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Buying a used vehicle safely

Listings on Rathagaya are written by sellers. Rathagaya doesn't inspect vehicles or check documents, so these checks are yours to make. Most sellers are honest; these habits protect you from the few who aren't.

Before the viewing

  • Contact the seller through the listing. Be wary if they push you to another channel straight away.
  • Don't pay a deposit, “booking fee” or transport charge before you have seen the vehicle and its documents and taken reasonable steps to confirm the seller and the vehicle. Requests for early payment are the most common scam.
  • Ask for the registration number and the name of the registered owner.
  • Ask directly about accidents, flood damage, repairs and service history, and note the answers.

Inspect the vehicle yourself

  • Meet in daylight, in a public place or at the address shown on the documents. Bring someone with you.
  • Look for uneven panel gaps, paint differences, rust, water marks and warning lights.
  • Compare the odometer reading with the vehicle's wear and any service records.
  • Test drive on different roads, including braking from speed and a hill start.
  • Consider an independent inspection by a mechanic you choose, not one the seller recommends.

Compare the registration details with the vehicle

  • Check that the chassis and engine numbers on the vehicle match the registration certificate (CR).
  • Check that the seller is the registered owner. If not, find out why before going any further.
  • If the CR shows a finance or leasing company as the absolute owner, the loan must be settled and a release letter obtained before ownership can be transferred.
  • Confirm registration and ownership details through the appropriate official channels, such as the Department of Motor Traffic. Rathagaya is not affiliated with the government and cannot confirm these for you.
  • See the document checklist for the papers to ask for.

Paying and transferring ownership

  • Pay only when the documents are in order and you are ready to complete the ownership transfer.
  • Prefer a traceable bank transfer to carrying large amounts of cash. Get a signed receipt.
  • Complete the transfer through the Department of Motor Traffic and keep copies of everything you sign.

Warning signs

  • A price far below similar vehicles, with pressure to decide quickly.
  • The seller is “abroad” or otherwise unavailable, and the vehicle will be “delivered” after payment.
  • Requests for OTP codes, card details or payment to someone other than the owner.
  • Documents that look altered, or a seller who won't show the originals.

If something feels wrong, stop and report the listing. If you have lost money, contact your bank and the police.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Procedures can change; check current requirements with the Department of Motor Traffic.