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.
Lock the identity first
Capture VIN locations, manufacturer plate, registration data, odometer and keys before physical assessment. If the car presented for inspection differs from the proposed candidate, stop and issue a new file.
Record: Save the source, capture date and VIN reference beside this finding so another candidate cannot inherit it by mistake.
Map body and structure
Measure paint where appropriate and inspect panel gaps, welds, pillars, floor, roof, glass dates, lamps and mounting points. Separate cosmetic repaint from structural repair and photograph every material observation.
Record: Enter the verified value and the evidence owner. If the seller supplied the answer, label it seller-stated until independently checked.
Inspect below the car
Check floor, sills, subframes, suspension, steering, exhaust, leaks, impact marks and corrosion. Ground-clearance claims do not make the vehicle an off-roader; underbody damage can occur from urban obstacles and poor roads.
Record: Record what was inspected, what remained inaccessible and who performed the check; silence is an open item, not a pass.
Test the engine cold
Record cold-start behaviour, warning lamps, idle, smoke, leaks, cooling condition, fluid evidence and diagnostic codes. A cleared dashboard or warm engine at arrival should be noted rather than silently accepted.
Record: Note every destination assumption behind this conclusion and reopen it when the port, buyer country or registration route changes.
Evaluate CVT or manual
For a CVT, assess engagement, noise, smooth ratio change, temperature and fluid-service evidence without promising internal condition from a short drive. For a manual, check clutch take-up, shift quality and leakage.
Record: Attach the supporting photograph, report page or document reference and preserve the original language where translation could alter meaning.
Close with functional evidence
Test brakes, tyres, lights, windows, locks, air conditioning, camera, screen, charging ports and fitted safety functions. List unavailable tests and repair estimates separately from confirmed defects.
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.
- Lock the identity first: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Map body and structure: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Inspect below the car: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Test the engine cold: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Evaluate CVT or manual: confirmed / open / not applicable
- Close with functional evidence: confirmed / open / not applicable
Questions buyers should still ask
Lock the identity first: what should the buyer retain?
Retain the dated document, image or test result that closes “Lock the identity first”, together with the VIN and the name of the person who supplied or checked it. A listing label alone is not sufficient evidence.
Map body and structure: what should the buyer retain?
For “Map body and structure”, 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.
Inspect below the car: what should the buyer retain?
Recheck “Inspect below the car” 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.