10 Warning Signs to Check Before Buying a Used Car in India

Buying a used car in India can save you money, but it’s not without risks. A car’s service history is its lifeline—it reveals how well it was maintained, whether it survived accidents, and if it’s safe for India’s bumpy roads and chaotic traffic. Ignore these details, and you could end up with a car that drains your savings or puts your safety in danger.

Here are 10 critical red flags to spot in a vehicle’s service history. Identifying these could save you from costly mistakes or even life-threatening risks.

1. Gaps in Service Records

A car that has skipped regular oil changes, brake inspections, or tire rotations is, almost certainly, a recipe for disaster. Missing service history entries mean the owner, at the bare minimum, neglected basic maintenance.
What to Do: Always check out vehicle history reports and ensure servicing dates match up. If the records are incomplete, assume the worst and avoid the car.

2. Repeated Major Repairs

One engine repair might be bad luck, but two or three signal chronic issues. Frequent transmission fixes or suspension overhauls mean the car is unreliable.
What to Do: Use a vehicle history search to look for recurring repairs. Steer clear of cars with a pattern of breakdowns.

3. Undisclosed Accident Damage

A car might look flawless, but hidden damage from past accidents can weaken its frame. On highways like Mumbai-Pune or Delhi-Jaipur, this could be deadly during sudden stops.
What to Do: Get vehicle history reports to uncover accident records. Ask for repair bills from certified garages.

Check: How to Check Traffic Challan Status Online in 2 Minutes

4. Odometer Fraud (Tampered Kilometres)

A car showing 40,000 km on the odometer might have actually run 1,00,000 km. Odometer scams are rampant in markets like Delhi’s Karol Bagh or Chennai hubs.
What to Do: Compare the odometer with past service records. A vehicle history check can expose mismatched readings.

5. Salvage Title (Declared “Total Loss”)

A salvage title means the car was once deemed beyond repair—often after floods in Kerala or major crashes. These cars are cheap but unsafe.
What to Do: Confirm the title status via a vehicle history search. If it’s marked “salvage” or “rebuilt,” avoid it.

6. Ignored Safety Recalls

Brands like Maruti, Hyundai, or Tata issue recalls for critical flaws (e.g., faulty airbags, fuel leaks). If the owner skipped these updates, you’re at risk.
What to Do: Check the service history for recall repairs. Verify open recalls on the manufacturer’s India website.

7. Too Many Owners in a Short Time

A car that changed hands 3-4 times in 2 years likely has hidden issues. Owners often sell quickly to avoid repair costs.
What to Do: Review ownership timelines in the vehicle history report. High turnover? Proceed with caution.

8. Irregular Oil Changes

Skipping oil changes leads to sludge buildup and engine damage. In India’s stop-and-go traffic, this can cause sudden breakdowns.
What to Do: Look for consistent 6-12 month oil change entries in the service history. Missing records? Assume engine wear.

9. Unapproved Modifications

Aftermarket CNG kits, lifted suspensions, or engine tweaks might save money but can void warranties and cause accidents.
What to Do: Ask for RTO approval papers for modifications. Use a vehicle history check to confirm compliance.

10. Failed Pollution or Fitness Tests

A car that failed its PUC (Pollution Under Control) test or RTO fitness check likely has engine issues or hidden rust.
What to Do: Search vehicle history for RTO test results. No valid PUC? Negotiate hard or walk away.

How to Check Vehicle History in India

1. VAHAN Portal: Enter the car’s registration number on the government’s VAHAN site to check ownership, fines, and tax status.
2. Insurance Claims: Ask for previous insurance details to spot major repairs or flood damage.
3. Trusted Platforms: Use CarInfo, Spinny, or Mahindra First Choice for certified used cars with verified service history.
4. Mechanic Inspection: Spend ₹1,000-2,000 for a thorough check at a local garage (e.g., brake pads, suspension, electrical systems).

Why This Matters for Indian Buyers

India’s roads are unforgiving—potholes, monsoons, and traffic jams demand a reliable car. A vehicle history check costs less than ₹500 but can save you lakhs in repairs. For example:

• A car from flood-prone Kerala might have rusted wiring.
• A Delhi-registered SUV with a “clean” title could have a tampered odometer.

Final Checklist Before Buying

• ✅ Check vehicle history online using the VIN.
• ✅ Get service history receipts and match them with the seller’s claims.
• ✅ Test-drive on highways and crowded streets to spot issues.
• ✅ Verify RTO papers, insurance, and PUC certificate.