Things to Inspect on a Used Car in the UAE Before Buying!

The UAE car market offers the option of used cars. Buying a used car does not always mean a good buy, as it can be a bit cheaper than buying a new car. A car can be spotless on the outside but may contain damage to the interior, transmission issues, worn suspension, flood damage, and/or inconsistent mileage.

The following is a practical inspection guide for every person looking to purchase a used car in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE.

Look at the Vehicle History First and VIN

Before spending time examining the car, check that its 17-character VIN/chassis number is correct. The VIN should match the vehicle's registration card (Mulkiya), the vehicle's records, and service records available. If the VIN plate doesn't match or seems to be altered, it should be investigated further.

Review records on the relevant UAE government websites, such as RTA Dubai, Emirates Vehicle Gate (EVG), Ministry of Interior (MOI) and, if applicable, Abu Dhabi's official websites.

Look for:

A clean history report is helpful, but it should not be a substitute for a physical inspection. Not all repairs or incidents will be recorded online.

Check Exterior and Paint

Inspect the vehicle during daylight hours, walking all around it. Examine each panel in several different ways, not just visually.

Check for:

• Different shades between adjacent panels

• Uneven paint texture

• Painted rubber seals and trims that are oversprayed

• Dents or poorly repaired panels

• Unsymmetrical gaps around doors, bonnet and boot.

• Scratches, cracks or corrosion on the surface or the ends

Note: A car is not necessarily a bad one just because one panel has been repainted. The question is whether the repaint was caused by a large-scale event (such as an accident) or structural repair.

Examine the Chassis and Underbody

One of the most critical parts of the body to check is the chassis, since structural damage could impact safety, driving, and resale values.

Look underneath for:

• Welding or cutting marks

• Bent chassis rails

• Undercoating – fresh to cover the old, to hide

• Rust or corrosion

• Leaks in the oil or coolant lines

• Damaged suspension mounting points

Be particularly mindful of any large collision repairs. Do not do a chassis inspection if you are not confident of your skills, or if you are seeking the opinion of a professional inspection centre.

Check the Engine Carefully

Tell the salesperson not to warm the engine up before you get there. A cold start may uncover problems that don't show up when the engine is running at operating temperature.

Listen for unusual knocking, rattling, or ticking. Look for too much smoke coming out of the exhaust and oil or coolant leaks in the engine compartment.

At the time of inspection, also check:

• Engine oil condition

• Check for coolant level and appearance

• Belts and hoses

• Signs of overheating

• Battery condition

• Fluid leaks

Even if it can't be seen with the naked eye, a professional mechanic can find it. Service history and mileage should always be taken into account along with the engine condition.

Test the Transmission

The gearbox is a critical part of the car, whether it's automatic, CVT or manual. When performing a test drive, test the smoothness of gear changes. Be alert for hesitation, jerking, slipping, odd noises, or slow start when using Drive or Reverse.

Abnormal whining, hesitation, or inconsistent acceleration are signs to look for on a CVT. If you notice a transmission problem, a repair may cost a lot of money, so it is wise to check out your gearbox before getting to the end of the negotiation.

Examine Brakes, Suspension and Steering

A used car should be predictable and stable on the road.

When test driving, ask yourself if:

• When braking, the car leans towards one side.

• The steering wheel shakes at high speed.

• The suspension is used for making knocking sounds over bumps.

• Steering is too loose.

• Brake pedal feels very soft.

• After bumps, the vehicle bounces too much.

If the tyres are wearing unevenly, it could also indicate alignment, suspension and steering issues.

Inspect Tyres and Wheels

Tyres give good indications of maintenance and vehicle condition.

Check tread depth, sidewall integrity and wear. Wear is uneven, which may mean incorrect alignment or suspension. Additionally, check the date of manufacture of the tyres and ensure the four are reasonably consistent.

Don’t forget the spare tyre, jack and wheel changing tools.

Test the Air Conditioning

In the UAE climate, good air conditioning is essential. Set the air conditioner on high cool and leave it for a few minutes. Test to see if the cabin cools off properly, and that air circulates evenly.

Check for any strange compressor sounds and all vents. Have the fan set at various speeds and temperatures.

Perform an Interior, Electronics, and Safety Systems inspection

If you're looking at a used car, you can make it look newer by keeping the interior clean, but check the functionality as well.

Test the:

• Power windows and central locking

• Infotainment and Bluetooth

• Forward and backward cameras and parking sensors

• Lights and indicators

• Horn and wipers

• Powered seats and powered mirrors

• Dashboard controls

• Airbags and seat belts

Ensure that warning lights go out when the engine is running. If any of the warning lights, such as ABS, airbag, engine, or transmission, remain on for extended periods of time, have the vehicle checked by a professional.

An OBD/computer diagnostic scan will be able to identify fault codes that have been stored but are not present during a brief drive. Advanced professional inspections may be performed with a combination of mechanical and body inspection and computer diagnostics.

Check for Flood or Water Damage

Extra care must be taken when purchasing a flood-damaged vehicle, particularly when purchasing an imported used car.

Check for unusual dampness, musty odours, rust or corrosion beneath chairs and carpets, water stains and erratic electrical function. Check places that are not in sight, such as under carpeting, and around the spare wheel compartment.

Just because a cabin looks neat, don't assume it is free of water damage. It is possible to identify visible evidence using a professional inspection, even though professional inspections are not all-powerful and will not reveal all previous flooding events.

Check the Service and Maintenance Records

If you're thinking about buying a car with lower mileage and poor maintenance, it may cost you more than a car with a higher mileage and excellent maintenance.

Request an invoice and service history and records for the following major jobs:

• Oil filter and oil changes
• Brake replacement
• Tyre replacement
• Battery replacement
• Transmission servicing
• Major engine work
• AC repairs

Check the mileage against the odometer. The mileage should be consistent with its age and maintenance.

Take a Proper Test Drive

Except in the case of a professional inspection and a satisfactory test drive, do not buy a used car without driving it.

If possible, run through various conditions. Check acceleration, braking, steering, gear changes, suspension and AC performance.

Listen carefully for vibrations, rattles and unusual mechanical noises. A car that seems smooth on a short drive is not necessarily trouble-free, but there should be no bad signs that are ignored.

Verify the Documents Before Paying

After the vehicle has passed the physical inspection, check all the paperwork before trading.

Check the:

• Mulkiya

• VIN/chassis number

• Seller's ownership details

• Vehicle inspection status

• Insurance requirements

• Service records

• Outstanding fines and other transfer concerns

The physical vehicle VIN must match the vehicle's documents. Avoid the temptation to pay a large sum before dealing with document issues.

Have an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection

It's best to have the vehicle checked by a third-party expert before closing the final deal.

It may include a full inspection of the body, engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tyres, electronics, chassis, underbody, and road test and diagnostic scan. Just how comprehensive a professional inspection of your home can be is demonstrated by current UAE inspection services' packages that include up to 240 inspection points, which is much more than a visual inspection.

If the seller is not willing to let an independent inspection, it's a warning sign.

Final Used-Car Inspection Checklist

In deciding, ask yourself:

• Has the vehicle got a track record?

• Are all documents consistent with the VIN?

• Does the chassis have significant structural damage?

• Are the transmission and engine working okay?

• Are the suspension, brakes and tyres safe?

• Does the AC work effectively?

• Do electronics and safety systems work?

• Is the mileage consistent with what is recorded?

• Has it been independently professionally inspected?

If yes to all these questions, then you are in a much better position to debate and purchase with self-assurance.

Conclusion

An examination of a used car should not be limited to just looking at its appearance in the UAE. Check VIN and history, inspect chassis and body, test engine and transmission, check tyres and suspension, check AC and electronics, check maintenance history, and make sure to get an independent inspection.

A detailed inspection will make sure you don't run into any unpleasant surprises and also provide you with an idea of the car’s condition according to price.