Why inspection matters in the Gulf
GCC heat, dust and long highway distances are hard on cars. A vehicle that looks clean in photos can hide overheating damage, worn suspension from speed bumps, or accident repairs under fresh paint. Spending 45 minutes on a proper inspection before you pay is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
On Raftaar247, sellers can attach recorded vehicle history to their listings — always read it first. Then use this checklist when you see the car in person.
Before you visit: homework (10 minutes)
- Ask for the VIN / chassis number and check the plate history with your country's traffic authority (RTA in Dubai, Absher in Saudi, etc.).
- Ask for service records — dealer stamps, invoices, or the digital history on the listing.
- Check the market price for the same year/model/km on Raftaar247 so you know if the price is fair before you negotiate.
- Confirm the car has no outstanding loan, fines or mortgage on the registration.
Exterior walkaround (10 minutes)
- Panel gaps: uneven gaps between doors, bonnet and boot often mean accident repair.
- Paint: look for colour mismatch between panels and overspray on rubber seals — signs of respray.
- Glass: all windows should carry the same manufacturer stamp; a replaced windscreen is fine, but replaced side glass can indicate a side impact.
- Tyres: check the DOT date on the sidewall. In GCC heat, tyres older than 4–5 years crack even with tread left. Uneven wear points to alignment or suspension issues.
- Underbody: crouch and look for oil patches under the engine and gearbox.
Engine bay (5 minutes)
- Start the engine cold if possible — a warm engine can hide starting problems and smoke.
- Oil cap: white creamy sludge under the cap can mean head-gasket trouble — walk away or budget for a big repair.
- Coolant: should be clean, not rusty or oily. In the Gulf, cooling system health is critical.
- Belts and hoses: cracks and bulges mean overdue maintenance.
- Look for fresh sealant or shiny new bolts around the engine — signs of recent major work.
Interior and electronics (10 minutes)
- Air conditioning: run it on max for 5 minutes. Weak AC in August is a real cost, not a small issue.
- Every button: windows, mirrors, seat adjustments, infotainment, reverse camera.
- Odometer consistency: compare mileage with the wear on the steering wheel, pedals and driver's seat. Low km with a shiny worn steering wheel is a warning sign.
- Warning lights: all lights should come on at ignition and then go out. Ask about any that stay on.
The test drive (15 minutes)
- Cold start: listen for rattles in the first 30 seconds.
- Braking: the car should stop straight without pulling; feel for vibration (warped discs).
- Steering: on a straight road the wheel should be centred and the car should not drift.
- Gearbox: automatic shifts should be smooth; any jerk, delay or flare needs a specialist opinion.
- Speed bumps and rough road: listen for knocks from worn suspension bushings.
Final step: the professional check
For any car over roughly AED 20,000, pay for a pre-purchase inspection at an independent garage or the dealer (AED 100–300 in most GCC cities). It is the best money you will spend in the whole purchase.
If the seller refuses an inspection or rushes you to decide 'today only', treat that as an answer in itself. A genuine seller with a good car has nothing to hide — and on Raftaar247 you can use our Safe Deal process and sale agreement for extra protection.