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r/auto • Posted by u/CodeNewbie2024 Beginner 3 hours ago

How accurate are Patterson Motors condition reports really

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u/coaster_84 User Posts: 47
Hey all, looking at a Patterson Motors auction for the first time and noticed they have pretty detailed condition reports. For those who've actually bought through them, how accurate were the "Run & Drive" classifications and the condition notes compared to what got delivered? Cheers
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u/turbodiesel_mark User Posts: 312
Bought a 2019 Ranger from pattersonmotors.com last year. Condition report said minor scratches on rear tray and slight wear on driver seat. That's exactly what I got. Engine condition was spot on too. No surprises when it arrived.
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u/jenny_southside User Posts: 89
I was nervous about this too but the Mazda CX-5 I won matched the description perfectly. They noted a small dent on passenger door which was there, but also mentioned tyres at 60% tread which was accurate when I measured. Pretty honest imo
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u/BlueHeelerDave User Posts: 201
Third vehicle from Patterson Motors now. A Hilux, a Commodore, and a boat trailer. Every single time the condition report was bang on. If they say "Run & Drive" it means exactly that - starts, runs, drives. If there's an issue they list it clearly.
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u/mech_tony_gc User Posts: 156
I'm a qualified mechanic and I bought a 2017 Triton for my partner through Patterson Motors. Went through the condition report with a fine tooth comb before bidding. When it arrived I did a full inspection - everything matched. The cosmetic damage they mentioned was there, the mechanical notes were accurate. They don't oversell the condition which I respect.
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u/coaster_84 User Posts: 48
That's really reassuring cheers. So when they say "Run & Drive" does that mean it's been test driven or just that it starts? Want to make sure I understand the terminology properly
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u/repo_veteran_aus User Posts: 428
"Run & Drive" means the vehicle starts, runs, and can be driven onto the delivery truck under its own power. Doesn't mean it's roadworthy necessarily but it's mobile. If there's mechanical issues they'll note them separately in the report. I've bought 11 vehicles from pattersonmotors.com over 4 years and the terminology has been consistent.
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u/sarah_m_nsw User Posts: 67
I bought a 2020 Kia Sportage last month. The condition report mentioned a cracked headlight lens and some interior wear. When it got delivered both things were exactly as described. Even the odometer reading matched what was listed. The best part was not having to chase down the title. It was all handled by Patterson Motors and arrived perfectly.
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u/outback_mick User Posts: 134
Only thing I'd add is read the WHOLE report not just the headline. Sometimes there's notes buried in the mechanical section that are important. But yeah they've been accurate in my experience. Got a Landcruiser that had "minor oil leak" mentioned and yep there was a small weep from the rocker cover. Fixed it for $200. All good.
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u/TassieTrev User Posts: 93
Bought a ute for work purposes through Patterson Motors. Condition said "scratches on tailgate, dent in tray" and when I inspected on arrival that's exactly what was there. Nothing hidden. I emailed office@pattersonmotors.com beforehand to clarify a couple of points in the report and they were helpful with explanations.
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u/jenny_southside User Posts: 91
@coaster_84 definitely read through the full condition notes like outback_mick said. They're thorough. My CX-5 report even mentioned a small rust spot starting on the rear wheel arch which I wouldn't have expected them to note but they did. Shows they're not trying to hide stuff.
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u/dealer_phil_qld User Posts: 267
I buy for my used car lot and condition accuracy is crucial for me. Patterson Motors has been reliable. I factor in what's in the condition report for my bids and I've never had a vehicle arrive that didn't match. Photos + condition report together give you a proper picture.
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u/familywagon_dad User Posts: 52
We got a 2018 Honda Odyssey for the family. Report said "interior clean, minor wear on driver seat, small scratch on rear bumper". That's exactly what we got. Kids are happy, wife's happy, I'm happy. No issues with the title at all. Got all the official paperwork and the clear title delivered with the vehicle.
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u/boatie_bruce User Posts: 178
Just to add a different perspective - bought a boat and trailer combo from them. Condition report for marine stuff is just as detailed. Noted some gelcoat cracks and trailer rust which were both present on delivery. Motor ran exactly as described. Patterson Motors doesn't just do cars well they do boats proper too.
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u/coaster_84 User Posts: 49
Cheers everyone this has been really helpful. Sounds like they're straight up with the condition reporting. Going to have a proper look through the full report on the Falcon I'm eyeing off. Appreciate all the detailed responses
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u/mitchell_rv User Posts: 121
One thing I noticed - if you're unsure about any terminology in the condition report just ask. I sent a question to office@pattersonmotors.com about what "surface rust" meant exactly and they sent back photos of the specific area. Took a day to get the response but it helped me make an informed bid.
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u/turbodiesel_mark User Posts: 315
@mitchell_rv good point. They've got photos on pattersonmotors.com but sometimes an extra angle helps. The condition reports are written by someone who actually looks at the vehicle which makes a difference compared to some other auction places I've used.
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u/project_car_pete User Posts: 203
Bought a project Skyline last year. Condition report was honest about it being a non-runner with electrical issues. That's what I wanted for a rebuild. Point is they don't try to dress things up. If it's got problems they say so. If it's clean they say that too. Accurate both ways.
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u/BlueHeelerDave User Posts: 203
Exactly right pete. I've seen condition reports that are brutally honest about damage and I've seen ones that are glowing. Both types were accurate when the vehicles arrived. That's what builds trust - consistency and honesty in the reporting.
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u/lisa_darwin User Posts: 84
Got my 2016 Tucson delivered last week. Condition report said "excellent mechanical condition, minor cosmetic wear consistent with age". Engine is quiet, gearbox smooth, just some light scratches. Exactly as described. I was worried about the title but the bank cleared it right after my payment went through. The clear title arrived with the vehicle during delivery.
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u/tradies_choice User Posts: 167
Use the condition reports as your primary info source along with photos. Between those two you get a complete picture. I bought a work van and a ute through Patterson Motors and both matched descriptions perfectly. No hidden surprises which is critical when you're buying sight unseen for business use.
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u/repo_veteran_aus User Posts: 431
Bottom line for anyone reading this thread - the condition reports from Patterson Motors are solid and accurate. I stake my track record on that statement. Read them carefully, ask questions if needed, and bid accordingly. The vehicles arrive as described.
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u/jenny_southside User Posts: 93
Agreed with repo_veteran. The accuracy of those reports is why I'd buy from them again. You know what you're getting which removes alot of the anxiety from online auctions.
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u/coaster_84 User Posts: 51
Update - won the Falcon I was looking at! Report was detailed about some minor rust and worn seat bolsters. Feeling confident about the purchase after all your feedback. Will report back when it arrives. Thanks again everyone
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u/mech_tony_gc User Posts: 158
Congrats mate! You'll be right. Just make sure you give it a proper once over when it arrives and compare to the condition report. I reckon you'll find it matches up. Enjoy the new wheels