Checklists
Roadworthy and Pre-Purchase Used Car Checklist
By Sipho Dlamini · 6 min read · Updated 24 June 2026
- Roadworthy
- Needed when the new owner registers the car
- Verify
- VIN, engine and reg all match the papers
- Insurance link
- An unroadworthy car can void a claim
Before you buy a used car in South Africa, check the paperwork (registration, finance status, VIN match), the mechanical basics (tyres, brakes, lights, leaks) and the roadworthy status - because an unroadworthy car can void an insurance claim and cost you at registration. This checklist walks you through it step by step.
A roadworthy certificate is required when ownership changes and the buyer registers the vehicle. Beyond the certificate, your own inspection protects you from buying someone else's problem.
Work through every line before you pay, and walk away if something does not add up.
Paperwork checks
- Registration certificate matches the seller's ID
- VIN, engine number and reg on the car match the papers
- No outstanding finance (ask for a settlement letter if it was financed)
- Service history and previous owners
- The car is not flagged as stolen (a police clearance helps for peace of mind)
- Licence disc is current
Mismatched numbers or missing papers are red flags - do not pay until they are resolved.
Tyres, brakes and lights
- Tyre tread above the legal minimum, even wear, no cracks or bulges
- Spare tyre, jack and wheel spanner present
- Brakes feel firm, no pulling or grinding on a test drive
- All lights work: head, brake, indicators, hazards, reverse
- Wipers and washers work, windscreen has no major chips or cracks
These are core roadworthy items and the cheapest faults to use as bargaining points.
Engine, gearbox and underbody
- No oil, coolant or transmission fluid leaks under the car
- Engine starts cleanly, idles smoothly, no heavy smoke
- Gears change smoothly (manual and automatic)
- No warning lights stay on after start-up
- Exhaust is secure and not blowing
- Suspension feels stable, no knocking over bumps
If you are not confident, pay for an independent pre-purchase inspection - it is cheap insurance.
Body and interior
- Panel gaps even, paint consistent (mismatched panels can mean past accident repair)
- No rust on sills, doors or boot floor
- Seatbelts work and retract
- Aircon, electrics and infotainment work
- Odometer reading matches the service history (watch for tampering)
Uneven panels or fresh paint on one panel can hint at accident damage that was patched over.
The test drive
Drive it properly, not just around the block:
- On a quiet road, accelerate and brake firmly to feel the response.
- Listen for knocks, whines or vibrations at speed.
- Check the temperature gauge stays normal.
- Test the clutch bite point (manual) for excessive wear.
- Try the car cold if you can - some faults hide once warm.
Before you pay and insure
- Confirm the roadworthy and registration requirements for the change of ownership.
- Get a written voetstoots sale agreement and keep copies of both IDs.
- Arrange insurance to start the moment you take the car - never drive home uninsured.
- Make sure the seller submits the NaTIS Notification of Change of Ownership.
See our vehicle sale and ownership checklist for the handover paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to buy a used car?
A valid roadworthy certificate is generally required when ownership changes and you register the car in your name. Beyond that legal step, your own pre-purchase inspection protects you from buying a car with hidden faults the certificate does not catch.
Can I insure a car that is not roadworthy?
You may get cover, but driving an unroadworthy car is risky for claims - if an unroadworthy fault (bald tyres, faulty brakes) contributes to an accident, the insurer can reject the claim. Get the car roadworthy before relying on it.
How do I check a used car is not stolen?
Verify the VIN, engine number and registration all match the papers and the seller's ID, and consider a police clearance or a paid vehicle history check. Mismatched numbers, missing papers or a reluctant seller are warning signs to walk away.
Should I pay for an independent inspection?
If you are not mechanically confident, yes. An independent pre-purchase inspection by a workshop or a body like the AA costs a fraction of a hidden repair bill and gives you a clear report to negotiate with or to walk away on.
What does voetstoots mean when buying a car?
Voetstoots means you buy the car 'as is', accepting existing defects. It does not protect a seller who deliberately hides a known serious fault, but it does put the onus on you to inspect carefully before you pay.
What if the car is still on finance?
A financed car cannot be sold cleanly until the finance is settled, because the bank holds an interest in it. Ask for a settlement letter and, if needed, pay the bank directly so the vehicle can be cleared and transferred to you.
When should I arrange the insurance?
Before you drive the car away. Arrange cover to start the moment ownership and risk pass to you - many insurers issue same-day cover by phone or app. Driving home uninsured even once is a serious gamble.
