The used-car buyer is a data-driven one now, informed by more than just age, mileage, looks and the asking price. With increasing availability of information about vehicle records and documents available online, buyers are now beginning to ask more questions before purchase.

And this shift in priorities is set to make the used-car market more data-driven - with online checks and balances becoming more common, before arriving at an actual purchase.

Mileage and Looks Aren't Enough

A test drive and examination of the vehicle is, of course, still important. But what else can be done to ensure that the car's history, and the documents related to it, are clean? Beyond the basic checks during the test drive, buyers can check details like registration information, ownership, insurance, PUC validity, FASTag details, and challan checks.

All of these are details that could potentially impact the purchase decision, beyond the initial evaluation of the car's exterior, interior and general condition.

And the increasing interest in collating this information has also begun to surface in forums. "Looking for some app that can provide me with RC, insurance, PUC and challan details?" asks a Themler user, seeking to consolidate the information.

Does the Potential Car Have any Pending Traffic Challans?

One of the most important details to check before buying a pre-owned vehicle is pending traffic challans. And a challan check is, indeed, something that can be done online. A challan check app can make life easier when the buyer is already looking at other digital options to check a car's information. Pending challans have also been a matter of concern post-purchase. MyMotor's Substack piece, "No One Tells You an e-Challan Exists till It's Too Late" speaks about the various ways in which drivers could miss out on e-challans, and also why regularly checking for them is a good idea. But here's the thing: While a challan check can be part of the due diligence process before a car purchase, it isn't a substitute for a complete vehicle history report.

The New Way of Getting Information Makes Checking Easier

The larger trend, though, is one of collating multiple points before making the actual purchase. Instead of relying on the information that the previous owner may have provided, buyers are turning to online sources to verify the details and documents. And this desire for convenience is one of the reasons why automotive forums buzz with suggestions around apps that can check a vehicle's information without the buyer having to jump from one link to another.

MyMotor, for instance, collates several such utilities, from vehicle and RTO information, challan check, document-related services, and more. This could be convenient for anyone looking to consolidate multiple basic checks before making a major purchase.

A digital platform can't be a substitute for verifying original documents and inspecting the vehicle. But as far as collating information is concerned, it certainly makes the process easier. Especially if the potential buyer wants to consolidate multiple basic checks before actually purchasing the car.

What About Used EVs?

The same trend applies to the used electric vehicle buyer as well who has some extra questions to ask before going ahead with the purchase. In addition to checking the vehicle's documents and history, an EV buyer will want to get acquainted with the local EV charging ecosystem before going ahead and making the switch.

The EV charging platform could, therefore, also be an add-on to the regular vehicle history and documents check that any buyer will want to consider before purchase.

MyMotor, itself, goes beyond regular vehicle utilities to collate EV charging utilities as well, beyond the regular vehicle documents check.

 A Checklist Before Buying a Used Car

Before purchasing a used vehicle, then, buyers can check:

• Registration and vehicle details
• Ownership information, if available
• Insurance validity
• PUC status
• Pending challans
• FASTag information
• Vehicle documents
• Service and maintenance records
• For EVs: Nearby charging points and facilities

No single online search can be a substitute for a thorough inspection and document check, but online information can supplement the process. It ensures that no important point is missed out in the enthusiasm of purchasing a new car.

Looking Ahead

With increasing availability of information about vehicle history and documents, the used-car buyer is going to become more data-driven. The process, therefore, is going to become more about checking the details before purchase, inspecting what can be inspected, verifying what can be verified, and then going ahead with the purchase.

For the would-be buyer, then, it isn't about data for the sake of data. It's about asking the right questions before making the right decision.