5 Things You Need To Do When Buying An Pre-Owned Car

- Get the car thoroughly check it for damages and problems
- Get the registration and insurance transferred to your name
- Get the vehicle serviced and cleaned before you start using it
Planning to buy a pre-owned vehicle? Well, then you must know that it involves hours of research to find the car you want, scouting for that right deal, and finalising your payment options. But it doesn't end there. Unlike buying a new car, as a used car buyer you will need to look into several other things like - looking for damages, engine condition, sorting out the proper paperwork and more. Yes, it can become a bit confusing so let us simplify things for you. Here are 5 key things you must do when buying a used car.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Buy A Pre-Owned Car Over A New Car
1. Check The Vehicle
If you have found a vehicle that suits your needs, it's imported to thoroughly check it for damages and problems. If you think you do not have the eye for it, take a trusted mechanic along who can help you. Knowing the issues with the car will also help in negotiating the price.
It's imported to thoroughly check it for damages and problems before you buy it.
2. Check The Paperwork
Like checking for damages, it's also important to see whether all the vehicle papers are in place. Documentation like the registration certificate, pollution certificate, the no dues certificate if the previous owner bought it on finance and the existing insurance papers. These will help make the ownership transfer process that much more seamless. These will also help you find out if the vehicle has been in an accident in the past.
Also Read: Buying A Pre-Owned Car vs A New Car - Which Is Better?
3. Get Ownership Transferred
Once you have bought the car, you are legally required to get the ownership transferred to your name. You will need to submit an application for the transfer at your Regional Transport Office or RTO. The registration certificate has to be in your name for insurance as well. In case the vehicle had a previous owner, and he/she did not transfer it to their name, then make sure the current owner at least has a Non-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the previous owner, as it will be required to transfer the registration certificate.
Once the RC is transferred, it's important that you also get the insurance transferred to your name as well.
4. Get Insurance
Once the RC is transferred, it's important that you also get the insurance transferred to your name as well. If the RC is in your name but the policy is still under the previous owner's name, then the policy stands nullified. So, all you need to do is get in touch with the insurance provider and get it transferred. You can also buy completely new insurance that suits your needs, in fact, it will be a much simpler and faster process than getting the existing one transferred.
5. Get The Car Serviced
Once you have brought the car home, it's important to get it properly serviced to ensure that it's in the best possible condition. It's possible that the previous owner might have missed servicing the car before selling it. So, once all the paperwork is done take to car to your mechanic or service centre and get the basic things like oil and filters changed among other small things. Also, get the car deep-cleaned and sanitised by professionals before you start using it.
Latest News
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026Aprilia SR 125, SR 175 Tribute Edition Launched: Prices Start At Rs 1.17 LakhAprilia has expanded the SR scooter range with the launch of the new Tribute Edition for the SR 125 and SR 175.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026Royal Enfield Flying Flea C6 Deliveries Begin In IndiaDeliveries have commenced in Bengaluru, where the company has also established a dedicated sales and service network for its first electric motorcycle.2 mins read
car&bike Team | Jun 20, 2026E85 Petrol Now Available In Mumbai At Rs 91.18 Per LitreMumbai has become the second city in India to receive an E85 fuel dispenser, with the higher-ethanol blend now retailing at Rs 91.18 per litre.2 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 19, 2026Skoda Peaq Electric SUV Interior Previewed Ahead Of Global DebutThe Peaq will be Skoda’s flagship electric SUV in global markets and will be the company’s largest model yet.1 min read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 19, 2026Tata Sierra EV India Launch On June 30Electric derivative of reborn Sierra could feature optional dual-motor all-wheel drive, share battery packs with the Harrier.1 min read
car&bike Team | Jun 18, 2026Kia Cars To Get Costlier From July 1: Prices Up By Up To 2%Come July 1, 2026, all Kia cars sold in India will become dearer by up to 2 per cent.1 min read
Preetam Bora | Jun 15, 20262026 Yezdi Scrambler Review: The Update That Changes EverythingThe Yezdi Scrambler gets a comprehensive update with an updated engine, revised chassis, reduced weight and proper features list. Does it deliver? Here’s our take.10 mins read
Preetam Bora | Jun 10, 20262026 BMW F 450 GS Review: A True GS - But Should You Buy It?The GS badge on a BMW means something and always has. Can the new made-in-India BMW F 450 GS truly live up to that legacy? We spent a few days getting familiar with the F 450 GS to see if it’s worth a buy.12 mins read
Jaiveer Mehra | Jun 10, 20262026 Tata Altroz Long-Term Review: Initial Impressions After 45 DaysTata’s premium hatchback brings a lot to the table, but some rough edges are still apparent.4 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 9, 2026Renault Duster 1.0-Litre Turbo Review: Small Engine, More Than Enough PerformanceThe Renault Duster's TCe100 engine is the 1.0-litre turbo petrol that makes 99 bhp and 166 Nm of peak torque. And it only comes with a 6-speed manual.6 mins read
Seshan Vijayraghvan | Jun 8, 20262026 Tata Tiago EV Review: Small EV Gets Big ImprovementsThe 2026 Tata Tiago EV promises a sharper design, segment-first features at sub-Rs. 10 lakh price point, and better real-world range. But does it deliver?1 min read
















































































































