Free guide
Used-car inspection checklist for the UAE
Print it or keep it on your phone when you view a car. Tick each item as you go.
Before you go
Ask the seller for these first — it saves a wasted trip.
- The VIN (17 characters) — check it before you view the car
- Photos of the registration card (Mulkiya) and any service book
- Is there outstanding finance on the car?
- Has it had any accidents or insurance claims in the UAE?
- Is it GCC, American, Canadian, European or Japanese specification?
Paperwork & identity
Make sure the car is the car on the papers.
- VIN on the chassis, windscreen and registration card all match
- Owner name on the registration matches the seller (or a valid authorisation)
- Import/customs documents for non-GCC cars
- Service history with dates and mileage
Body & structure
Signs of accident repair.
- Check panel gaps and alignment (bonnet, fenders, headlights)
- Inspect radiator support and crash bar for replacement or welds
- Verify airbag replacement and that the SRS warning light turns off
- Panel colour differences in daylight, overspray on rubber seals
- Measure paint thickness on every panel (garages have gauges)
- Uneven tyre wear — can indicate alignment or chassis issues
Flood & water signs
Common in imports — check carefully.
- Check carpets and underlay for moisture, staining or replacement
- Look for silt/mud under seats, in the spare-wheel well and behind trim
- Inspect seat rails, bolts and electrical connectors for corrosion
- Have a technician scan all electronic modules for fault history
- Check for musty odour and fogging inside headlights/taillights
- Inspect unpainted metal under the dashboard for rust
- Check the SRS/airbag system and all window/seat motors
Mileage
Does the odometer tell the truth?
- Wear on pedals, steering wheel and driver seat matches the mileage
- Service stickers and invoices show a steady mileage increase
- A garage can read mileage stored in other modules (ECU, transmission)
- For US/Canadian imports: cluster reads in km and any conversion is documented
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, including highway speed.
- Cold start — listen for rattles and check for smoke
- Smooth gear changes, no slipping or harsh shifts
- A/C blows cold within a few minutes (essential in UAE heat)
- Straight braking, no vibration; no warning lights on the dashboard
- Full diagnostic scan of all modules at an independent garage
A checklist finds what you can see. A report finds what you can’t.
Auction records, salvage titles and old mileage readings aren’t visible on the car. Check the VIN before you go — the preview is free.
See a sample report