Buyer’s guide

The used car buying checklist

Print this, save it on your phone, bring it to the viewing. Tick every box before you hand over money.

Before you go

Ask the seller for the plate number and check road tax and insurance status (MyEG or JPJ).
Ask for photos of the grant (VOC) and service records, and confirm the name matches the seller’s IC.
Ask if the car still has a loan. If yes, ask how settlement will work, and get it in writing.
Search the plate number and model on Google and social media: old ads can reveal the real mileage or accident history.
Use our loan calculator so you know your budget before you fall in love.

Ask for the Japanese or UK auction report and check the grade and the mileage at auction.
Compare the auction mileage with the odometer and the service book.
Check the “unregistered” year vs manufacturing year. They can differ by a lot.
Ask what warranty the dealer gives and what it actually covers (read the fine print).

View the car in daylight, ideally when it’s dry.
Check panel gaps and paint colour differences: signs of accident repair.
Look for rust under the doors, boot floor and wheel arches.
Check tyre date codes (4 digits like 2321 = week 23 of 2021) and uneven wear.
Look under the car for oil or coolant leaks.
Open the bonnet: look for fresh oil leaks, a clean engine bay that’s been “too” cleaned, and coolant colour.

Start the engine cold. Listen for rattles or knocks in the first few seconds.
Check every warning light comes on at start, then goes off.
Feel the gearbox: smooth shifts, no jerks, no slipping, no delay going into D or R.
Brake hard (safely): the car should stop straight with no shaking.
Drive over bumps: listen for knocking from the suspension.
Test aircon on max for at least 10 minutes. It should stay cold.
Try every window, lock, mirror and the infotainment.

Get an independent inspection (Puspakom B5 or a trusted workshop).
Never pay a deposit before seeing the car in person.
Avoid “sambung bayar” deals (taking over someone’s loan unofficially). They are illegal and risky: the car is still legally owned by the bank and the original buyer.
Do the name transfer at JPJ or Puspakom together with the seller, and pay through traceable bank transfer.