Купівля авто — серйозне рішення, яке вимагає не лише емоційного, а й раціонального підходу. Щоб не натрапити на приховані дефекти або юридичні проблеми, потрібно знати, як перевірити авто перед покупкою. Цей покроковий гід допоможе Вам уникнути помилок, оцінити стан машини, її історію та документи — від VIN-коду до сервісної книжки.
Buying a car is an important decision that requires not only emotion but also rational thinking. To avoid hidden defects or legal issues, it’s essential to know how to check a car before buying. This step-by-step guide will help you avoid mistakes, assess the car’s condition, history, and documentation — from the VIN code to the service book.
After completing the inspection, you’ll be able to confidently decide whether to buy the car, apply for car leasing, or choose a profitable long-term car rental.
Before signing a deal, it’s crucial to carry out a comprehensive car inspection. The key stages include:
Checking documents — registration, service history, and technical passport.
Analyzing the VIN code — this provides complete information about the car’s history, mileage, and possible accidents.
Visual inspection of the body and interior — to detect repainting, corrosion, or interior wear.
Diagnostics of the battery, suspension, and engine.
Test drive — to evaluate how the car accelerates, brakes, and handles.
If you don’t have sufficient experience, hire a car expert — it’s a small investment that can save you thousands of hryvnias.
The first step is document verification. The owner must provide:
a technical passport;
a sales contract or power of attorney;
license plate documents;
a service book.
Make sure the VIN number in the technical passport matches the number on the vehicle’s body. Next, you should check the ownership rights — whether the car is under lien, wanted, or under arrest. This can be done through official databases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) and court registries.
A vehicle identification number (VIN) contains detailed information about a car’s history and specifications. To understand how to check a car by VIN code, use official services such as carVertical, AutoCheck, or government databases.
A VIN check allows you to find out:
year and country of manufacture;
technical specifications;
number of previous owners;
history of accidents;
mileage and maintenance records.
The question of how to check car mileage remains one of the most common among buyers. Odometer fraud — or “mileage rollback” — is one of the biggest risks in the used car market.
There are several ways to check the mileage:
through an official VIN report;
by reviewing the service history;
via dealership databases;
visually — by inspecting the wear on the steering wheel, pedals, and seats.
You can also check car mileage by VIN code for free using government platforms. Real data will help you avoid overpaying and evaluate the car’s remaining lifespan.
Before buying, make sure the car is not under arrest or pledged as collateral. You can verify this through online databases such as the MIA registry, the Register of Movable Property Encumbrances, and the Register of Enforcement Proceedings.
It’s also important to know how to check a car for fines — you can do this through MIA services or the “Diia” app. If the car has outstanding fines, you may inherit these obligations after purchase.
Before finalizing the deal, make sure to conduct a vehicle inspection before purchase. Key aspects to pay attention to:
body condition (paintwork, corrosion, signs of repair);
engine performance (starting, noise, fluid leaks);
suspension and shock absorbers;
condition of brakes, tires, and battery;
functionality of all electronic systems.
If you have doubts, order an independent vehicle diagnostics — it will help identify hidden issues before signing the contract.
Service history verification is another crucial step. By using the VIN code or the service book, you can see whether the car underwent scheduled maintenance, which parts were replaced, and when the technical passport was last updated.
To find out how to check a car for accidents, use insurance databases or international vehicle history catalogs. These resources provide details on damage dates, severity, and repair work.
2025 is a year when attentiveness in car purchases matters more than ever. Now you know how to check a car before buying properly — without overpaying or taking unnecessary risks.
AVIS Leasing offers verified vehicles, transparent histories, and flexible programs — from post-leasing car sales to professional maintenance.
Yes, using online platforms and databases such as MIA or VIN-report services.
Verify customs clearance, the original VAT declaration, and request a report from European VIN databases.
Inspect the terminals, check the production date and electrolyte level, and test the charge with a voltmeter.
Through the Unified Register of Debtors, the Register of Movable Property Encumbrances, or the MIA website.
During a test drive, pay attention to smoke, noise, and vibrations.
