Professional buyer's checklist. Print and bring to every viewing.
Golden Rule
If anything feels wrong, walk away. There's always another car.
Before you even go see the car:
☐ Ask seller: "How many previous owners?" (1–2 owners = good)
☐ Ask: "Any accidents or flood damage?" (Watch for hesitation)
☐ Get the plate number → Check Paqar valuation (know market price)
☐ Ask for photos of interior, engine bay, undercarriage
☐ If photos look sketchy → Don't waste time viewing
☐ Paint consistency: Run your hand over panels. Bumps = repainting (accident history?)
☐ Rust on body: Look under doors, wheel wells, around trunk
☐ Tire tread: Use a coin. If you can see the date, tires need replacing soon (RM400–600)
☐ Lights: Check all headlights, taillights, brake lights (test them)
☐ Windows: Do they all roll up/down smoothly?
☐ Dents/scratches: Take photos for negotiation
☐ Smell: Musty/moldy = flood damage (walk away)
☐ Upholstery: Tears, stains, odor. Cost to fix? (RM1000+)
☐ Dashboard: Cracks? UV fading is normal for age
☐ Steering wheel: Should feel solid, not loose
☐ Seats: Can you adjust all ways? Power seats work?
☐ Pedals: Check brake/clutch feel (not mushy)
☐ Floor mats: Wet? (sign of leak or spill)
☐ Oil dipstick: Should be brown, not black or foamy (foamy = water in engine)
☐ Coolant color: Should be pink/green, not rusty brown
☐ Battery: Is it original? Corroded terminals?
☐ Belts/hoses: Any visible cracks?
☐ Rust spots: Slight surface rust OK. Heavy rust = neglect
☐ Oil leaks: Look for drips. A small spot is normal; puddles = bad
☐ Radio/stereo: Does it work? (Replacement costs RM300–1000)
☐ Air con: Does it blow cold? (Recharge: RM150–250)
☐ Power windows: All 4 windows work?
☐ Power locks: All doors lock/unlock?
☐ Wipers: Do they spray water? Blades good?
☐ Dashboard lights: Check ABS, engine, airbag lights (should be off)
☐ Start cold: Engine should fire up immediately, no rough idle
☐ Transmission: Smooth gear changes (no clunking for automatics)
☐ Steering: Shouldn't vibrate at highway speed. Check alignment (pulls left/right?)
☐ Brakes: Progressive braking, no squeaks or grinding
☐ Acceleration: Smooth, no hesitation. Check engine on hills (shouldn't struggle)
☐ Suspension: No clunking over bumps. Ride should be smooth
☐ Listen for noises: Ticking, grinding, knocking = issues
☐ Ask seller if you can look under car
☐ Check bolts: Rusted bolts on young cars = flood or neglect
☐ Look for mud/dirt buildup (normal) vs. rust (bad)
☐ Check exhaust pipe: Should be intact, not dragging
☐ If interested, order JomCheck inspection (RM99–150, 1 hour)
☐ Wait for JomCheck report before negotiating
☐ Use Paqar valuation + JomCheck results to negotiate
☐ Don't decide emotionally. Sleep on it. Walk away if unsure.
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