What to check on a used car before you buy it
A used car can be an excellent purchase or a costly trap. The difference is what you check before handing over the money.
Updated: June 2026
1. The documents — the first step, online or in person
What must be in order:
- The registration certificate (talon) — verify that the VIN on the certificate matches the one on the chassis and on the car's engine.
- The vehicle identity card (CIV) — if it exists; it's not mandatory on the road, but it proves the history of owners.
- Valid ITP — check the expiry date. An expired ITP means the car hasn't passed a technical inspection recently.
- Current RCA — you can't legally drive without RCA.
- Service history — if available, check that services were done according to the intervals.
⚠️ If the VIN on the certificate doesn't match the one on the chassis or engine, stop. It could be a car with a tampered identity.
2. Online checks by plate number and VIN
Before you go see the car, check it online. Don't travel if it doesn't come up clean.
- ITP, RCA, Rovinieta — by license plate number, instantly. You can do this directly in AutoMeu: enter the number and see the status of all three.
- VIN (chassis number) — ask the seller for it before the visit. Through the VIN you can check:
- The mileage history at technical inspections (you can compare it with the current odometer).
- Cars reported as stolen (INTERPOL / national databases).
- Accidents reported to insurers.
- The number of previous owners.
💡 Mileage from previous ITP inspections is public and hard to fake. If the last recorded inspection shows 140,000 km, but the odometer now shows 100,000 km — someone has rolled back the clock.
3. The physical inspection — what to look for
Bodywork
- Uneven gaps between panels (door/fender/hood) — a sign of an accident and repair.
- Color differences between panels — partial repainting after an accident.
- Rust under the sills (the panels beneath the doors), on the floor (below), in the trunk — especially on the lower body.
- Signs of filler/putty under the paint — best checked with a paint thickness gauge; a weak magnet can give a quick clue, but it won't detect repainted areas without filler.
Engine bay
- Traces of oil or coolant on the ground or on the engine.
- Cracked hoses, rusted clamps.
- Fluid levels (oil, coolant, brake fluid) — the color and level say a lot.
- Oil color on the dipstick: opaque black on petrol engines is normal; on diesel go by the color limit. Milky (brownish-gray) = water in the oil = a serious problem.
Brakes and tires
- Tire tread depth — 1.6 mm legal minimum, 3+ mm in practice.
- Uneven tire wear → faulty geometry or suspension.
- Visible brake pad thickness through the wheel — if they're thin, factor it into the price.
4. Test drive — what to listen and feel for
- Braking: hard braking at 50–60 km/h — does the car pull to one side? Vibrations in the pedal?
- Steering: play in the steering wheel, noises when turning (wheel bearings).
- Gearbox: rough shifts, gears hard to engage, noises = wear or problems.
- Engine noises: knocking at idle, squeals, exhaust smoke (black = incomplete combustion, white = coolant burning in the combustion chamber).
- Air conditioning: starts quickly and cools/heats efficiently.
✅ Recommendation: take the car to a trusted service center for an independent check before signing. The cost of a diagnostic (100–200 lei) is small compared to the surprises that follow.
Check ITP, RCA and Rovinieta by plate number
Enter the license plate number and instantly know whether the car has valid ITP, current RCA and a valid Rovinieta. Free, no account needed.
Frequently asked questions
What documents do I check on a used car?
The registration certificate, CIV if it exists, valid ITP, current RCA and the service history. Check that the VIN on the certificate matches the one on the chassis.
How do I check ITP, RCA and Rovinieta online?
In AutoMeu you enter the license plate number and instantly check all three. The data comes from official sources.
What does VIN mean and why does it matter?
VIN = the chassis number, unique per vehicle. Through the VIN you check the mileage history at inspections, reported accidents and whether the car was stolen.
Should I go to a service center before buying?
Recommended — an independent diagnostic (100–200 lei) can uncover hidden defects the naked eye won't catch. It's worth the investment.