The deal log

Every hunt the lab runs is logged here: the sale, what was found, how it scored, and what happened. Passes are logged with their reasons. A log that only shows wins is advertising, not a lab record.

November 3, 2026 — Indiana Public Auto Auction (cars)

Weekly watch, final check. Run list: 57 vehicles. Deal-eligible after the per-vehicle detail check: 24. Not running: 14. TMU or exempt: 3. Card bids are unverified by the auction's own presentation and are recorded as shown.

• 2012 Chevrolet Cruze — 51,236 actual miles, current bid $100. Grade: Bid-ready.
• 1991 Honda Civic — 68,106 actual miles, current bid $500, rust and a driver door that does not open noted on the card. Grade: Bid-ready.
• 2013 Ford Taurus — 80,160 actual miles, current bid $100. Grade: Bid-ready.
• 2016 Chevrolet Trax AWD — 81,575 actual miles, current bid $100, bumper scrapes noted. Grade: Look.
• 2004 Toyota Avalon — 89,000 actual miles, current bid $400. Grade: Look.
• 2010 Volkswagen Jetta — card showed 1,111 actual miles at $1,000; flagged on the spot as implausibly low and held for in-person verification. Grade: Look, verify first.

Outcome: shortlist reported to the Chairman before the sale, per the standing rule. The lab does not bid; what was bought, if anything, was the Chairman's call at the sale.