In 100 severity rated inspections, 12 cars carried a finding our inspectors rated Critical. That is the top level of the Instant Auto Reach Severity Scale, used when a fault is unsafe, open ended in cost, or a legal risk to the buyer.
Every car below was for sale in Melbourne. Several looked fine and drove normally.
| Instant Auto Reach Case File | Car | Odometer | Critical finding |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2D1B6F8 | 2017 Holden Calais | 88,843 km | Coolant leak, suspected head gasket |
| A26F5DC9 | 2021 Mitsubishi Triton | 110,698 km | Excessive engine blow-by |
| A21ABBEF | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | 171,871 km | Excessive blow-by, possible internal engine wear |
| A20D4D1F | 2005 Mitsubishi Fuso | 352,497 km | Excessive blow-by and very low oil with no leaks |
| A200AE34 | 2017 Hino 300 | 68,143 km | Suspected turbocharger or intake failure |
| A22EDA88 | Light truck | Not recorded | Suspected head gasket, oil in the cooling system |
| A240E016 | Lexus IS350 | Not recorded | Structural chassis damage, heavy transmission leak |
| A2B9BD72 | 2008 Toyota Crown Athlete | 80,343 km | Engine stalling on the road test |
| A22CE8A1 | 2008 Honda Civic | 223,875 km | Power steering pump leak and worn, pulsating brakes |
| A1DEE363 | 1998 Toyota Prado | 311,385 km | Rust in the cooling system, steering and suspension wear |
| A25B6320 | 1987 Holden Commodore | 243,894 km | Poor braking, multiple leaks, engine sludge |
| A2E687D4 | 2022 Toyota Corolla Hybrid | 51,960 km | Finance still owing on the car |
Five patterns behind the 12
1. Engine wear you cannot see
Three cars had excessive blow-by, where combustion gas pushes past worn piston rings and out the oil filler. It often means an engine rebuild or replacement. The Triton was only a 2021 model. See engine blow by explained.
2. Cooling system and head gasket signs
The Calais had coolant residue around the cylinder head at under 90,000 km. The truck had oil in its coolant. Both point to repairs that can exceed the value of an older vehicle. Read the Calais case file.
3. Structural damage
On the Lexus IS350, our inspector found chassis damage and stopped the inspection, because nothing else matters until the structure is assessed. Read the IS350 case file.
4. Safety systems that do not work
A car that stalls when you lift off the accelerator, or takes too long to stop, is unsafe to drive home.
5. Legal and money risk
The Corolla Hybrid was mechanically good. The critical finding was on paper: a finance company still held a security interest. Buy it without clearing that and the car can be repossessed from you. A PPSR check shows this, and our PPSR vs inspection guide explains why you need both.
Note the trucks
Three of the 12 were trucks. Work vehicles are bought on trust more than cars are, and repairs cost more. A commercial vehicle inspection is built for them.
One hidden fault can cost more than the car
A reviewer who bought a van after an inspection said it saved them from one with expensive faults and hidden crash damage. That is the job.
One Critical Fault Can Cost More Than the Car
Head gaskets, blow-by, chassis damage, finance still owing. Every car on that list was for sale, and several of them drove well. The buyers who booked us found out before they paid. That is the whole point.
If something about the car you are looking at feels off, or the price seems too good, book an inspection before you hand over a deposit. If we find a critical fault, we will tell you plainly to walk.
CUSTOMER REVIEW
“Excellent service, quick and thorough. Great communication. Saved me buying a van with expensive faults and hidden crash damage. Thanks Ray!”
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