Buying a used vehicle is always a gamble, which is why independent inspections exist. Every week I inspect vehicles for buyers across the UK, and the overwhelming majority of inspections are completed professionally with no issues between myself and the seller. Occasionally, however, an inspection reveals more than faults with a vehicle. It can also expose disagreements about transparency, professionalism and how independent inspections are perceived.
This article explains my personal experience following an inspection of a 2019 Ford Ranger Wildtrak EcoBlue 4×4 Automatic, registration KN19 JCF, which was advertised for sale by CarForLess at Land Off Cupid Green Lane Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP2 7HH area. It also explains why I subsequently left a one-star review based on my own experience.
Why I Decided to Publish This
Normally I do not publicly discuss individual sellers. Every used vehicle has faults to some degree, and finding those faults is simply part of my job. My role is not to criticise dealers, but to provide buyers with an independent assessment before they commit thousands of pounds to a purchase.
However, I decided to write about this inspection because, following the appointment, I received what I believe were retaliatory reviews about wrong business on various review platforms online from someone who was not my customer. In my opinion, consumers deserve to understand why independent inspections sometimes become controversial.
This article reflects my personal experience and opinions based on the inspection carried out.
The Vehicle
The vehicle inspected was:
- Ford Ranger Wildtrak EcoBlue 4×4 Automatic
- First registered: 2019
- Registration: KN19 JCF
- Mileage at inspection: approximately 51,534 miles
The vehicle was advertised for approximately £19,995 at the time of inspection.
Arriving at the Inspection
The inspection did not begin at what appeared to be a traditional dealership premises. When I arrived, I could not immediately identify any visible business signage relating to CarForLess. After contacting the seller, I was informed the vehicle was being brought from another location. This in itself is not unusual. Many traders store vehicles elsewhere. However, throughout my inspection I became increasingly uncomfortable due to what I considered unusually close supervision.
The Inspection Begins
Before I had even started my normal inspection routine, I was asked why the inspection would take around two hours. My inspections are intentionally thorough. They involve checking mechanical components, electrical systems, bodywork, diagnostic information and conducting a structured assessment. The response I received suggested that the inspection could be completed in around thirty minutes by Amin. From my experience inspecting thousands of vehicles, that is simply not enough time to carry out a professional pre-purchase inspection.
During the initial walk around I noticed several issues that required closer examination. One of the first observations was excessive black soot around the exhaust outlet. On a modern Euro 6 diesel vehicle, this can indicate a range of potential emission-related problems, although further diagnosis would always be required before confirming the cause.
Possible explanations include:
- DPF issues
- EGR faults
- Injector problems
- Turbocharger faults
- Previous emissions modifications
None of these possibilities can be confirmed from a visual inspection alone. For reference Full inspection report
Resistance During the Engine Inspection
When I attempted to inspect beneath the plastic engine cover, I was asked not to remove it.
The explanation given was that someone previously had difficulty refitting it correctly.
Instead, I lifted the cover only enough to inspect with a torch.
Based on what I observed, I believed there were signs consistent with injector blow-by affecting multiple injectors.
Injector blow-by is not uncommon on high-mileage diesel engines but can become an expensive repair if left unresolved.
My report estimated that repairs could potentially exceed £1,000 depending on diagnosis.
Other Items Noted
During the time available, I also recorded a number of additional observations.
These included:
- Weak battery performance during testing
- Loose battery terminal
- Oil residue around intercooler pipework
- Missing cargo area key
- Missing front registration plate
- No Evidence suggesting the timing belt replacement – required interval should be checked against Ford’s updated service guidance. Physical condition in serviceable state.
- Soot deposits around the exhaust outlet requiring further investigation
As always, these findings were documented within my inspection report together with supporting photographs where appropriate.
Road Legality
One issue that immediately stood out was the absence of a front number plate mounted in its correct legal position. Instead, the registration plate was positioned inside the windscreen. Under UK law, registration plates must normally be displayed in the prescribed position on the front and rear of the vehicle.
The Inspection Ended Early
Because of disagreements during the inspection, the appointment did not continue to completion. In my opinion, independent inspectors must be allowed to carry out their work without unnecessary interference. Whenever a seller becomes uncomfortable with routine inspection procedures, buyers should simply ask themselves why. That does not automatically mean a vehicle is unsuitable to buy, but it should encourage additional caution.
What Happened Afterwards
Following the inspection, I discovered negative reviews had been posted about CarExamer business unrelated to my inspection.
In my view, these reviews did not reflect the fact that the reviewer had not purchased an inspection service from CarExamer but had instead been the seller of the inspected vehicle.
I contacted the individual to explain why I believed the reviews were unfair and requested that they be reconsidered.
The reviews remained.
Consumers should understand that independent inspectors often receive criticism after identifying faults with vehicles. While constructive criticism is always welcome, retaliatory reviews do not help buyers make informed decisions.
Why Independent Inspections Matter
The purpose of a pre-purchase inspection is not to stop a sale.
It is to give buyers independent information before they commit their money.
Many faults found during inspections are entirely repairable.
The real value lies in:
- understanding repair costs
- negotiating the correct purchase price
- avoiding unexpected surprises
- deciding whether the vehicle represents fair value
A good inspection protects both buyers and honest sellers.
Advice for Used Car Buyers
Regardless of where you buy a vehicle, always carry out proper research.
I recommend:
- checking the MOT history
- obtaining a vehicle history report
- verifying service records
- checking the seller’s trading history
- reading reviews from multiple sources
- arranging an independent vehicle inspection
No used vehicle is perfect.
The goal is not to find a flawless car.
The goal is to understand exactly what you are buying.
Final Thoughts
My experience with this Ford Ranger inspection reinforced something I have believed for many years.
Professional inspections should be welcomed, not discouraged.
If a seller is confident in the condition of their vehicle, an independent inspection simply confirms that confidence. If faults are identified, they become part of the negotiation process, allowing the buyer to make an informed decision.
This article reflects my personal experience during the inspection of Ford Ranger Wildtrak KN19 JCF and explains why I chose to leave a one-star review of CarForLess Hemel Hempstead. My intention is not to discourage buyers from considering any particular seller, but to encourage transparency, independent inspections and careful due diligence whenever purchasing a used vehicle.
Every buyer deserves the opportunity to know exactly what they are buying before money changes hands. If you find used car traders selling faulty cars report them to trading standards.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
