Used Car Checklist Saudi Arabia Documents, Inspection, and Safe Payment

Buying a second hand car in the Kingdom can be a great deal, but only if you do it the right way. This used car checklist for Saudi Arabia walks you through the exact documents to confirm, what to inspect, and how to handle payment safely before the ownership transfer.

Saudi used car deals move fast, and pressure tactics are common. A simple checklist helps you avoid scams, hidden accidents, and paperwork problems that can follow you later.

Documents to Verify Before You Agree to Buy

Before you talk price, make sure the paperwork is clean. In Saudi Arabia, missing or mismatched documents can stop the transfer completely.

Check the Istimara (Vehicle Registration)

• Ask to see the original Istimara and confirm
• The plate number matches the car
• The owner name matches the seller’s ID
• The registration is valid, not expired
• The vehicle is not flagged for legal or financial issues
• Confirm the Seller Has Absher Access

Ownership transfer for private vehicle sales is done through Absher. Both buyer and seller must have active Absher accounts to complete it smoothly.

Absher’s official vehicle sale service is the legal path for transferring ownership once both sides agree on the price.

Check Insurance Status

It’s smart to confirm whether the car currently has active insurance, because the buyer will need coverage immediately after transfer.

If the seller claims the car is insured, ask for proof, but plan to arrange your own policy right after purchase.

Vehicle History Checks That Matter in Saudi Arabia

A clean looking car can still hide serious accident repairs. Always check history, not just appearance.

• Accident Reports and Najm Records
• Najm is Saudi Arabia’s centralized accident reporting system used for insurance linked accident documentation.
• If a car has been in a reported crash, Najm history may help explain repairs or future insurance issues.

Learn more about how Najm accident reporting works here Najm accident reporting

Ownership and Record Red Flags

Be careful if

• The seller avoids sharing vehicle history
• The mileage looks too low for the model year
• The car has repeated repainting or mismatched panels
• The seller pushes for quick cash without transfer steps

If you want a deeper breakdown of accident history checks, KSA Buddy has a useful guide for buyers on this topic. You can start with this practical accident record walkthrough on our site vehicle accident report guide

Inspection Checklist Before You Pay Anything

Never skip inspection. Photos and quick test drives are not enough in Saudi conditions.

Exterior and Body Inspection

Walk around slowly and check

• Uneven paint or overspray
• Gaps between doors and panels
• Signs of major repairs under the hood
• Tires with uneven wear (alignment issues)
• Engine and Mechanical Basics

Even if you are not a car expert, listen and look for

• Rough idling or shaking
• Oil leaks under the car
• Smoke from the exhaust
• Weak air conditioning (critical in Saudi summers)

Professional Inspection Is Worth It

Many buyers in KSA book a full inspection at a certified center or trusted mechanic before completing the deal. This is one of the best ways to avoid expensive surprises.

Safe Payment Rules in Saudi Used Car Deals

Payment is where most buyers get trapped. Keep it simple and safe.

• Do Not Pay the Full Amount Before Absher Transfer Starts
• A common best practice in Saudi Arabia is to avoid handing over full cash before the official transfer is in progress.
• Absher’s service confirms the sale digitally, and both sides must approve the transaction before ownership changes.
• Use Bank Transfer or Traceable Payment Methods

If possible, pay through:

• Bank transfer
• Certified payment methods
• SADAD linked payment inside the process
• Avoid large cash handovers in parking lots or informal locations.
• Complete the Transfer Through Absher Step by Step

This is the legal finish line. Once the transfer is complete, the car is officially yours.

How the Absher Vehicle Sale Works

• The seller initiates the sale request
• The buyer reviews the vehicle details and price
• Both sides confirm inside Absher
• Payment and transfer are processed digitally
• The ownership changes once approved

Absher describes this as a service to buy or sell a vehicle after viewing and examining it, with mutual consent on the sale price.

Final Checklist Before You Drive Away

Before you take the keys, confirm:

• Istimara matches the vehicle and owner
• No unresolved accident or repair concerns
• Mechanical inspection is complete
• Payment is traceable and timed with transfer
• Absher ownership transfer is fully approved
• Insurance is ready for the new owner

Doing these steps takes a bit longer, but it protects you from the biggest used car mistakes in Saudi Arabia.