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The purchase of a car depends upon the number of family members at home, reasons for buying ,
how much you want to spend and what you expect from that car. The buying process can be continued by finding a car,
evaluating the car, checking the documents and fixing a price.
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Mechanical Condition.
DO NOT BUY THE VEHICLE UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND THE CONDITION OF THE VECHICLE CLEARLY.
Find the year,make and model of the car.
Find the odometer reading and also make sure that the odometer is not refurbished.
Do a test drive.
Engine: The best is an untouched engine. Start the engine and listen for any abnormal sounds.
During test drive observe the engine performance in all gears and carefully listen to the engine sounds.
Observe the emission for excess smoke.
Gearbox: Just like Engine the best one is an untouched gear box.Make sure that the gear box is functioning well in all gears. Listen for any noise from gear box.
Chassis: It is very important to check the undercarriage. The bodyline will tell you if the car has
been in an accident or not. Open the bonnet and look at the paintwork. Here you can actually make out if the
car has been repainted or not.
Steering Shaft: During test driving turn the steering wheel in full towards one side and move the car a little bit and listen for any click sounds. Do the same for other side also.
Tyres: Look for wear and tear.
Battery: Check the age of the bactery. Also check to see if the battery is reconditioned or not.
Find the market value of the car and deduct price for each item which is is not in good condition.
NB. The best way for assessing the car is from an authorized dealer or from a trusted mechanic.
Used Car Documents.
DO NOT BUY THE VEHICLE UNLESS YOU ARE CERTAIN THAT IT HAS A CLEAN RECORD.
It is very essential for you to have all the proper papers of the vehicle before you make a full payment. The papers of the vehicle is more important than the vehicle and you must be careful
about receiving all the documents before making the payment. You might be prompted to buying a stolen vehicle because the “offer is too good to refuse”.
Please refer to this checklist before handing over your hard-earned money. The list is as follows:
Transfer of Ownership Documents
RTO tax receipt
The RTO tax is a once in a lifetime tax and should have been paid by the first owner of the car. If the owner of the car has not paid it, it can add up to double digits in thousands, which you will have to ultimately, bear.
Registration of the car
Check the state of registration mentioned in the papers. The state of registration mentioned in the books should be the state in which you plan
to use the car as according to the state rules. If the state of registration is different from the state that you plan to use the car, please ensure that the seller transfers the registration to the state that you plan to use the car.
Transferring the registration from one state to another is a cumbersome process and may cost money (particularly if
entry is payable - normally applicable if the new car is transferred within 18 months to a different state). You must
ensure that the seller gives you papers of the car with the registration of the vehicle in the correct state.
Insurance
Insurance is the most important document for any car. Insist on the insurance papers, as these papers are mandatory
for any transfer by the RTO. Premium for Insurance is paid on a regular basis and it is advisable to check the due date.
Also, ensure that the insurance papers are transfered to your name.
Road Tax
This tax is a recurring one and a large number of owners ignore or forget about it. Ensure that the seller gives you
the papers for this tax, or clears all payments before he sells the car to you.
Invoice
Do not forget to get the original invoice of the car from the original owner. You can know details like engine number,
chassis number, date of delivery, delivery dealer and whether the car was financed or not.
Documents for a used car that was bought on finance
If you are planning to buy a used car that was bought on finance by the seller, remember to collect the following
documents in addition to the above mentioned ones
NOC (No Objection Certificate)
From the finance company - see the original copy of this document and retain a photocopy. This document ensures that
the finance company has no claim on the car.
Form 35
You must keep a copy of this form, duly signed by the financier.
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