnostics and service records.
Record: Save the source, capture date and VIN reference beside this finding so another candidate cannot inherit it by mistake.
Look for hidden repair
Budget crossovers can be repaired economically after minor or major damage. Inspect structure, welds, paint thickness, airbags, seat-belt dates and alignment rather than relying on clean exterior photography.
Record: Enter the verified value and the evidence owner. If the seller supplied the answer, label it seller-stated until independently checked.
Review transmission care
A CVT without credible fluid history deserves closer evaluation and a maintenance allowance. A manual needs clutch and shift assessment. Neither transmission should be condemned or approved from model reputation alone.
Record: Record what was inspected, what remained inaccessible and who performed the check; silence is an open item, not a pass.
Check cooling and fluids
Inspect coolant condition, hoses, fans, leaks, oil level and signs of overheating. Storage and short urban trips can create different concerns from high-mileage highway use, so interpret condition with the history.
Record: Note every destination assumption behind this conclusion and reopen it when the port, buyer country or registration route changes.
Test every fitted function
Camera, screen mirroring, sensors, air conditioning, windows, keyless entry and lighting may be trim- or market-specific. Confirm what is installed and what works; do not price a missing feature as a malfunction.
Record: Attach the supporting photograph, report page or document reference and preserve the original language where translation could alter meaning.
Convert findings into cost
Classify observations as immediate repair, scheduled maintenance, cosmetic choice, monitoring item or unresolved risk. Use parts availability and destination labour to decide whether the candidate remains good value.
Record: State the commercial consequence: accept, reject, reprice or request more evidence, together with the person responsible and deadline.
Close the note with a decision record
Write the selected candidate, rejected alternatives, evidence reviewed, unresolved questions, responsible person and next deadline. If another vehicle replaces the candidate, reopen identity, inspection, cost and destination checks. A copied conclusion is not valid for a different VIN.
- Do not confuse frequency with possibility: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Look for hidden repair: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Review transmission care: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Check cooling and fluids: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Test every fitted function: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Convert findings into cost: confirmed / open / not applicable
Questions buyers should still ask
Do not confuse frequency with possibility: what should the buyer retain?
Retain the dated document, image or test result that closes “Do not confuse frequency with possibility”, together with the VIN and the name of the person who supplied or checked it. A listing label alone is not sufficient evidence.
Look for hidden repair: what should the buyer retain?
For “Look for hidden repair”, write down what is verified and what remains an assumption. An open point may be acceptable, but it must stay visible in the price, inspection scope or handover conditions.
Review transmission care: what should the buyer retain?
Recheck “Review transmission care” if the vehicle, destination, route or responsible supplier changes. Conclusions belong to the candidate and dated evidence set; they should not be copied to a replacement VIN.