Buying a used car means checking three different things: the vehicle’s identity, its observable condition and whether its history, price and advertised use make sense together.
Before the appointment
Ask for the VIN, mileage, first-registration date, available maintenance invoices and the advert. Compare trim, engine, fuel, equipment and mileage. Ask specific questions about the reason for sale, recent work and known defects.
Documents
In Belgium, the Car-Pass is a central document when a used car or van is sold. Also check the registration certificate, certificate of conformity, applicable technical-inspection documents and maintenance records.
A consistent file does not describe the entire current condition. Always compare the documents with the actual vehicle.
Exterior and interior
View the car in daylight on level ground. Look for colour differences, uneven panel gaps, previous repairs, tyre wear, corrosion and visible leaks. Test climate control, windows, lighting, screens, parking aids and seat controls.
Start and road test
Start the engine cold where possible. Watch for warning lights, noises, smoke and vibration. Check braking, steering, gearbox, clutch and behaviour on different surfaces. Record any limit such as a short route or inaccessible area.
After the visit
Sort findings into normal maintenance, near-term expense and issues that challenge the purchase. Estimate realistic repair costs before negotiating.
An independent inspection is particularly useful when the financial stake is high, the history is incomplete, the vehicle is complex or you cannot attend. It does not predict the future, but it turns more signals into documented facts.