What determines the scope of my report?

The content depends on the vehicle, available inspection options and your chosen package and additional services. A test drive, for example, can be booked separately. The pricing overview lists what Standard and Premium include.

Does the report include market value and repair cost estimates?

Market value and repair cost estimates are part of the Premium package. They let you compare the asking price with the estimated market value and factor in potential repairs. The cost estimate is not a binding workshop quote: the actual work depends on the cause and extent of the necessary repairs.

Does a report with no issues mean the car is fault-free?

The report describes the condition observed at the time of inspection and within the checks performed. Not all components or operating conditions are accessible. A result showing no issues is therefore no guarantee of a fault-free vehicle. Use the recorded findings alongside the vehicle documents and the seller’s statements when making your decision.

SAMPLE USED CAR INSPECTION REPORT

Your inspection report from checkdenwagen.

How does an inspection report show scratches, differing paint readings or a stored fault? Explore selected findings and learn which questions to ask before buying a used car.

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What your inspection report includes.

After the vehicle inspection, you receive a digital report with the recorded results and photos of the inspected car. It shows what the inspector found on site, from the visible condition of individual parts to technical issues and the documents presented. The description and location of each finding help you understand it even if you were not there.

You can compare the advert with the findings, ask the seller specific questions and resolve outstanding issues before deciding to buy. Your report arrives by email within 24 hours of the on-site appointment. Its exact scope depends on your package, additional services and the checks possible on the vehicle.

Selected findings from the inspection report.

Choose one of the four sections and click through the views. Each finding shows what was observed, how to interpret it and which questions to ask before buying.

Simplified illustration using example findings and readings, not an original report.

What does paint thickness reveal?

A repainted door can look just like the rest of the bodywork. Measuring the paint thickness can reveal differences that photographs or a quick glance might miss.

Unusual paint thickness on the front door

The readings show paint thickness in micrometres (µm). The door with the significantly higher reading is highlighted in yellow.

Select a step or start the guided example.

What does this paint finding mean for your purchase?

Paint finding and seller’s description

Does the paint finding match the vehicle’s stated history?

If the advert claims original paint, the different thickness gives you a specific reason to ask questions. If repainting has already been disclosed, you can check whether the door and the extent of the work match that description.

“The front door measured 280 µm, compared with 120 µm on the neighbouring door. The significantly greater paint thickness may indicate repainting. The reason for and extent of the work need to be clarified.”

Ask about the work on the front door: when was it painted, why, and is there supporting documentation? If the seller claims the paint is original, the difference from the neighbouring readings needs to be explained.

Compare the descriptions: What does the advert say about paintwork and previous damage?
Understand the work: What repair does the seller describe for the front door?
Check the evidence: Do invoices or repair photos support the explanation?

01 · Understand the finding

What could explain the thicker paint?

A door may have been repainted because of a scratch or following damage that first required repair. Paint thickness alone does not distinguish between these causes. Further measurements on the panel and surrounding areas, together with the vehicle’s condition, help put the finding into context.

Why there is no universal reference value

The vehicle, paint system and panel all affect thickness. 120 µm is not a universal target, and 280 µm is not a fixed threshold for accident damage. What matters is how the readings compare across that particular vehicle.

02 · Ask specific questions

What should you ask about repainting?

Was the highlighted door repainted or repaired, and why?
When was the work carried out? Were other parts of the vehicle affected?
Are there invoices, photos or other verifiable records?
How does the explanation fit the advert and the other findings on the vehicle?

Invoices and photos of the repainting

A workshop invoice may state the date and work carried out; repair photos may show the condition at the time. Check that the records relate to this vehicle and the affected area. Without supporting records, the seller’s explanation is harder to verify.

03 · Clarify before buying

Does the reading prove accident damage?

No. The higher paint thickness initially indicates possible paintwork. It proves neither an accident nor replacement of the door. The quality of a repair cannot be judged from this reading alone either.

Nor can you calculate a price reduction from it. You first need to establish what happened, the current condition and whether further work is needed.

What if the explanation does not match the finding?

If the seller says the door has never been worked on, raise the differing readings. If the contradiction cannot be resolved, the area should be investigated further before you decide to buy. A well-documented repaint following a scratch is different from an unexplained repair history.

Standard or Premium: which inspection scope do you need?

Compare Standard and Premium and choose the additional services you need. If you also want to assess market value and potential repair costs, the Premium inspection adds these estimates to your report.

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Frequently asked questions about your inspection report

When and how will I receive my inspection report?

You will receive your digital inspection report by email within 24 hours of the on-site appointment. It contains the recorded results and associated photos. You can revisit individual findings, compare them with the advert and follow up with the seller.

Book your vehicle inspection with a digital report.

Select your vehicle and package. After the inspection, you will receive the recorded findings and photos by email within 24 hours.

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