In this guide
A well-chosen used car can be excellent value. The risk lies in the unknowns — so verify everything before you pay.
Start with the paperwork
- Confirm the RC is genuine and the seller is the registered owner; check the chassis and engine numbers against the car.
- Ask for the service history and invoices.
- Confirm there is no unpaid loan or hypothecation, or that a valid NOC exists.
- Check the insurance status and claim history, and look for pending traffic challans.
Inspect the car in daylight
- Body: uneven panel gaps, paint colour differences, ripples or welding marks can indicate accident repair.
- Tyres: uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension issues.
- Under the bonnet: leaks, worn belts, battery condition and clean or freshly washed engine bays to be wary of.
- Interior: compare wear on seats, pedals and steering with the odometer reading; check for musty smells and signs of water damage.
- Electricals: test windows, lights, AC, infotainment and all controls.
Take a proper test drive
Drive on different road types, listen for unusual noises, check that the car tracks straight and that the brakes and gearbox feel right.
Get an independent inspection
Paying a trusted mechanic or an inspection service for a report is cheap insurance against expensive surprises.
Negotiate with facts
Compare similar listings, note faults found in the inspection and use them to negotiate. Be ready to walk away — there are always other cars.
Complete the transfer
Make sure the ownership transfer, insurance transfer and hypothecation removal (if any) are completed properly and documented.