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Case study

The VAUXHALL Was Perfect, Apart From Being 180 Miles Away

15 May 2026 Kelly M. VAUXHALL CORSA LIMITED EDITION 2015
The VAUXHALL Was Perfect, Apart From Being 180 Miles Away

Why they booked

The buyer had found a VAUXHALL that matched almost everything they were looking for. The colour was right, the mileage looked reasonable, and the advert made the car sound like a well-kept example.

The only problem was distance. The car was around 180 miles away, which meant viewing it would take a full day, travel costs, and a lot of trust in the seller description. The photos looked good, but they did not show enough detail to judge the bodywork, tyres, brakes, leaks, warning lights, or signs of previous repair.

Before arranging the journey, Kelly M. booked a Standard inspection so they could understand whether the VAUXHALL was worth travelling for.

Inspection findings

Prior to carrying out a road test under bonnet fluid levels were checked and found to be correct, at this point the vehicle was started with permanent warning light displayed on the driver’s information panel, with the vehicle started readily from warm.

The road test was carried out at speeds of up to 70mph, in mixed road and traffic conditions.

During the road test the pay attention to the performance of the engine and transmission with the engine and transmission performance be considered in line with a similar vehicle the same make and model the similar mileage.
Some gear selection issues identified ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Throughout the course of the road test the vehicle handled and performed in a good expected for age manner, steered the chosen path of travel correctly and was free from any abnormal noise or vibration. However tracking requires⚠️

During the road test there was no evidence of any excessive smoke from the exhaust, undue audible noises from the transmission and no evidence of overheating. Audible noise from wheel bearing right front ⚠️

With final checks revealing no evidence of coolant leaks in and around the engine bay, or evidence of major oil leakage around the engine bay and or on the underside of the vehicle.

Overall conclusion vehicle is in average condition for the age and mileage. With list of maintenance items requires addressing ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Vehicle aesthetic is good to average for the age with some previous bodyworks carried out noticed.

Vehicle interior is in good to average poor condition. Full valet is recommended before collection.

Prior to purchase, consideration must be given to the collective cost involved in the rectification of the desirable items listed within the report.These items should be reflected in the purchase price of the vehicle or rectified before purchase.

See my attached audio feedback.

Please call me back once you have reviewed all report in detail.

No reason to reject the vehicle once all issues addressed.

Expect vehicle may have previous insurance bodywork repairs carried such or end of lease resprays for improvements or seller improvements work which considered can be acceptable and not checked on this inspection package.

Recommendation always obtain appropriate extended warranty for your car.

Poor condition findings

Road test

Any noise/rattle noticed from car

Squeaky clutch pedal can be master cylinder as it has some wet areas around too. And wheel bearing front right front 55mph

Road test

Warning lights

Tyre pressure warning light on

Electric controls £150

Head lights

Right head light fitting broken. Gap issues with front bumper

Brake system £80

Parking brake operation

Excessive travel. Noise from drum mechanism- requires rear break service

Wheels and tyres £130

Front right tyre

Cracked, 4mm

Wheels and tyres £130

Front left tyre

Cracked 4mm

Wheels and tyres £130

Rear right tyre

Cracked, 6mm

Wheels and tyres £130

Rear left tyre

Cracked

Front suspension / steering £280

Wheel hubs/bearings

Noise front wheel bearing right Advised both

Front suspension / steering £500

Shock absorbers (conditions/leaks)

Left shock advised both All suspension part have expected surface corrosion area specific