What to Check Before Buying a Used Car: 20-Point Checklist
The essential physical, mechanical, and documentation checklist to conduct before transferring funds for any private or dealership car.
Key Takeaways for Namibian Drivers
- Pre-purchase
- Checklist
- VIN check
- Cold start
Before committing to a vehicle purchase, a structured inspection process is essential to avoid costly surprises.
Check 1: Documentation. Verify the NaTIS blue certificate, license disc expiry date, police clearance status, and VIN stamp on the chassis rail.
Check 2: Exterior & Paint. Look for uneven panel gaps, overspray on rubber trim, and mismatching orange peel textures that signify past structural repairs.
Check 3: Under the Hood. Inspect for oil leaks around the valve cover, milky coolant indicating a blown head gasket, and brittle cooling hoses.
Check 4: Test Drive. Test cold start behavior, steering wheel vibrations at 100 km/h, braking straightness, and 4x4 low-range engagement.
Need Personal Guidance?
Browse verified 150-point inspected listings or book an expert diagnostic inspection.