How to inspect a used car before you buy
A practical checklist for spotting hidden damage, worn parts, and paperwork problems before you pay.
Start with the paperwork
Ask to see the registration and confirm the chassis (VIN) number on the documents matches the one stamped on the car. A mismatch is an immediate walk-away.
Check the plate type — private, commercial, or taxi. Ex-taxi cars are usually cheaper but have far higher real mileage than the odometer suggests.
Walk around the body
Look down each panel in good light. Uneven gaps, mismatched paint shade, or overspray on rubber trim point to past accident repairs.
A paint-depth reading that jumps on one panel means filler underneath. On CarGate, listings with a body-and-paint diagram show which panels were repainted — use it.
Under the hood and underneath
Cold-start the engine yourself. Blue smoke means burning oil; white smoke that lingers can mean a head-gasket problem.
Look for fresh undercoating hiding rust, and check the tyres wear evenly — uneven wear signals suspension or alignment issues.
Test drive with intent
Drive at least 10 minutes including one stretch above 80 km/h. Listen for gearbox hesitation, brake vibration, and steering pull.
Turn the AC to max and the audio off so you can hear the engine and any knocking over bumps.
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