Car Condition Report

What the report covers

• Paint thickness measurement: measurements on every body panel, door by door, fender by fender. Deviations from the factory values reveal repainted or filled areas, even where the surface looks flawless.
• Repainted and replaced parts: assessment of color transitions, overspray, panel gaps, seals and fasteners, in order to establish whether a bolt-on part has been off the car before or has been replaced.
• Wear and tear item by item: every dent, every scratch, every stone chip with its position, size and photograph. Plus the classification of whether it constitutes normal wear for the mileage or chargeable damage – precisely the distinction on which the return turns.
• Wheels and tires: curb damage to the rim flanges, tread depth for each tire, tire age, matching tires on each axle and the presence of the second set of wheels. Curb contact and mismatched tires are standard items on every return invoice.
• Glazing and interior: stone chips and cracks in the windshield, condition of the seats, trim, steering wheel, pedals and cargo area, burn and moisture marks, odor, and the operation of the controls.
• Mechanics and electronics: reading out the fault memory, visual inspection of brakes, exhaust system, leaks and underbody, checking of service intervals and the service record book.
• Vehicle identity: comparison of the vehicle identification number, documents, number of keys, equipment level and indicated mileage against the overall impression the vehicle gives.

How it works

1. Appointment: you tell us the reason – purchase, sale or lease return – and where you would like the inspection. Before a return we schedule the appointment so that there is still time between the report and the handover for detailing or smart repair.
2. Inspection: a walk-around in suitable light, paint thickness measurement, recording of all marks with a scale, inspection of the interior, wheels, glazing and underbody, and reading out the vehicle electronics.
3. Report: all findings are brought together with photographs, measured values and classification, supplemented by an assessment of which items experience shows are treated as damage at a return and which are not.
4. Delivery: you receive the report digitally, as a rule on the same business day once it is complete, and can present it to a buyer, a seller or the leasing company straight away.

The condition report is prepared for a fixed price. There is no additional billing by time spent, and we agree the travel arrangements with you in advance.

Frequently asked questions

When should the report be prepared before a lease return?

Roughly two to four weeks beforehand. That leaves time to have inexpensive items such as scratches, wheel damage or a stone chip put right yourself, instead of having them billed later at return rates. On the day of the return itself, the report is only a piece of evidence.

What counts as normal wear and tear and what does not?

The age and mileage of the vehicle are decisive. Fine wash marks, slight polish on the steering wheel or minimal stone chips at the front are normal; scratches through the paint, dents that break the finish, wheel damage and tears in upholstery generally are not. We classify each item individually.

Does paint thickness measurement detect every previous repair?

It reliably detects filler and repainting. A bolt-on part that has been properly replaced and painted at the factory, on the other hand, shows unremarkable values, which is why we additionally check panel gaps, fasteners, seals and traces of adhesive in the mounting area.

Can I also use the report for a private purchase?

Yes, it is equally intended for that. As a buyer you know what you are getting before you sign. As a seller you document the condition in writing and remove the basis for later claims about concealed defects.

More on this in our guide: Appraisal report or repair estimate