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.
Build the date sequence
List production, first registration, ownership events, services, inspections, listing and current evidence. Investigate gaps or mileage movements that do not fit the sequence rather than accepting a summary statement.
Record: Save the source, capture date and VIN reference beside this finding so another candidate cannot inherit it by mistake.
Check the VIN everywhere
Compare vehicle VIN locations with registration, service invoices, diagnostic report, contract and export documents. A correct mileage attached to the wrong VIN is still unusable evidence.
Record: Enter the verified value and the evidence owner. If the seller supplied the answer, label it seller-stated until independently checked.
Read physical wear
Inspect steering wheel, pedals, seat bolsters, switches, luggage area, glass and tyres. Wear is influenced by use and care, so treat it as corroboration, not a mileage calculator.
Record: Record what was inspected, what remained inaccessible and who performed the check; silence is an open item, not a pass.
Use diagnostics carefully
Scan relevant modules and record codes, readiness, operating hours or stored distance only where the system exposes them reliably. Module replacement or tool limitations must be noted.
Record: Note every destination assumption behind this conclusion and reopen it when the port, buyer country or registration route changes.
Ask about operating pattern
Short urban trips, ride-hailing, long storage and highway use affect a vehicle differently. Ownership and service context can matter more than a small difference in displayed kilometres.
Record: Attach the supporting photograph, report page or document reference and preserve the original language where translation could alter meaning.
State confidence, not certainty
Summarize evidence as consistent, partially supported or unresolved and explain why. Recheck the odometer and VIN at final handover so the report remains tied to the shipped vehicle.
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.
- Build the date sequence: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Check the VIN everywhere: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Read physical wear: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Use diagnostics carefully: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Ask about operating pattern: confirmed / open / not applicable
- State confidence, not certainty: confirmed / open / not applicable
Questions buyers should still ask
Build the date sequence: what should the buyer retain?
Retain the dated document, image or test result that closes “Build the date sequence”, together with the VIN and the name of the person who supplied or checked it. A listing label alone is not sufficient evidence.
Check the VIN everywhere: what should the buyer retain?
For “Check the VIN everywhere”, 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.
Read physical wear: what should the buyer retain?
Recheck “Read physical wear” 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.