How to Inspect a Used Car Before Purchase
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Inspect in daylight after a cold start.
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Check body, paint, tyres, suspension, leaks, and underbody.
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Scan electronics and do a proper test drive (city + highway).
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Verify the paperwork: RC, insurance, service history, PUC, challans, and loan NOC.
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Don’t pay until the seller provides clean docs and you’ve signed a sale agreement.
1) Pre-meet prep
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Ask for VIN/registration to pull basic history and insurance status.
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Request service records, previous accidents/repairs, and any modifications.
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Confirm the car isn’t under hypothecation (or ask for loan closure + NOC).
2) Exterior checks
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Panel gaps & paint: Uneven gaps or mismatched paint shades can signal repairs.
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Rust & sealant: Check door sills, wheel arches, boot floor, and underbody.
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Glass & lights: Look for cracks, fogging, or non-OEM headlamp units.
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Tyres: Even wear? Tread depth ≥ 2–3 mm. Uneven wear can mean alignment/suspension issues.
3) Interior & electronics
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Odours & moisture: Musty smell = possible leak/flood damage.
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Dashboard cluster: All warning lights should illuminate at ignition and then go off.
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Infotainment & HVAC: Test Bluetooth, CarPlay/Android Auto, AC cooling (idling and while driving).
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Windows, mirrors, locks, horn, wipers, washer: Test everything.
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Airbags: Confirm airbag indicator cycle; inspect steering/trim for signs of deployment or tampering.
4) Engine bay (cold start)
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Fluids: Engine oil (colour/level), coolant, brake fluid—no sludge or milky residue.
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Leaks: Look under the car after a few minutes of idling.
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Belts & hoses: No cracks or fraying.
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Idle behaviour: Stable RPM, no hunting or knocking.
5) Underbody & suspension
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Use a flashlight: look for leaks, fresh underbody paint (could hide rust), bent members.
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Push down on each corner—excessive bounce = weak shocks.
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Listen for clunks over speed breakers.
6) Test drive checklist
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Start, idle, acceleration: Smooth power delivery; no jerks or hesitation.
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Transmission: Manual—no crunching, clutch bite mid-travel; Automatic—no shudder, smooth shifts.
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Steering & tracking: Car should track straight; no pull or vibration at 80–100 km/h.
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Braking: Straight stop, no steering shake, ABS kicks in evenly.
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AC performance while driving: Should stay cold without engine strain.
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Noises: Whines (gearbox), humming (wheel bearing), thuds (suspension), squeals (belts).
7) OBD scan (recommended)
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A simple OBD-II scan can reveal stored/hidden error codes (misfires, emissions, ABS, airbag faults).
8) Paperwork to verify (India)
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RC (Registration Certificate): Matches VIN/engine number, correct owner details.
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Insurance: Active? Check claim history if possible; comprehensive preferred.
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PUC: Valid.
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Service history: Stamps or invoices from authorised/service centres.
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Challans: Clear pending e-challans online.
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Hypothecation: If loan closed, get Form 35 + bank NOC to remove HP from RC.
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NOC for inter-state transfers (if applicable).
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Emission & fitness (for older/commercial vehicles).
9) Price & negotiation
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Compare similar models’ asking prices by year, variant, km, and condition.
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Deduct for immediate expenses: tyres, battery, brake pads, clutch, insurance renewal, overdue servicing.
10) Sale agreement & transfer
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Use a written Sale Agreement (as-is condition, odometer reading, token/advance terms).
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Complete Form 29/30 at RTO (or state equivalent), handover keys only on full payment, and submit a delivery note.
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Update insurance to your name immediately after sale.
Pro tip: If anything feels off, walk away. There will always be another car.
