Our 100-point inspection — what it actually checks (and what most don't)

Every used-car dealer in Pakistan claims "fully inspected." Almost none publish what that means. Here is our 100-point inspection list, grouped into the seven categories our head mechanic runs through before a car gets a price tag.

Category 1 — Engine bay (22 points)

Compression test across all cylinders. Leak-down test on cylinders below average. Oil sample (look for metal flake). Coolant condition + pH test. Spark plug colour read. Belt tension + crack inspection. Hose condition pressed by hand. Engine mounts visual + push test. Fuel pressure at idle + 3,000 rpm. Throttle body cleanliness. PCV valve test. Air filter condition. Battery terminal corrosion. Alternator output (13.8–14.4V loaded). Starter draw test. Oil leak survey (top + bottom). Coolant leak survey. Power steering fluid + leak. Brake reservoir level + colour. Clutch reservoir (if MT). Engine ECU OBD-II scan (all live + pending codes). Bonnet hinge + latch.

Category 2 — Transmission + driveline (10 points)

Auto trans fluid condition (colour + smell). CVT shudder test brake-stand. Manual clutch bite point + slip test. Gear shift smoothness all gears. Differential noise on coast. CV joint click test on full lock. Transmission mount inspection. Driveshaft balance vibration check above 80 km/h. Park-pawl test on incline. Reverse engagement delay test.

Category 3 — Brakes + suspension (14 points)

Pad thickness all 4 corners. Disc thickness + scoring. Brake fluid condition + moisture %. Handbrake travel + lock. ABS pump test (where fitted). Strut top mount push test. Shock absorber bounce test. Anti-roll bar link rattle. Lower control arm bush condition. Steering rack play. Tie rod end play. Wheel bearing rotational noise. Spring height + sag comparison side-to-side. Brake pedal firmness.

Category 4 — Electrical (16 points)

Headlight high + low beam. Indicators all 4 corners + side repeaters. Hazard lights. Reverse lights. Brake lights. Number plate light. Interior dome. Door courtesy lights. All window switches up + down + auto. Central locking from key + button + door. Mirrors fold + adjust. Sunroof (if fitted). Wiper sweep + washer jet. AC compressor engage + vent temperature (cold + hot side). Infotainment unit power on + Bluetooth pair. Reverse camera image.

Category 5 — Body + paint (12 points)

Paint thickness gauge every panel (factory is 100–150 µm; anything above 200 µm is post-paint). Panel gap measurement door + bonnet + boot. Welding seam inspection in engine bay corners. Door hinge play + alignment. Window seal rubber condition. Bonnet rubber condition. Boot rubber condition. Underbody rust survey. Wheel arch rust. Sill rust. Floor pan visual after lift. Fuel filler door alignment.

Category 6 — Interior (16 points)

Seat track travel both rails. Seat fabric condition (rip + stain). Headrest function. Seatbelt retract test + buckle latch all 4. Steering wheel play. Steering wheel button function. Dashboard cluster gauges all working. Trip computer + odometer reading verified against last year's challan. Glove box + centre console latch. Door panel rattle on close. Roof lining sag. Carpet condition + dampness check. Boot trim + spare wheel well. Spare wheel tyre pressure. Tool kit + jack present.

Category 7 — Documents + history (10 points)

Original registration book present. Engine number matches book. Chassis number matches book. Last 2 years' tax challan paid. Previous owner count noted. PakWheels accident history search. PMD stolen-vehicle database check. Excise & taxation outstanding dues check. Token tax up to date. Smart card / new registration condition.

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That's 100 points. Each gets a green / amber / red on a printed sheet, then a one-page summary at the top with our buy / pass / negotiate recommendation. If you buy from us, you get the sheet at delivery — keep it for the next sale.

If you're buying from someone else, we'll run this on your car. PKR 8,000, same day, in our Korangi yard.