10 Things to Check Before Buying a Used Car in Pakistan

When new car prices are very high, purchasing a used car in Pakistan can be a practical way to save money. But the process of locating a car that is good-looking and affordable isn't sufficient. You can have a car that looks great on the outside but has mechanical issues or missing registration papers due to an accident.

There are several common mistakes buyers make that do not involve the final purchase of the car; many of them rely on the seller's description, some check only the mileage or take a short test drive first before deciding. These steps will not give you the full information of a vehicle's true condition.

When buying a used car, you must examine its documentation, ownership, engine, transmission, body condition, mileage and more. The right inspection will help you avoid costly repairs and make a good purchase choice.

Before purchasing a used car in Pakistan, make sure you consider the following 10 factors.

1. Verify the Original Documents and Registration

First step is to review the documentation of the car. If the seller takes time to look the car over, ensure that the seller holds the required documents and is legally approved to sell the vehicle.

Request to see the Original Registration Book or Smart Card. Look for consistency between the details and information provided and the vehicle's details and information listed by the seller.

Pay attention to:

• Registration number

• The make and model of the vehicle.

• Engine number

• Chassis number

• Registered owner’s name

• Registration city

• Token tax details

If the seller is not the registered owner: get a detailed explanation. Also make sure to check how the official ownership transfer will be handled.

Ask for import and customs documents for import Japanese cars. If the vehicle was financed by a bank, see if the clearance or noc is available.

Never use photographs of documents sent via WhatsApp as your only source of information. Examine the original documents against the vehicle before paying.

2. Check the Vehicle Through MTMIS

After checking the documents, ensure that the vehicle's registration details are confirmed with the appropriate Excise and Taxation department.

Pakistan's provincial governments offer the verification service for vehicles online which is referred to as MTMIS. The portals enable buyers to review the registration details that are available with the necessary vehicle information.

For instance, in the case of car buying, which is registered in Punjab, go to the official website of the Punjab Excise and Taxation.

There are also other official portals such as:

• Punjab: Punjab Excise and Taxation

• Sindh: Sindh Excise

• Islamabad: Islamabad Excise

• KP Excise: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Check information online against the registration papers and physical car.

Verify the registered owner, vehicle information, engine number, chassis number (if available), and tax information.

If you find it is not the same, request the seller to clarify this and confirm with the appropriate body. A vehicle verification result online does not guarantee that they have the full vehicle history. Primarily used to verify information on registration.

3. Inspect the Exterior and Check for Accident Damage

Many things can be learned about the condition of a car from its exterior. But a recently shined car may not be free from accidents.

Check the car in daylight to observe any paint colour, texture and shininess variations. Check all over the body, such as bonnet, doors, roof, boot and fenders.

Check for:

• Panel-to-panel color variations in paint.

• Inconsistent gaps around doors and bonnet.

• Poorly repaired areas, scratches and dents.

• Rubber seals appear to be repainted.

• Headlights and bumpers are not aligned.

• Corroded wheel arches and undercarriage.

Don't overlook structural areas like pillars, chassis rails, radiator support and boot floor. When welding, cutting or major repairs were made in these areas professional attention should be given to the site.

Just because a car's paint has been repainted doesn't necessarily mean that the vehicle was in a serious crash. May have been repaired from light scratches or dents. But it is important to find out the reason for the repair.

If possible, a professional inspection using appropriate tools, such as a paint thickness gauge, can be used to help determine if the vehicle has been previously bodyworked.

4. Check the Engine Condition

One of the most costly parts to repair is the engine. So, never purchase a second hand vehicle without examining its performance and condition.

If feasible, request that the seller don't start the car before you get there. A cold start may help you detect issues that may not be as apparent when the engine is hot.

Start the car and listen for the sound. If there are any unusual noises such as knocking, rattling or ticking that last, it could be a mechanical issue.

It's also a good idea to check:

• Check for contaminants: Check oil level and condition of oil in the engine. 

• Coolant: Inspect the coolant level and for any abnormal coolant leaks or contamination. Never open a hot radiator cap.

• Check for oil leaks:  inspect the engine and undercarriage of the vehicle

• Oil burning: If there is too much blue smoke, this can be a sign of oil burning problems, but if white smoke is still being produced after the heating element has warmed up, there may be an issue.

• Engine temperature: Ensure that the temperature of the engine is within normal operating range.

• Starting: Check if the engine cranks easily or if you have to spin the crank multiple times to start the car.

An engine that has a clean engine bay does not necessarily mean it is healthy. Some owners will clean it before taking it for a drive, so pay attention to the performance of the engine.

When you are not certain of its condition, have a qualified mechanic check it out before offering.

5. Check the Transmission, Clutch, and Brakes

Issues with the transmission, especially in automatic, CVT or DCT transmissions, can cost you a lot of money.

If the car is automatic, see if the gears shift easily. Be aware of any jerky or slipping movements, unusual noises or hesitation when moving from Park to Drive or Reverse.

If it's a manual car, keep an eye on the clutch pedal and shifting gears. If there is a slipping clutch, if gear changing is tough or if there is some odd noise that appears, the clutch could be worn out or there may be a mechanical fault.

The brakes are also crucial. When you're testing the car, see if there is a consistent feel on the brakes and if it stops gently.

Look for:

• Late or incorrect gear changes.

• Abnormal vibration at start-up.

• Difficulty shifting gears.

• Grinding sounds.

• Brake vibration.

• Abnormally soft or hard brake pedal.

• The car wobbled on its wheels when stopping.

If it has a special transmission system, have a specialist servicing it look at it. Never ignore light up signals or erratic driving.

6. Examine the Suspension, Steering, and Tyres

The suspension system of a vehicle can take a beating on the road of Pakistan. Suspension components that are worn can impact comfort, handling and safety.

Drive the car on a normal road with some rough terrain. Be aware of noises like knocking and listen to see if the car bounces too much after hitting bumps.

The steering should be checked, too. Should respond easily and not have too much looseness or vibration.

Check the tyres for uneven wear, cracks, bulges and correct tread depth. If tyres are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign of misalignment or suspension problems, or even previous damage.

Check spare tyre and wheels.

The shock absorbers, control arms, bushings, ball joints, steering components and other parts should be inspected by a professional.

When negotiating the price, factor in the cost of tire or suspension replacement if the tires or suspension are likely to need replacement in the near future.

7. Verify the Mileage and Service History

While a low odometer reading may appeal to you, it's important to be aware that this doesn't always indicate that the vehicle is in excellent condition, and you should never rely on this number without verifying any other data.

Check the mileage against the age of the car, condition of the interior, and maintenance history.

If the car in question was used locally, request a service history, maintenance record and past repairs. These documents may provide an understanding of the maintenance of the vehicle.

When ordering Japanese imports, ask for the original auction sheet. Match its chassis number with the correct vehicle and check the mileage log against the current mileage on the odometer.

Warning signs include:

• Low had worn seats and pedals, and low mileage.

• Service Records vs. current odometer.

• Auction sheets listing different chassis numbers.

• Unusual variations in mileage.

• No records of the use, along with other indications of heavy use.

In some vehicles, a diagnostic scan might also be able to help you detect any discrepancies in mileage, but not all vehicles have mileage recorded in several electronic modules.

Keep in mind that if a car has more miles on the odometer, it doesn't necessarily mean you should avoid it. A well-maintained car that has more miles on the clock might be preferable to a poorly cared for car with fewer miles.

8. Test the Electrical Features and Safety Systems

There are a number of electrical components on modern vehicles which should not be overlooked before buying a car. There are some faults that might be small, but can be costly to fix.

Try out all the features available, not because the dashboard is clean.

Additionally, be sure to inspect the airbag warning light, ABS and other safety systems if they are installed.

If the airbag warning is illuminated or fails to come on when you turn on the ignition, get the system checked. This can include missing or incorrectly replaced air bags in previous accidents.

A diagnostic scan may be helpful in determining stored faults, but it should be used in conjunction with a physical scan.

9. Take a Proper Test Drive and Compare the Market Price

A test drive is necessary as some issues may only manifest themselves while driving.

Test the car in a safe place and see what happens when the car speeds up or slows down. Verify accelerator, brake, steering, suspension and shifting.

Listen for odd sounds, feeling vibrations, excessive temperatures, or warning lights on the dash. If possible, conduct a test of the air conditioning on the trip, to determine if the engine temperature is stable.

After making the initial checks, you should compare the price of the car you are interested in with other similar cars available in Pakistan.

Consider:

1. Model Year and Variant.

2. Miles and service record.

3. Registration city.

4. Exterior and interior condition.

5. History of accident and repaint.

6. Physical condition of engine and transmission.

7. Expected repair costs.

While a low asking price might be appealing, it may also be a sign of hidden issues. Likewise, an expensive car isn't necessarily in prime condition.

Talk about a fair price based on your inspection, don't pay more just because a seller says that the car is in good condition.

10. Confirm Ownership Transfer and Get a Professional Inspection

When buying a vehicle, ensure that it is transferable.

Verify that the owner of the property is the seller or that they have all the rights to sell the property. Verify necessary documents, biometric verification, transfer forms, and fees with the appropriate registration agency.

Do not use open-transfers, as the car will continue to be registered in another name.

From this point, it's also a good time to get a professional car inspection. A trained inspector is able to view areas that may be difficult for any ordinary buyer to assess.

This includes the engine, transmission, suspension, body structure, electrical systems or prior repairs.

A detailed inspection report can also provide you with details of what needs to be done now and what might be affecting potential future maintenance costs.

Complete Used Car Buying Checklist

Use this handy check list before sending money to the seller:

• Original registration documents checked.
• Seller’s ownership verified.
• MTMIS record checked.
• Chassis and engine numbers were matched.
• Exterior and structural areas inspected.
• Engine condition checked.
• Transmission inspected and repaired
•  Brakes inspected and repaired.
• Suspension and tyres checked.
• Mileage and service records checked.
• Electrical and safety tested.
• Test drive completed.
• Market price compared.
• Professional inspection arranged.
• Ownership transfer requirements confirmed.

Buy a Used Car With More Confidence Through SpotMV

While self-checking is a good first step, some issues may not be apparent without experience and proper inspection tools. A car can appear normal and sound great on a short test drive and then have hidden mechanical or previous structural issues.

The professional car inspection service offered by SpotMV enables buyers to make informed decisions. It's inspection team reviews the vehicle and gives a detailed video report on the condition of the vehicle, including damage, mechanical issues, and warning signs that might need to be addressed.

Consumers can review the results and have questions prior to making their purchase. SpotMV also features car listings and a real-time car auction process that takes into account inspection reports, giving buyers the information they need to know before they enter the auction.

Prior to purchasing any used car in Pakistan, check the documents, inspect the mechanical condition, compare the market price and arrange professional inspection. These tips can help you save money and make a more informed decision when purchasing a vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important thing to inspect prior to the purchase of a used car?

Use the original documents and ownership information. Then, confirm the registration of the car, examine the mechanical integrity and look for any damage from a previous accident.

What is the procedure to inspect a car in Pakistan?

You can check its registration on the relevant Excise portal, match its chassis and engine numbers, take it for a test drive, check its body and engine and check its mileage records.

Do you need to verify MTMIS before purchasing a used car?

No. MTMIS is not a complete mechanical or accident record, it is only available registration information. A physical exam is also required.

Is there any point in purchasing a car whose body has been repainted?

When you buy a car that is repainted, that isn't always a bad idea. Determine the reason for its repainting and if it was cosmetic or structural.

How can I find out if a used car's mileage is accurate?

Check odometer reading, service records and interior condition. Some models may require a diagnostic scan to give more information.

When purchasing a used car, should I take along a mechanic?

Yes. A trained mechanic will be able to spot issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, brakes and more that you might not be able to see.

Should a professional car check be done?

Yes. It can be useful to spot problems and repairs that have been done in the past, as well as the cost of repairs that may be required before you buy. But no inspection is guaranteed to catch all problems or problems that might arise in the future.

Why should I immediately transfer the car to my name?

The registered transfer makes you the official owner and prevents any future legal, tax and ownership problems.