A practical 25-point checklist you can run yourself in 20 minutes at the seller's doorstep — documents, body, engine, interior and test drive — plus the five checks that only a professional can do.
You found the car on OLX or PakWheels, the photos look great and the seller says "just come and see". Here is what to check in the first 20 minutes so you do not waste a trip — and so you know when it is worth calling a professional inspector before paying.
Documents (5 checks)
- Registration book or smart card in the seller's name — or a clear chain of open letters.
- CNIC copy of the owner matches the book.
- Chassis number on the VIN plate, the body stamping and the book all match.
- Engine number matches the book (look under the bonnet with a torch).
- Token tax paid, no outstanding e-challans (check the Punjab Excise portal).
Body and paint (7 checks)
- Walk around in daylight: colour shade differences between panels.
- Panel gaps equal on both sides (bonnet, doors, boot).
- Bolt heads on fenders and bonnet — untouched paint means never removed.
- Rubber seals and windscreen edges — glue marks mean replacement.
- Open the boot and lift the carpet — wrinkles or fresh sealer mean a rear hit.
- Under the bonnet: core support beam welds and paint.
- Tyres — all four the same brand and wear pattern; uneven wear means alignment or frame issues.
Engine and mechanical (6 checks)
- Cold start — the engine must be cold when you arrive. Blue smoke = oil burning, white smoke after warm-up = head gasket.
- Oil cap and dipstick — milky oil is a serious warning.
- Coolant colour and level; stains under the car.
- Belts, hoses and battery terminals.
- Idle steady, no ticking, knocking or rattling.
- Automatic / CVT: engage D and R — any delay, jerk or whine is a gearbox flag.
Interior and electronics (4 checks)
- All warning lights come on with the key and go off after start (airbag light especially).
- AC cools within two minutes; no smell from the vents.
- Windows, mirrors, central locking, cameras, sensors.
- Seat and pedal wear versus the odometer reading.
Test drive (3 checks)
- Steering centred, no pulling on a straight road.
- Brakes straight, no judder; ABS activation on hard braking.
- Suspension noise over speed-breakers; no vibration at 80–100 km/h.
What you cannot check yourself
Five things need equipment and experience: paint depth measurement, chassis rail and pillar weld inspection, hybrid battery health, OBD diagnostics and gearbox behaviour under load. That is what a Toyota Walton Motors certified inspector adds — with photos and a QR-verified report you can show the seller. If the car passes your 25 points, that is the moment to book the professional inspection before paying the token.