Buying a used car in Pakistan can be a great way to save money, but it also requires a careful evaluation to avoid potential pitfalls. One of the most important steps in this process is checking the history of the car to ensure it’s in good condition and hasn’t been involved in any legal or structural issues. Here’s a guide on how to check the history of used cars in Pakistan:
1. Verify the Car’s Ownership Record
The first thing you should check is the car’s ownership record. This will give you a clear idea of how many previous owners the car has had and if it has been registered under the current seller’s name.
Documents to Check: Always ask for the original Registration Book (also known as the Form F or Vehicle Registration Certificate). This document will have the names of the previous owners and the car’s registration details.
Transfer of Ownership: Make sure the car's ownership has been officially transferred to the current seller. If not, the seller may not be able to legally sell the car, and you could face legal issues later.
2. Use Car Verification Services
Several organizations and websites in Pakistan offer car verification services that help you check the history and legal status of a used car. These services provide details about the car’s registration, ownership, and any reported incidents like accidents or theft.
Excise and Taxation Department: The Excise and Taxation Department in your province offers online verification services where you can check a car’s registration details. You can check the car’s registration status, taxes, and fines using the car's registration number.
Sindh Excise & Taxation: Excise, Taxation, and Narcotics Control Department of Sindh.
Punjab Excise & Taxation: Punjab Excise and Taxation Department.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Excise & Taxation: Excise and Taxation KPK.
Balochistan Excise & Taxation: Balochistan Excise and Taxation.
These portals allow you to enter the car’s registration number (or chassis number) to access its basic details.
3. Check the Car’s Accident History
It’s essential to check if the car has been involved in any accidents or if it has suffered from severe damage. This can affect the car’s performance and resale value.
Vehicle Inspection: Consider getting the car professionally inspected by a mechanic or at a certified inspection center. They can check the car’s chassis and body for any signs of repair or major accident damage. This will help you understand if the car has undergone any major fixes.
Online Accident Reports: While online databases in Pakistan for accident history are not as comprehensive as in some other countries, some local dealerships or insurance companies may have access to accident reports. You can inquire with them for more detailed information.
4. Check the Car’s Engine and Chassis Number
The engine number and chassis number are unique identifiers for the car. Verifying these numbers can help ensure that the car’s identity hasn’t been tampered with, which is especially important in cases of stolen vehicles or fraud.
Engine Number: It’s usually located on the engine block. The seller should provide you with this number, which you can cross-reference with the documents.
Chassis Number: This number is typically found on the dashboard or near the driver’s side door. Verify this number with the Registration Book and other documents to ensure consistency.
5. Check for Outstanding Loans or Liens
If the car was purchased through a loan, it may still have an outstanding balance. If the seller hasn’t cleared the loan, the car may be repossessed by the bank or financial institution.
Bank or Financial Institution: You can ask the seller to provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank or financial institution that issued the car loan. This document verifies that there are no pending payments or liabilities attached to the car.
6. Look for Service and Maintenance Records
A well-maintained car is always more reliable and retains its value better. Ask the seller for service and maintenance records, which can give you insight into how well the car has been taken care of.
Service Book: If available, the service book can tell you about the routine maintenance, repairs, and parts replacements the car has undergone over time. A well-maintained car will typically have regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, and more.
7. Check for Theft or Legal Issues
In some cases, cars may be stolen or involved in legal disputes. To ensure the car isn’t stolen or embroiled in legal issues, you can check the Police Registration or consult the FIR (First Information Report) records.
FIR Check: The car may be listed as stolen in the police database, which can be checked by visiting the local police station or using the police verification service in your region.
8. Look for Warranty and Recall Information
Some cars may still be under warranty, or there may be manufacturer recalls on certain models. If the car is still under warranty, you can benefit from free repairs or replacements for certain parts.
Warranty: Ask the seller if the car is still under warranty. You can also check with the manufacturer’s official service center to verify the warranty status.
Recall Notices: Some models may have factory recalls for defects. You can check the car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with the manufacturer or through authorized dealerships to ensure there are no unresolved recalls.
9. Use Mobile Apps and Online Platforms
Various mobile apps and online platforms in Pakistan can help you check the status of a used car. These services allow users to search by the car’s registration number, chassis number, or VIN to get detailed reports on the car’s history.
PakWheels: PakWheels, one of the most popular car marketplaces in Pakistan, also provides useful resources for car buyers, including tips on checking a car’s history.
CarVert: This platform offers services for checking the history and authenticity of cars, along with user feedback on specific vehicles.
Conclusion
Checking the history of a used car is a crucial step in ensuring that you’re making a sound investment. By verifying the ownership records, inspecting the car’s condition, checking for any accidents or legal issues, and using available online services, you can significantly reduce the risk of purchasing a problematic vehicle. Whether you're buying from a dealership or a private seller, these steps will give you peace of mind and help you make an informed decision when purchasing a used car in Pakistan.
