We use two steps: 1. Insert a medical-grade endoscope through the spark plug hole to visually inspect cylinder wall scratches and carbon buildup on the piston top; 2. Extract an engine oil sample to check for large metal debris or emulsification (caused by coolant leakage).
Unless the previous owner retained the original parts and provided them to us, we usually keep the existing modifications and clearly state in the report "includes non-original modifications." Since the standards for illegal modifications vary by country, buyers should assess whether these modifications can legally pass inspection in their destination country.
During the stationary steering test, the technician will check the smoothness of the steering wheel from full left to full right, looking for any unusual noises from the steering gear; they will also inspect the hydraulic power steering pump (if present) and the seals of the steering column for any hydraulic fluid leakage.
