Sample Gold Inspection Report — 2024 Kia Carnival SX
Gold is the full workup: everything in Silver plus live OBD-II data, a five-point electronics audit, and paint-depth readings panel by panel. This is a real Gold report Brock Williams completed on a 2024 Kia Carnival SX at a San Jose dealer lot, with 85 photos delivered to the buyer. It is a good example of why the paint gauge matters: the van looks clean, but two panels read higher than the rest, which lines up with a minor repair the seller had mentioned. Brock also caught two things a test drive alone would miss: a squeak behind the driver seat and a key fob that would not open the power sliding doors or liftgate.
- Inspection
- Gold Inspection ($449)
- VIN
- Verified on-site — redacted on samples
- Mileage
- 54,815 mi
- Location
- San Jose, CA 95117
Inspection Details
- Date
- Monday, November 9, 2026
- Inspector
- Brock Williams — Vehicle Inspectors
- Customer
- Sample Customer
Summary
The 2024 Kia Carnival, with 54,815 miles, is in good overall condition. The exterior paint finish is excellent, with minor rock chips and road debris noted on the front end. Curb rash was noted on the wheels. A previously noted minor repair shows no visible evidence of major damage, and paint thickness gauge readings were within acceptable range. The interior is clean and in good condition, with minor wear noted on the floor and seat slide areas. The engine compartment is clean, with engine oil and coolant levels full and appearing clean. The undercarriage is clean and in good condition, with no visible fluid leaks noted. During the road test, the vehicle performed well with normal operation. A minor squeak was noted from the left rear area behind the driver's seat. At the time of inspection, the remote did not operate the power sliding doors or rear liftgate. Overall, the vehicle presents well, with wear consistent with its mileage and use. Before you buy: ask the seller to fix or explain the key fob (a weak fob battery is the cheapest first check), ask for the repair record on the left rear quarter, and listen for the squeak on your own drive.
Exterior
The 2024 Kia Carnival, with 54,815 miles, presents in good overall exterior condition. The paint finish is excellent, with minor rock chips and road debris noted on the front end, consistent with normal road use. A previously noted minor repair shows no visible evidence of major damage, and paint thickness gauge readings were within acceptable range. Overall, the exterior is clean and well maintained. Panels: even. Rust: none. Glass and lights: all good. Flood or accident evidence: none. Tires: healthy. Wheels: curb rash. Paint depth on 7 panels: see measurements. The left rear quarter (75µm) and left front door (48µm) read above the 25–28µm on the other panels, consistent with the previously noted minor repair. Inspector note: did not notice any overspray.
Interior
The interior is in good, clean overall condition. The seats, trim, and interior surfaces show normal wear consistent with mileage and use. Minor wear is noted on the floor and seat slide areas. Seats: excellent. Odors: clean. Seat belts: all function. Climate: both A/C and heat work. Dash and electronics: all work. Infotainment, backup and surround-view camera, driver-assist, parking sensors and power accessories all passed the electronics audit. Noted: at the time of inspection, the remote did not operate the power sliding doors or rear liftgate.
Engine & Mechanical
The engine compartment is clean and well maintained. Engine oil and coolant levels are full, with both fluids appearing clean. Brake fluid and air filter were also inspected. Cold start: smooth. Leaks: none. Belts and hoses: good. Battery load-tested, see measurements.
Undercarriage & Frame
The undercarriage is in good, clean overall condition. No visible fluid leaks were noted during the inspection. Frame solid. Exhaust good. Corrosion minimal. Driveline good. Suspension tight. CV joints and bushings good.
Road Test
The vehicle performed well during the road test. Engine and transmission operation were smooth, with normal acceleration and braking response. Steering and handling were satisfactory, with no unusual drivability concerns. Braking: smooth and straight. Highway: stable. Steering: centered and tight. Transmission: smooth. Noted: a minor squeak from the left rear area behind the driver's seat.
OBD-II Diagnostic Codes
Full-system scan with an Autel MaxiCheck scan tool. No codes: no stored, pending or permanent codes. Live data captured, see measurements.
Additional Diagnostic Notes
Paint depth is the reading that matters on this van. Five panels sit at 25–28µm, which is factory paint. The left front door reads 48µm and the left rear quarter 75µm: roughly two to three times the rest, which means extra paint (a refinish) on the left side. Brock found no overspray, no filler texture and no panel misalignment, and the seller had already disclosed a minor repair, so this supports the story rather than contradicting it. Ask for the repair invoice anyway. Live OBD-II data is clean: fuel trims within ±3%, normal idle, and the engine at full operating temperature.
Instrumented measurements
Measured with tools, not eyeballed — this is what Gold Inspection ($449) adds over Bronze.
| Test | Reading | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Paint-depth readings | Hood 27µm · roof 25µm · liftgate 28µm · R front door 27µm · R rear quarter 26µm · L front door 48µm · L rear quarter 75µmFive panels read factory (25–28µm). The left front door and left rear quarter read higher, consistent with the previously noted minor repair. No overspray found. | Marginal |
| Live OBD-II data capture | Short-term fuel trim +2.3% · long-term fuel trim +1.6% · idle 650 RPM · coolant 210°FFuel trims well inside ±10%; engine at full operating temperature. | Pass |
| Full electronics + infotainment audit | Infotainment · backup camera · driver assist · parking sensors · power accessories: all passAll five checks passed. Separately, the key fob did not operate the power sliding doors or liftgate. | Pass |
| Battery load test | 550 CCA measured / 800 CCA ratedPasses the load test. | Pass |
| Brake pad + rotor measurement | Front pads 8mm · rear pads 10mmInspector verdict: good. | Pass |
| A/C + heater temperature | A/C vent 46°F · heater vent 89°FA/C cools well. 89°F heater output was low at the time of the reading; check the heat on your own drive once the van is fully warm. | Marginal |
Inspection photos
34 photos from this inspection. Plates, VINs, and any identifying reflections are removed and location data is stripped before publication.
This is a sample report.
Layout, depth, and language match what you’ll receive when you book a real inspection. Customer and inspector details are removed from every sample. Your actual report includes your assigned inspector’s license, insurance info, and 25+ photos per inspection.