The Fuel Type Car Looked Clean But Photos Were Not Enough
The PETROL FERRARI Looked Clean, But Photos Were Not Enough
They booked because the car looked clean online, but photos were not enough to confirm its real condition.
Published
21 Aug 2026
Customer
Andy R.
Vehicle inspected
FERRARI CALIFORNIA 2 PLUS 2 S-A 2012
The buyer's story
Why they booked
The PETROL FERRARI looked clean in the advert. The photos showed a tidy body, smart interior, and the car appeared to be well presented.
But Andy R. had not seen enough detail to judge the vehicle properly. A used PETROL car can still have tyre wear, suspension issues, brake wear, bodywork damage, previous repairs, interior wear, warning messages, or charging-related concerns.
Andy R. booked a Premium inspection before paying or arranging collection.
Booking reason
They booked because the car looked clean online, but photos were not enough to confirm its real condition.
Independent assessment
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 no permanent warning lights displayed on the driver’s information panel, with the vehicle started readily from cold.
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.
Noticed vibration excessive from engine area and noticeable on steering wheel too at idle speed. Requires further investigation ⚠️⚠️⚠️ not in line with age.
Throughout the course of the road test the vehicle handled and performed in a good manner, steered the chosen path of travel correctly and was free from any abnormal noise or vibration.
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.
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 good to average condition for the age and mileage. With various age related issues to rectify. Expected on the age. ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Vehicle aesthetic is good to average for the age with some previous bodyworks carried out considered acceptable and good standard. With few issues.
Vehicle interior is in good condition. Some improvements have been done by seller.
A structurally sound vehicle with evidence of previous accident damage and no significant corrosion. However vehicle been repaired to a good standard. Should not be a concern considering age.
Advised call previous service provider to see if the vehicle has any inital services which are free first 7 services.
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 and future improvements due to age.
See my attached video feedback.
Please call me back once you have reviewed all report in detail.
Recommendation always obtain appropriate extended warranty for your car.
Read full findingsShow less
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 no permanent warning lights displayed on the driver’s information panel, with the vehicle started readily from cold.
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.
Noticed vibration excessive from engine area and noticeable on steering wheel too at idle speed. Requires further investigation ⚠️⚠️⚠️ not in line with age.
Throughout the course of the road test the vehicle handled and performed in a good manner, steered the chosen path of travel correctly and was free from any abnormal noise or vibration.
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.
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 good to average condition for the age and mileage. With various age related issues to rectify. Expected on the age. ⚠️⚠️⚠️⚠️
Vehicle aesthetic is good to average for the age with some previous bodyworks carried out considered acceptable and good standard. With few issues.
Vehicle interior is in good condition. Some improvements have been done by seller.
A structurally sound vehicle with evidence of previous accident damage and no significant corrosion. However vehicle been repaired to a good standard. Should not be a concern considering age.
Advised call previous service provider to see if the vehicle has any inital services which are free first 7 services.
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 and future improvements due to age.
See my attached video feedback.
Please call me back once you have reviewed all report in detail.
Recommendation always obtain appropriate extended warranty for your car.
Condition and costs
Poor findings and repair costs
Poor condition findings
Road test£1000
Any noise/rattle noticed from car
Noticed vibration excessive from engine area and noticable on steering wheel too at idle speed.
Power steering pump or engine mounts requires further investigation.
Electric controls
DVD/sat. nav./blue-tooth
Usb both not working
Wheels and tyres£230
Front left tyre
Rear suspension£1000
Shock absorbers/bushes
Right shock absorber leaking
Rear suspension£1000
Suspension arms
Both d bushes worn excessive play
Exhaust system
Joints/couplings
Some coupling excessive corrosion
Rear section
After the inspection
The customer experience
Outcome
The inspection helped Andy R. understand whether the FERRARI matched the advert and whether it was worth the asking price.
Your next step
Check before you commit
Understand the car's condition before you buy. Choose an independent inspection and get the findings you need to decide your next step.