Buying a used car is one of the biggest purchases most people make, and one of the easiest to get wrong if you don't know what to look for. Whether you're buying from a dealership or a private seller, here's a practical checklist to run through before you hand over any money.
1. Exterior and Bodywork
Walk around the car in daylight, not under artificial lighting in a showroom.
- Panel gaps: uneven gaps between doors, bonnet, and boot can indicate accident damage or poor repair work.
- Paint mismatch: slightly different shades or texture between panels often means a respray after bodywork.
- Rust: check wheel arches, the underside of doors, and the boot floor. Rust is a red flag in coastal areas especially (Durban, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth).
- Tyres: uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension issues. Check tread depth and make sure all four tyres match. Mismatched tyres can mean budget replacements after a puncture, not proper maintenance.
2. Interior and Electronics
- Test every window, the aircon, the infotainment system, and central locking.
- Check the odometer reading against the general wear of the seats, pedals, and steering wheel. Heavily worn interiors with low mileage can be a warning sign.
- Look for warning lights on the dashboard when you start the car (engine light, ABS, airbag).
3. Under the Bonnet
- Oil: check the dipstick. Dark, gritty oil suggests poor maintenance.
- Fluid leaks: look underneath the car for oil or coolant stains after it's been parked a while.
- Belts and hoses: cracking or fraying indicates the car is due for maintenance you'll inherit.
4. Service History
Ask for the full service book or digital service record. This tells you:
- Whether the car was serviced on schedule
- Whether it was serviced at a franchise dealer or an independent. Both are fine, but consistency matters more than the name
- Any major repairs or recurring issues logged over time
A car with no service history at all is a bigger risk: you have no way of verifying how it's been treated.
5. Roadworthy Certificate (RWC)
In South Africa, a car needs a valid Roadworthy Certificate to be registered in a new owner's name. If you're buying from a dealership, this is typically sorted for you. If buying privately, confirm:
- Whether a valid RWC is included in the sale
- Who is responsible for arranging it if not (this affects your final cost)
Buying from a MotorGrid-listed dealership means this is generally handled as part of the sale process, one less thing to chase yourself.
6. Take It for a Proper Test Drive
Not just around the block. Try to include:
- Highway driving (check for vibration, pulling to one side, wind noise)
- Low-speed manoeuvring (listen for clunks in the suspension or steering)
- A full stop from higher speed (test the brakes properly)
7. Get an Independent Inspection If You're Unsure
If you're not confident checking these things yourself, it's worth paying for an independent pre-purchase inspection, often a few hundred rand that can save you thousands. Many reputable dealerships won't object to this; it's a good trust signal if they're happy for you to get one done.
The Bottom Line
Most of these checks take 15 to 20 minutes and cost nothing but time. A few red flags don't always mean walk away, but they're worth using to negotiate the price, or to know exactly what you're taking on.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to check a used car?
Most of the checks in this guide take 15 to 20 minutes and cost nothing but time.
What are the biggest red flags when buying a used car?
Uneven panel gaps or mismatched paint, rust, uneven or mismatched tyres, dashboard warning lights, fluid leaks, a worn interior that does not match the mileage, and no service history. A single red flag does not always mean you should walk away, but it is worth using to negotiate the price or to understand what you are taking on.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to buy a used car?
A valid roadworthy certificate is needed to register the car in your name. At a dealership it is typically sorted for you. In a private sale, confirm whether one is included and who pays for it.
Should I get an independent inspection?
If you are not confident checking the car yourself, yes. An independent pre-purchase inspection often costs a few hundred rand and can save you thousands.
What should I ask the seller for?
The full service book or digital service record, and confirmation of whether a roadworthy certificate is included.
Related guides: what a roadworthy certificate is, how to check for outstanding finance, buying a written-off or rebuilt car, how to contact a dealership and negotiate.
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