Buying a Used Car? Here’s a 10-Point Checklist Before You Pay

Buying a used car in India can be a smart, cost-effective decision — if you know what to check. But with unverified sellers, sketchy documents, and hidden mechanical issues, it can also be a gamble.

To help you make an informed, regret-free purchase, here’s GaadiNama’s trusted 10-point checklist every buyer must follow before handing over that cheque or UPI.

1. 🧾 Check All Documents

Start with the basics:

RC (Registration Certificate) – Ensure it’s original, not duplicate.
Insurance Papers – See if it’s active; check claim history.
Pollution Certificate (PUC) – Mandatory under Indian law.
Road Tax Receipt – Confirms taxes have been paid.
Form 35 & NOC – If the car had a loan, verify loan closure.

✅ Pro Tip: Cross-check engine and chassis numbers on the RC with the actual vehicle.

2. 🛠️ Inspect the Car Physically (In Daylight)

Never check a car in the dark or rain. Inspect:

Paint finish – Any uneven tones could indicate repainting or past accidents.
Rust spots – Especially around wheel wells and door edges.
Panel gaps – Uneven gaps can hint at body repairs.
Tyre condition – Uneven wear might indicate alignment issues.

✅ Use a magnet to check for filler on metal surfaces (it won’t stick to body filler).

3. 🚗 Take a Long Test Drive

Don’t just circle the block. Drive it:

On smooth roads, bumps, and highways.
With AC and music on/off to detect unusual noises.
Check gear shifts, braking response, and steering alignment.

✅ Listen for engine knocking, rattles, or vibrations — especially in idle.

4. 🔍 Get the Car Checked by a Mechanic

If you’re not a pro, take one along. A mechanic can:

Spot engine leaks
Assess brake pad wear
Scan the ECU (in modern cars) for fault codes
Inspect the suspension and underbody for damage

✅ GaadiNama Tip: Some service centres now offer pre-purchase inspection packages.

5. 📉 Verify the Odometer Reading

Low kilometres aren’t always genuine. Watch for:

Excessively worn pedals or steering
Refurbished seat fabric in a “low run” car
History mismatch in service records

✅ Cross-check mileage in service logs, insurance claims, and FASTag records.

6. 📅 Check the Year of Manufacture (YOM)

Don’t confuse year of registration with year of manufacture. A 2020 model could’ve been sitting idle since 2019.

✅ Check YOM on:

VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
Door jamb stickers
Under the hood or windshield

7. ⚖️ Match Price with Market Value

Use tools like CarDekho, Spinny, or OLX Autos to estimate resale value. Consider:

Variant + year + mileage + city
Add/subtract for service history or aftermarket mods

✅ A deal that’s “too good” often comes with hidden costs.

8. 📜 Service History & Warranty

Ask for service bills or logs from authorized centres. Benefits:

Verifies odometer
Reveals major part replacements
Tracks accident repairs

✅ If the car is under warranty (factory or extended), ensure it’s transferable.

9. 💰 Negotiate Like a Pro

Use flaws to your advantage:

“These tyres will need replacement.”
“It’s out of insurance – that’s ₹15,000 extra.”
“There’s a dent — I’ll need to repaint.”

✅ Fix a realistic price after inspection, not before seeing the car.

10. ✅ Complete Ownership Transfer (RC Transfer)

Once everything checks out:

Use Form 29 & 30 for ownership transfer
Clear road tax, challans, and loans
Submit documents to RTO within 14 days

✅ Go for online RC transfer in states like Delhi, UP, Maharashtra, etc. to avoid touts.

✍️ Bonus Tip: Avoid Cash Deals

Use bank transfer or cheque to ensure proof of payment. Cash transactions are risky and non-verifiable if things go wrong.

🏁 Final Thoughts

A second-hand car can be a great value buy — but only if you’ve done your homework. At GaadiNama, we recommend transparency, patience, and due diligence over impulse purchases.

Remember: it’s not just about buying a car, it’s about buying someone else’s history.