How to Purchase a Used Car in Pakistan: A Complete Guide

Buying used car in Pakistan requires proper planning and research of car you want in detail to avoid scams and frauds of the market, overpricing, hidden faults of cars, accidental cars and faulty cars. In this guide I will provide your step-by-step details based in experience to help you to make a safe and informed decision while buying a used car. According to present market of Pakistan, prices of cars have gone to double triple price as compared to 5 years back.

Set Your Budget to purchase Used Car

Before going out to search for used car from Show Rooms and Car Mela which are popular these days in big cities of Pakistan, make budget to purchase the used car, with extra expenses on the following factors:

• Transfer Fees of ownership
• Maintenance and Repairs to make trustworthy for road
• Fuel and Insurance Costs

Having amount of your budget with you, you will feel easy in search of car of your choice and budget.

Research the Market

Once your budget has been arranged. Finally decide which car is useful for you and your family. In Pakistan, you will have to consider different factors while purchasing new or used cars and the most common factor to decide is “Fuel Efficiency). So, before going out to purchase the car, the following factors about purchasing used car should be decided:

• Fuel Efficiency: Lot of Pakistan and Imported cars to selected according to budget
• Spare Parts Availability: This is very important factor like fuel efficiency. Locally assembled cars have readily available parts compared to imported ones. Even some type of imported cars have sufficient parts and competitive price available  in the market like Bilal Gunj Lahore, old parts market in different areas of big cities of Pakistan
• Resale Value:  While deciding to purchase the case, this factor is very important to consider. Car having good resale value is worth of money otherwise you will have to face consequences.

Search of Market

Once you have decided about make and model of the car according to your budget search the car on list of Used Car in Classified advertisement on PakWheels, OLX, Facebook Marketplace, and visit local car dealerships or markets such as:

• Karachi: Khalid Bin Waleed Road, Jail Road
• Lahore: Jail Road, Ferozepur Road
• Islamabad: G-8 Markaz

Shortlisting and Physical Inspection of Cars

Once you have shortlisted a few options go for physical inspection of used cars on Show Rooms, Sunday Car Bazars, Auction Centers or at home of sellers through classified advertisements. While inspection of cars, keep in mind the following points to make final decision of the car:

 Exterior Check

• Look for dents, scratches, and signs of repainting.
• Use a magnet test to check for putty work on the body and genuine pait.
• Check headlights, indicators, and brake lights.

Interior Check

• Inspect the seats poshis, matting, roof poshis, dashboard, and door panels for wear and tear. This will indicate the genuineness of reading of Odometer of the car.
• Test air conditioning, power windows, and infotainment systems.
• Check the condition of the roof and floor mats for leaks or rust.
• Check different check lights in the odometer
• After start of car check the check lights by changing the gears of Auto Gear Car

Engine and Mechanical Check

• Open the hood and check seals and paint of the bonnet
• Check sealing and paint of tower (Kuppay)
• Also check the lines on different areas to be in proper way.
• Check the bolts under bonet. This will show, whether bonnet hood was opended for repair or not.
• Check front radiator core patti and fittings. This should be genuie. In case of any paint or repair, it will show accident from front.
• Start the car and listen for unusual noises.
• Inspect the radiator for coolant leaks.
• Check engine oil and transmission fluid.

Suspension and Tires Check

If you are unsure about inspecting the car yourself, hire a professional mechanic or use PakWheels’ car inspection service.

Verify Documents

Before finalizing the deal, verify all documents to ensure the car is legally owned and has no pending issues. Essential documents include:

• Original Return File containing Sale Invoice, Sale Certificate and other documents
• Original Registration Book or Smart Cards according to number of owners
• Owner’s CNIC copy
• Verification from Excise & Taxation Office
• Clearance from CPLC (for Karachi buyers)
• File and Token Tax Record (Ensure taxes are up to date)
• Owner’s CNIC Copy
• Excise & Taxation Office Verification
• CPLC Clearance (for Karachi buyers)
• Online Challans etc

To verify a car’s legal status, check online using the Excise & Taxation Department websites for your province:

• Punjab: https://mtmis.excise.punjab.gov.pk
• Sindh: https://www.excise.gos.pk
• KPK: https://www.kpexcise.gov.pk

For Karachi buyers, use CPLC verification to ensure the car is not stolen.

5. Test Drive the Car

When you are satisfied with the car body, engine suspension and inspection of documents, take a test drive of the car alongwith owner of car. While taking test drive following points should be observed:

• Check the brakes for effectiveness and listen any un-usual sound.
• Assess the steering response and alignment by taking off the hands from steering.
• Listen for unusual engine or suspension noises.
• Ensure smooth gear shifting (manual or automatic).
• Drive on a mix of city roads and highways to test performance of suspension also.

Negotiate the Price

After you have inspected the car through professional mistry, dentor or any other and took test drive negotiate the seller with price. Don’t decide on one car’s inspection. After inspection of different cars in the market decide one and bargain the price. However, while finalizing the deal, consider the following factors when negotiating:

• Any necessary repairs that will cost you extra.
• The overall condition of the car.
• The urgency of the seller to close the deal.

If the seller refuses to lower the price give him some time and in the meanwhile search out more cars and see the difference of car and price

Secure Payment and Paperwork

Once you have decided and finalized the price of car, make the payment safely.

• Avoid cash payments. Use bank transfers or a pay order for security.
• Write a sales agreement including details of the car, agreed price, and seller’s CNIC.
• Ensure the seller provides the complete Return File and Book / Smart Cards
• 8. Transfer Ownership to Your Name through Bio Metric at the spot

To legally transfer the car to your name, visit the relevant App of Excise & Taxation Office, Punjab, Sindh, KPK. After bio metric of both sellor and buyer and payment of transfer fee, the Smart Card will be usually delivered at buyers home (new owner)

Get the Car Insured

(Optional but Recommended)

Car insurance protects against accidents, theft, and damages. In Pakistan, two common types of insurance are available:

• Third-Party Insurance (Covers damage to other vehicles in an accident)
• Comprehensive Insurance (Covers theft, accidents, and natural disasters)

You can search reliable insurance companies for insurance if you feel proper.

10. Perform Final Checks and Drive Safely

Before using your newly purchased car, perform these checks:

• Change engine oil and filters completely for satisfaction and safety of car.
• Check tire pressure and alignment with wheel balancing.
• Get a car service to clean and inspect thoroughly.

Conclusion

Buying a used car in Pakistan requires patience, research and technical as well as legal verifications. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and safe purchase of car. Always be cautious of fraudsters and decide purchase after thorough inspection of car and double-check all documents before finalizing the deal. If needed, seek assistance from a trusted mechanic or car expert.

By following this guide, you can confidently purchase a reliable used car that meets your needs and budget.