Buying a car is a big investment — whether it’s a direct Belgium, used locally, or brand-new. Knowing how to inspect a car properly can save you from costly mistakes.
Use this simple guide to confidently check any car before paying.
✅ 1. Start With the Exterior (Body Inspection)
✔️ Check the paint
- Look for color differences on different panels.
- Check for overspray (paint on glass/rubber edges).
- Uneven paint often means the car has been repainted after an accident.
✔️ Look for body gaps
Open and close:
- doors
- bonnet
- boot
Uneven spacing means the car was possibly hit and repaired.
✔️ Check the bumpers
Push lightly on the bumpers — if they feel too loose or shaky, they may have been removed for repairs.
✅ 2. Inspect the Tires Properly
Tires give clues about how the car was used.
✔️ What to look for:
- Even wear = good alignment
- Four matching tires = proper maintenance
- Excessively worn edges = bad suspension or alignment
- Cracks = old tires
Uneven tires often mean the car has alignment issues.
✅ 3. Check Under the Car (Very Important)
Get down and look underneath:
Look out for:
- Fresh black undercoat (might hide rust or welding)
- Visible welds (sign of accident repair)
- Oil dripping under the engine
- Leaking gearbox
If the underbody looks too clean or freshly sprayed, be careful.
✅ 4. Inspect the Engine Bay
You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot problems.
✔️ Look for:
- Light dust (normal for imported cars)
- Factory stickers
- No oil leaks
- No burnt wires
Avoid:
- Engines that look “too shiny” (may hide leaks)
- Fresh sealants around engine covers
- Smoke from exhaust (especially blue or black)
✅ 5. Check the Interior
A car’s interior tells the truth.
Check:
- Seat condition (cracks = heavy usage)
- Steering wear
- Buttons and knobs (should not be faded)
- Ceiling lining (should not sag)
- Seat belts (original Belgium cars usually have clean belts)
If the interior looks older than the mileage, the odometer has likely been reduced.
✅ 6. Inspect the Electronics
Turn on the car and test everything:
- AC
- Radio
- Dash lights
- Indicators
- Power windows
- Wipers
- Central lock
- Reverse camera (if present)
- Headlights/high beam
Everything should work smoothly.
✅ 7. Start the Engine and Listen
A healthy engine:
- Starts immediately
- Idles smoothly
- Has no vibration
- Makes no knocking or rattling
Red flags:
- Delayed start
- Rough idle
- Strange noises
- Warning lights on the dashboard (ABS, Airbag, Check Engine)
Dashboard lights should all come on and then go off — if some don’t come on, they may have been disconnected.
✅ 8. Test Drive the Car
This is the most important part of inspection.
During the test drive, check:
- How it accelerates
- Gear changes (should be smooth)
- Brake response
- Steering alignment
- Suspension noise
- AC cooling while driving
Pay attention to:
- Car pulling left or right
- Jerking during gear shifts (bad gearbox)
- Excessive vibration at speed
- Clicking sounds when turning (bad shafts)
✅ 9. Check All Documents Carefully
Before making any payment, confirm:
✔️ Necessary documents include:
- Vehicle papers
- Custom papers (for foreign cars)
- Vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Plate number verification (if used locally)
- Engine number & chassis number match the documents
If the seller cannot produce papers, walk away.
✅ 10. Bring a Trusted Mechanic or Inspector
Even if you know cars, an expert sees what you might miss.
A professional inspection helps verify:
- Engine health
- Gearbox condition
- Suspension
- Accident repairs
- Mileage authenticity
The small inspection fee can save you hundreds of thousands.
🚦 Simple Summary for Quick Checking
Before Paying:
- Check body & paint
- Check tires
- Inspect underbody
- Inspect engine
- Check interior
- Test electronics
- Start engine
- Test drive
- Verify documents
- Call a mechanic
⭐ Final Advice
Never rush when buying a car.
A clean car will always show you it’s clean. A bad one will show signs — if you look well.