A practical used-car inspection checklist
What to review before buying a used car: documents, bodywork, tyres, cabin and inspection records.
Motoronics editorial · 12 October 2026
Start with documents
Ask the seller about ownership and registration documents before arranging a visit. Match the vehicle details against the documents and note anything that needs independent verification. An advert description is a starting point, not proof of ownership.
Look beyond the paint
View the car in daylight. Compare panel gaps and paint finishes, check tyres for uneven wear and look for visible leaks. Record your observations rather than relying on a single overall impression.
Review maintenance and condition
Ask for available service records and discuss known repairs or accidents. Test cabin controls and request a qualified inspection for mechanical, electrical and structural concerns. A clean-looking car can still need work.
Decide after inspection
Review the findings and agree which repairs affect the price. Complete the appropriate ownership-transfer process before finalising the transaction. Motoronics offers a demo inspection-booking flow; no inspection is booked by this website.