ISLAMABAD: Buying a brand-new car does not always guarantee that its paintwork and body panels are free from previous damage or repairs. Automotive experts advise Pakistani buyers to carefully inspect their vehicles before accepting delivery, as scratches, dents and repainting can occur during transportation or dealership handling.
A vehicle may leave the factory in excellent condition but sustain minor damage while being transported, loaded, unloaded or stored before reaching its first owner.
According to an automotive consumer guide published by PakWheels, such damage may sometimes be repaired before delivery, making it difficult for buyers to identify the problem through a routine visual inspection.
Why can a new car have paint or body repairs?
After leaving the assembly line, a new vehicle may pass through storage facilities, transportation carriers and dealership premises before reaching the customer.
During these stages, accidental scratches, dents or bumper damage can occur.
For example, a door may be scratched during handling, a bumper may be damaged during unloading or a body panel may require repairs following a minor transportation incident.
Although these situations do not affect every new vehicle, buyers should be aware that a car with very low mileage may still have undergone cosmetic repairs.
Professionally repainted panels can appear identical to the original factory finish, particularly under showroom lighting.
Why repainting matters for car resale in Pakistan
In Pakistan’s used-car market, original factory paint is often considered an important factor when assessing a vehicle’s condition and resale value.
Potential buyers frequently ask whether a vehicle is in its original paint or whether any body panels have been repainted.
Even when a repair has been carried out professionally, it may raise questions about the vehicle’s history and influence price negotiations.
A repainted panel does not necessarily indicate serious accidental damage. However, discovering undisclosed repairs after purchasing a new vehicle can create difficulties when selling it later.
What to inspect before accepting a new car
Buyers should examine the vehicle carefully before signing delivery documents or taking possession.
| Vehicle area | What to check |
|---|---|
| Paintwork | Scratches, colour differences, overspray and uneven finishing |
| Doors and fenders | Dents, inconsistent panel gaps and signs of repairs |
| Front and rear bumpers | Scratches, repainting and misalignment |
| Bonnet and boot | Uneven gaps, irregular fitting and paint differences |
| Body panels | Evidence of previous repairs or accidental damage |
Inspecting the vehicle in daylight can help identify paint inconsistencies that may not be visible under artificial showroom lighting.
Buyers should also compare adjoining panels for differences in colour, texture and finish.
However, a visual inspection may not reveal professionally completed repairs.
Can a professional inspection detect repainting?
A professional vehicle inspection can help identify signs of repainting, body repairs and previous accidental damage that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Inspection services may use paint-thickness measurements alongside visual examinations to assess the condition of exterior panels.
PakWheels currently advertises a new-car inspection service priced at Rs6,900, covering paint damage, exterior body condition and indications of accidental repairs.
Such inspections provide an additional assessment before delivery, although they cannot guarantee that every possible defect will be detected.
What should buyers do if damage is found?
If an inspection identifies suspicious paintwork, repaired panels or signs of damage, buyers should seek clarification from the dealership before completing the handover.
They can request written documentation of the findings and ask the dealership to explain whether any repairs were carried out before delivery.
Any concerns should ideally be resolved before signing the final acceptance documents.
Not every paint inconsistency indicates an accident, but understanding the vehicle’s condition can help buyers make an informed decision.
Why pre-delivery inspection is important
With new-car purchases representing a significant financial commitment, checking the vehicle before accepting delivery can help prevent disputes and unexpected resale concerns.
A new vehicle may be unregistered and have only a few kilometres on its odometer, yet still have sustained minor damage during transportation or handling.
Careful inspection, proper documentation and clarification of any defects can help Pakistani motorists protect their investment before driving their new car out of the showroom.