See exactly what you get
A full CarGuard AI report — bodywork, engine, history, mileage and market value — built from a buyer's photos and checks.
This is a fictional example for illustration. Your report is generated from your own car's photos and checks.
1. Vehicle information
2013 Chevrolet Captiva
- Mileage
- 187 000 km
- Asking price
- 6 990 €
- Seller
- private
- VIN
- KL1CG2669DB032190
- Country
- FR
2. Inspection summary & scores
8 photos analyzed · All 8 photos usable
This Captiva looks honest for a 7-seater SUV, but the engine recording is alarming: a loud, regular metallic knock from cold start that stays at idle and doesn't fade as it warms up. On the 2.2 VCDi this points to bottom-end wear (bearings / con-rod) — potentially an engine rebuild or replacement that exceeds the car's value. Do not buy before a mechanic locates the knock.
3. Negotiation arguments
Fair reduction to argue for
850 € – 1 000 €
Suggested target price
5 990 € – 6 140 €
Asking price: 6 990 €
We found 8 concrete, evidence-based reasons to negotiate — together worth 850 €–1 000 € off the asking price.
Mechanical point needing attention — Cold start
The "Cold start" check raised a concern — budget for diagnosis/repair and negotiate accordingly.
Mechanical point needing attention — Idle noise
The "Idle noise" check raised a concern — budget for diagnosis/repair and negotiate accordingly.
Mechanical point needing attention — Engine oil
The "Engine oil" check raised a concern — budget for diagnosis/repair and negotiate accordingly.
Abnormal engine sound
An abnormal sound (knocking) was detected — a strong lever pending a mechanic's confirmation.
Priced above market value
Your asking price is about 790 € above our fair-value estimate for this age and mileage.
Incomplete service history
Key documents (full service history) are missing — incomplete records justify a lower price.
Wear & consumables provision
Tyres, brakes and other consumables wear with age and mileage — provision for the next replacements.
Upcoming routine service
Build in the cost of the next routine service so it isn't a surprise after purchase.
More points from the inspection
- Suspected bottom-end wear — an engine swap can exceed the car's value; buy only at a salvage-level price, or walk away.
- Require a professional diagnosis before any deposit.
Ready-to-send message
“Thanks for the details. Based on a full CarGuard AI inspection, I'd like to offer 5 990 €. Mainly because of: mechanical point needing attention — cold start; mechanical point needing attention — idle noise; mechanical point needing attention — engine oil. I'm a serious buyer and ready to move quickly at a fair price.”
Estimated reductions are indicative ranges to support your negotiation, not formal repair quotes. Use the inspection findings as your evidence.
4. Positive points
- Body straight, no obvious accident repair.
- Roomy 7-seat interior, usable condition.
5. Points to verify
- Loud, regular metallic knock at cold start.
- Knock persists at warm idle (does not fade).
- Very high mileage for the engine.
- Price well above value given the noise.
6. Photo-by-photo analysis
- Bumper, grille and badges aligned and consistent.
- Tailgate gaps even on both sides.
- Door gaps consistent; uniform paint reflection.
- No tone mismatch along the body line.
- Panel gaps consistent around the front-left corner.
- Fender and door alignment normal.
- Bumper-to-quarter gap even.
- Reflector seated correctly; no overspray.
7. Questions to ask the seller
- When did the knock start and is it getting louder?
- What's the full oil-service history?
- Has the engine ever been opened or rebuilt?
- Why are you selling it?
9. Recommended next steps
- Do NOT buy before a mechanic locates the knock (stethoscope / oil-pressure test).
- Request an oil analysis if records are missing.
Engine Start Audio Analysis
File: engine-start.m4a
A loud, regular knock is clearly audible from cold and remains at idle. A deep rhythmic knock that doesn't fade with temperature is commonly linked to bearing/con-rod wear and warrants an immediate professional diagnosis before driving further.
Detected sounds
A loud, regular knock is clearly audible from cold and remains at idle. A deep rhythmic knock that doesn't fade with temperature is commonly linked to bearing/con-rod wear and warrants an immediate professional diagnosis before driving further.
Concerning sounds were detected. Do not buy without a professional mechanical diagnosis.
Questions to ask the seller
- When did the knock start and is it getting louder?
- What's the full oil-service history?
This report is AI-generated from the supplied photos and checks. It is a preliminary screening tool and does not replace a professional inspection. Fictional example for illustration.
11. Engine & Mechanical Check
The dominant finding is a loud bottom-end knock from cold and at idle — a potentially terminal engine issue. Everything else is secondary until this is diagnosed.
Loud metallic knock from the first seconds — major red flag.
Knock does not fade as it warms up.
Poor lubrication accelerates bearing wear.
Concerning findings were reported. Do not buy without a professional mechanical diagnosis.
Questions to ask the seller
- When did the knock start and is it getting louder?
- What's the full oil-service history?
This report is AI-generated from the supplied photos and checks. It is a preliminary screening tool and does not replace a professional inspection. Fictional example for illustration.
12. Vehicle History (recalls & complaints)
Source: NHTSA · 2013 Chevrolet Captiva
High-mileage 2.2 VCDi diesels are sensitive to oil-service neglect; bottom-end noise is a serious sign.
This report is AI-generated from the supplied photos and checks. It is a preliminary screening tool and does not replace a professional inspection. Fictional example for illustration.
14. Mileage consistency
Heuristic estimate based on age and recorded readings. Confirm with service history and a professional check.
17. Market value (estimate)
Asking price
6 990 €
Estimated fair range
4 500 € – 6 200 €
Heuristic estimate from the asking price adjusted for age and mileage — not an official valuation. Use it as a negotiation guide.
18. Supporting documents
2/5 provided · 1/2 key documents
- Registration / title (V5C, carte grise, US title)key
- Maintenance records / service bookkey
- Technical inspection (MOT / CT / state inspection)
- Vehicle history report (Carfax, Histovec…)
- Purchase invoice / bill of sale
Documents are recorded as provided to strengthen confidence; their content is the buyer's responsibility and should be verified with the seller and authorities.
Analysis reliability: 86%
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