A good inspection follows a set order, so nothing gets skipped when the seller is talking. This checklist works through the car the way a careful buyer would: paperwork first, then outside, inside, under the bonnet and finally on the road.
Step 1: Paperwork before anything else
- Registration card (Mulkiya) in the seller’s name
- VIN on the paperwork matches the car
- No unpaid fines, and a bank NOC if the car was financed
- Service records or a stamped service book
- GCC spec, or a clean overseas history report if imported
If anything here does not add up, stop. A car with a paperwork problem is not a bargain, whatever condition it is in.
Step 2: Body and paint
- Even panel gaps around doors, bonnet and boot
- Consistent paint colour and finish in daylight
- No overspray on rubber seals or trim
- No rust bubbles, especially around wheel arches and door bottoms
- Windscreen free of large chips or cracks
Step 3: Underbody and signs of flood or sand damage
- Rust or corrosion on the underside
- Damp smell, water marks or silt under the carpets
- Fresh undercoating that could hide repairs
- Sand in unusual places, such as deep in the seat rails
Step 4: Engine bay
- Start the engine from cold if possible and listen for knocks or rattles
- No oil or coolant leaks, and no milky residue under the oil cap
- Belts and hoses free of cracks
- Battery terminals clean, with the battery’s date or age noted
- No warning lights on the dashboard after starting
Step 5: Interior, AC and electronics
- AC blows cold within a few minutes and stays cold
- Every window, mirror, lock and seat adjuster works
- Screens, cameras and sensors function
- Wear on the steering wheel and pedals matches the mileage
Step 6: Tyres
Check the tread and the sidewalls for cracks or bulges, then read the DOT code. Tyres more than five years past their manufacture date cannot legally be used on UAE roads, so budget for replacements if they are close.
Step 7: The test drive
- Car pulls away smoothly and the gearbox shifts without jerks
- Straight-line driving with no pulling to one side
- Firm, quiet braking without vibration
- No knocks over speed bumps
- Temperature gauge stays steady in traffic
When to call a professional
This checklist will help you rule out obvious problems and shortlist the right car. It cannot replace a trained technician with diagnostic equipment. For an expensive car, or one you are unsure about, book an independent inspection before you pay.
Take this to the viewing. The printable Used Car Inspection Checklist covers every step above in a tick-box format. For a professional check, see our pre-purchase inspection package.
Related reading: Ten critical checks before buying · How to decode vehicle history reports
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