How to check a used car before buying

Buying a pre-owned vehicle in India is a financially savvy move, especially with new car prices and taxes climbing. However, the used car market can be a minefield of hidden accidents, tampered odometers, and legal hurdles. To ensure your “new” car doesn’t become a permanent resident at the mechanic’s shop, follow this comprehensive guide to inspecting a used car like a pro.

1. Preparation: The Pro’s Toolkit

Before you head out, timing and tools are everything.

Pick a Sunny Day: Bright daylight is essential to spot paint mismatches, ripples in body panels, and hidden rust.
Bring a Companion: A second pair of eyes—ideally a trusted mechanic—can spot flaws you might miss in the excitement.
The Inspection Kit: Carry a high-intensity flashlight for the underbody, a clean rag to check oil quality, and a smartphone to verify details on government portals like mParivahan.

2. Exterior Inspection: Reading the Body Language

A car’s exterior tells its life story if you know where to look.

The “Line of Sight” Test: Squat at the corners of the car and look down the side panels. Any waviness or ripples suggest past accident repairs.
Panel Gaps: Check the spaces between doors, the hood, and the trunk. These gaps should be uniform. Uneven gaps are a classic sign of structural repair after a collision.
Paint Consistency: Use your flashlight to look for “overspray” on rubber seals or slightly different textures on adjacent panels. Factory paint is smooth and multi-layered, while aftermarket repaints often feel rough or show “orange peel” textures.
Magnet Test: Run a small magnet over suspected repair areas. If it doesn’t stick, the panel likely has heavy body filler (putty) underneath.

3. Under the Hood: The Heart Check

Don’t be fooled by a steam-cleaned engine bay; it might be masking leaks.

Fluid Health: Check the engine oil. It should be amber or brown. If it’s black and gritty, the car has been neglected. “Milky” oil suggests a blown head gasket—a catastrophic failure.
Coolant and Brake Fluid: Ensure the coolant is red, green, or blue, and transparent. If it looks like muddy water, the radiator is likely rusting from the inside.
Cold Start: Always insist on starting the engine when it’s cold. A warm engine can hide starting trouble or “knocking” sounds that reveal themselves only when cold.

4. Detecting Odometer Fraud: The “Real” Mileage

Odometer tampering is common in India. Here is how to verify the truth:

Check the Wear Points: A car with a “low” 30,000 km reading shouldn’t have a shiny, worn-out steering wheel, bald pedal rubbers, or sagging driver’s seat cushions.
Tyre Timeline: Look for the 4-digit manufacturing code on the tyre sidewall (e.g., “1224” means the 12th week of 2024). If a car has done only 20,000 km but has brand-new tyres, ask why.
Service History Digital Trail: Cross-check the odometer against the last entry in the physical service booklet and the VAHAN portal entries.

5. The Test Drive: Assessing On-Road Health

Drive the car for at least 5–10 km on various road types.

Suspension: Listen for “thuds” or “clunks” over speed bumps, which indicate worn-out bushes or struts.
Braking: On a safe, empty stretch, brake firmly. The car should stop in a straight line without pulling to one side or vibrating the steering wheel.
Clutch and Gears: The clutch should feel light and engage smoothly. If it’s “hard” or the engine revs without the car speeding up, the clutch plate needs replacement.

6. Paperwork: The Deal-Breaker

Legal safety is as important as mechanical health.

RC and Chassis Number: Ensure the chassis number etched on the car (usually under the seat or on the dashboard) matches the Registration Certificate (RC) exactly.
Insurance & Claims: Ask for the insurance history. Multiple claims for the same side of the car point to major accidents.
No-Objection Certificate (NOC): If the car was purchased on loan, make sure the seller provides an “HP Deletion” NOC from the bank.

FAQs

Is it okay to buy a car with a repainted bumper?

Yes. In Indian city traffic, minor bumper scratches and repaints are common. Focus on checking the internal frame and aprons for damage rather than just the plastic bumpers.

What is the average annual mileage for a car in India?

Typically, an Indian car runs between 5,000 and 10,000 km annually. Anything significantly higher suggests heavy highway or commercial use.

How do I know if a used car was caught in a flood?

Pull the seatbelts all the way out; look for moisture or mud stains at the very end. Also, check for a persistent musty smell or rust under the floor carpets.

Should I buy a car from a private seller or a dealer?

Private sellers are often cheaper, but dealers (especially certified ones) may offer limited warranties and handle the paperwork transfer, which can be a significant convenience.

Can I negotiate the price after a professional inspection?

Absolutely. Use the inspection report as leverage. If the car needs new tyres (₹20,000) or a major service (₹10,000), subtract these costs from the asking price during negotiations.