If the car was financed, insist on seeing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the bank to ensure there are no outstanding liens. 2. Under the Bonnet (Mechanical Health)
The engine is the heart of the car; if it's "unhealthy," the car is a liability. things to check before buying a used car
Check the oil dipstick. New oil is golden; black, sludgy oil indicates neglect. If it looks like chocolate milk, there is water in the oil, likely a head gasket leak—walk away. If the car was financed, insist on seeing
Look for fresh fluid spots under the car or white smoke from the exhaust, which signals major mechanical issues. 3. Body & Frame (The "Accident" Search) If the car was financed
Use services like CARFAX to check for past accidents, title status (clean vs. salvage), and open recalls.