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
2018 Citroën C3
- Mileage
- 96 000 km
- Asking price
- 10 490 €
- Seller
- private
- VIN
- VF7SXHNZ0JT123456
- Country
- FR
2. Inspection summary & scores
8 photos analyzed · All 8 photos usable
A clean, well-presented C3, but the 1.2 PureTech uses a 'wet' timing belt that degrades into the oil and is a known weak point. The recording has a faint rattle on start and the oil looks overdue, raising the risk of belt debris clogging the oil pump. If the belt service isn't documented, budget for it immediately (≈€700–1,200) and have the oil pump strainer checked.
3. Negotiation arguments
Fair reduction to argue for
850 € – 1 000 €
Suggested target price
9 490 € – 9 640 €
Asking price: 10 490 €
We found 7 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 — Engine oil
The "Engine oil" check raised a concern — budget for diagnosis/repair and negotiate accordingly.
Abnormal engine sound
An abnormal sound (timing chain rattle) was detected — a strong lever pending a mechanic's confirmation.
Priced above market value
Your asking price is about 390 € 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
- No proof of belt service — deduct a full timing-belt + oil-pump-strainer job (≈€700–1,200).
- Anchor below asking given the documented weak point.
Ready-to-send message
“Thanks for the details. Based on a full CarGuard AI inspection, I'd like to offer 9 490 €. Mainly because of: mechanical point needing attention — cold start; mechanical point needing attention — engine oil; abnormal engine sound. 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
- Clean body and tidy interior for the mileage.
- No accident or repaint indicators.
5. Points to verify
- Faint timing rattle on start-up.
- Oil appears overdue (critical on this engine).
- Timing-belt service not documented.
- Price above value given the pending belt risk.
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 was the timing belt last changed (date + mileage + invoice)?
- What oil and interval do you use?
- Any oil-pressure warning, even briefly?
- Has the oil pump strainer ever been checked?
9. Recommended next steps
- Get the timing belt and oil-pump strainer inspected immediately if undocumented.
- Do an oil and filter change with the correct spec.
- Listen again after warm-up for the rattle.
Engine Start Audio Analysis
File: engine-start.m4a
A faint rattle is audible in the first seconds after start, fading once oil pressure builds. On a wet-belt engine this is worth taking seriously; verify the belt service history and oil condition.
Detected sounds
A faint rattle is audible in the first seconds after start, fading once oil pressure builds. On a wet-belt engine this is worth taking seriously; verify the belt service history and oil condition.
Suspicious sounds may suggest a mechanical issue. A professional mechanic inspection is recommended before purchase.
Questions to ask the seller
- When was the timing belt last changed (date + mileage + invoice)?
- What oil and interval do you use?
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 engine runs, but the wet-belt design plus an undocumented service and tired oil raise a real preventive-repair risk.
Brief rattle until oil pressure builds.
Old oil is especially risky on a wet-belt engine.
Clean rev, no abnormal smoke.
Several findings may suggest a mechanical issue. A professional mechanic inspection is recommended before purchase.
Questions to ask the seller
- When was the timing belt last changed (date + mileage + invoice)?
- What oil and interval do you use?
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 · 2018 Citroën C3
1.2 PureTech engines are widely reported for wet timing-belt wear; service history is essential.
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
10 490 €
Estimated fair range
8 400 € – 10 100 €
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: 82%
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