Pre-purchase car inspection in Dubai: what should be included in the report

VIN and documentation check

The VIN is checked on the body, plates and documents; the vehicle's origin, registration status and available history are reviewed. For imported cars, records of previous sales and damage are sought.

Documents must allow the vehicle to be legally purchased and exported. Discrepancies in data, an unclear owner, or encumbrances must be resolved before handing over any money.

Bodywork and signs of repairs

A paint thickness gauge helps detect repainted and filled areas, but a conclusion cannot be made from a single reading. The specialist evaluates panel gaps, fasteners, welds, sealant, structural elements and geometry.

A well-painted wing is not always a reason to reject a car. Far more important are the condition of struts, longitudinal members, the floor, safety systems, and the quality of any repairs performed.

Computer diagnostics

A scanner shows control unit faults, but a stored or transient error may have appeared after a weak battery or recent repair. Results are interpreted together with the vehicle's actual condition.

They check the operation of the engine, transmission, climate system, driver aids, multimedia, cameras and sensors. For modern premium cars, the cost of a single faulty system can be substantial.

Test drive and mechanical components

During the drive, they assess start-up, operating temperatures, gear changes, vibrations, braking, steering and suspension noise. If a test drive is not possible, this is noted as a limitation of the inspection.

Under the hood they look for leaks, signs of overheating, non-standard wiring repairs and discrepancies in markings. The condition of fluids and consumables helps assess maintenance quality, but does not replace a service history.

What the final report should look like

The report includes vehicle identification, photos of defects, diagnostic results, a list of findings ranked by importance and recommendations. The buyer should clearly understand what needs to be addressed immediately, what can be postponed, and approximate costs.

The phrase 'the car is good' is not a conclusion. If part of the inspection cannot be completed, the specialist must state this rather than create a false sense of security.