Owning a car in a city like Pune becomes necessary to get around amid traffic. Buying a brand-new car can be pricey. On the other hand, a used car in Pune is a wise and budget-friendly choice. This is when buying a used car makes sense. People in Pune have learned throughout the years that used cars may be a great deal and are also reliable and affordable. Although issues regarding car condition and documentation may emerge as big issues. A reputable online platform like HaloTrades has made the process more clear and accessible, allowing customers to find decent cars with ease.

This complete guide will give you a step-by-step checklist to help you buy with confidence and knowledge. 

Why It’s Smart to Buy a Used Car in Pune

Because Pune’s population is growing and traffic is getting worse, there is a growing need for used cars. A lot of individuals choose to buy used cars since they are budget-friendly, lose value more slowly, and have lower insurance expenses. A used car in Pune might be a great investment if you’re buying your first car or looking for a car that won’t break the bank.

Step-By-Step Guide to Buying a Used Car in Pune

Here’s a guide on what you should verify before you pay, from the first time you see a used car to the last handshake.

The First Look: More Than Just a Pretty Face

First impressions are important, but a quick look isn’t enough. Take a good look in the daylight. What to look for:

• Look for rust, dents, scratches, or other evidence of wear and tear, especially on the lower body panels and around the wheel arches.
• Check the spaces between the doors, fenders, and the hood. They should all be the same.
• Look for uneven wear and check the depth of the tire tread. If tires are wearing unevenly, it could be because of alignment problems, suspension problems, or bad maintenance.
• Check that all headlights, taillights, turn signals, and fog lights are working. Look for cracks or chips in the windshield, glass, and mirrors.

A Look at the Car’s History: The Interior Inspection

You may learn a lot about how well a used car was cared for by looking inside.

• Check the seats and upholstery for rips, tears, or stains. Make sure the seats move easily.
• Put the key in the “on” position, but don’t start the engine. All of the warning lights should turn on and then off after a few seconds. If any warning lights stay on, there is an issue.
• Tampering with the odometer is a prevalent crime. Look at the car’s service history and compare the mileage to the state of the inside. 

Also read: Used cars in Mumbai: What Buyers really want in 2025

The Heart of the Car: Under the Hood

This is a really important phase, and if you’re not a mechanic, it’s best to have one do it for you.

• The engine bay should be fairly clean, but if the engine seems too clean, it could be an attempt to cover a leak.
• Look at the color and level of the engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid. Fluids that are low or unclean can mean that someone hasn’t taken care of them.
• Check all of the belts and hoses for cracks, fraying, or other signs of wear.
• Check the battery terminals for rust. A new battery in a used car might be a good sign, but it could also imply that the car had trouble starting.

The Test Drive: The Best Way to Check Performance

You should never buy a used car without taking it for a long test drive. This is your chance to see how the car drives.

• Start the car when the engine is cold and pay attention to any strange sounds. The engine should run smoothly when it’s not running.
• Check to see if the brakes work and listen for any grinding or squeaking sounds.
• The gear shifts should be smooth, with no jerking or slipping, whether the car is manual or automatic.
• To test the suspension, drive the car over various bumps and rough spots.

The Paperwork: The Story of the Car’s Life

The deal is only good if the paperwork is in place, even if the car looks and feels great. A lot of people in Pune are ripped off here.

• Make sure the RC’s chassis and engine numbers are the same as those on the car. Look at the history of ownership and make sure the vendor is the legal owner.
• You must have a valid insurance policy. Look at the policy’s details, such as the expiration date and the car’s history of claims.
• A thorough service history book is worth its weight in gold. It helps you check the odometer reading and tells if the car has been well taken care of.
• If you bought the car with a loan, be sure the seller has an NOC from the bank that says the loan has been paid off in full.
• In India, it is required to have a valid PUC certificate.

Wrapping up

Checking all these things can be difficult. And buying a used car in Pune is not easy. Therefore, HaloTrades brings a platform for you that makes these things easy for you. Our platform provides the required detail of each listed and verified car. We ensure genuine sellers and make your deal fair and profitable. We also guide you in the documentation process. Lock your deal directly with sellers only through our platform. With the help of our platform, you can feel confident in buying a used car in Pune. If you want to know more about HaloTrades and listed cars, visit our website or directly contact us. Our support team always guides you the best. 

Also read: How Halo Trades Is Changing the Way India Buys Cars

FAQs

Q:1 When buying a secondhand car, what is the most crucial document to look at?

The Registration Certificate (RC) is the most crucial document. You need to make sure that the chassis and engine numbers match the car’s and that the vendor is the registered owner.

Q:2 How do I find out about a secondhand car’s service and accident history?

You may look up a car’s service history in its service book and its claim history in its insurance policy documents or the Insurance Information Bureau (IIB).

Q:3 Should I have a mechanic look at the car?

Yes, it is strongly suggested to have a skilled technician do a thorough inspection to find any hidden mechanical problems.

Q:4 What are some common warning signs to look out for when you take a test drive?

Be on the lookout for strange noises, a steering wheel that pulls to one side, or abrupt gear shifts during a test drive. These could be signs of major problems.