Buying a used vehicle is always a balance of risk, value, and timing.
For professional buyers, that balance becomes even more critical because every missed issue affects margin, resale value and time.
This case study shows how a pre-purchase vehicle inspection carried out by Fault Fixer provided clarity before purchase, allowing a professional vehicle trader to negotiate accurately and avoid unexpected post-purchase costs.
The Vehicle & Purchase Context
- Vehicle: 2011 Lexus CT200h
- Advertised Price: £5,778
- Price Position: Non-negotiable
- Buyer Profile: Professional used-car buyer and reseller
At face value, the vehicle presented well and appeared to be sensibly priced for its age and mileage. However, for someone who buys and sells vehicles for a living, appearances are not enough.
The buyer’s priority was not reassurance, it was accurate information before committing capital.
Why a Pre-Purchase Inspection Was Critical
For trade buyers, problems discovered after purchase result in:
- Unexpected repair spend
- Delays in preparation and resale
- Reduced margin
- Lost time and opportunity cost
A pre-purchase inspection allows the buyer to:
- Understand the true condition of the vehicle
- Quantify upcoming maintenance costs
- Assess whether the asking price reflects reality
- Enter negotiations with evidence, not assumptions
This inspection was booked specifically to support a commercial purchase decision.
Inspection Findings
During the inspection, the following issues were identified:
1. Rear Tyres: Age-Related Sidewall Cracking
- Rear tyres showed visible cracking to the sidewalls
- Tyres were approximately 6 years old
While tread depth may still be legal, tyre age and sidewall condition are critical for safety and resale. Replacement would be required to meet professional preparation standards.
2. Front and Rear Brake Pads: Nearing Replacement
- Brake pads front and rear were approaching end of service life
- Estimated remaining life: less than 2,000 miles
This represents an imminent maintenance cost, not a future consideration.
3. Vibration on Start-Up: Engine Mount Wear Suspected
- Noticeable vibration present during engine start
- Pattern consistent with engine mount deterioration
While not yet a breakdown issue, this is a known wear item that would require attention in the near term to maintain drivability and resale quality.
Why These Findings Matter
Individually, none of these issues are catastrophic. Collectively, they significantly affect true vehicle value.
For a professional buyer, this information:
- Quantifies immediate spend after purchase
- Affects resale preparation costs
- Impacts profit margin
- Changes negotiation position
Without inspection, these costs would have appeared after purchase, when leverage is already lost.
The Outcome
Armed with clear, documented inspection findings, the buyer was able to:
- Challenge the “non-negotiable” asking price
- Justify negotiation using evidence, not opinion
- Accurately account for upcoming costs
- Protect both time and margin
The inspection paid for itself before the purchase was even completed.
Why Professional Buyers Use Fault Fixer
Fault Fixer provides independent, mobile vehicle inspections and diagnostics, designed to support:
- Trade buyers
- Dealers
- Fleet operators
- Business owners
We do not repair vehicles. We provide clear, unbiased information so decisions are made with confidence.
Each inspection focuses on:
- Mechanical condition
- Wear items and near-term costs
- Diagnostic indicators
- Practical, real-world implications
Our role is not to kill deals, it is to make sure deals are done with eyes open.
When a Pre-Purchase Inspection Makes Sense
Pre-purchase inspections are particularly valuable when:
- Buying vehicles for resale
- Purchasing higher-mileage or older vehicles
- Dealing with “non-negotiable” pricing
- Protecting commercial margins
- Time and certainty matter
If the question is “What will this vehicle really cost me?” inspection is the answer.
Final Thought: Information Is Leverage
In the used-vehicle market, leverage does not come from opinion. It comes from accurate information at the right time.
For professional buyers, diagnostics and inspections are not an extra cost, they are a commercial tool.
That is exactly what Fault Fixer exists to provide.