How To Buy A Used Car In Sri Lanka

[BLL115]

@iRageThank you so much for spending your time to advise me. Highly appreciated. Could you please complete the last sentence:   "By properly, it means..."

[iRage]

On 1/30/2022 at 11:59 PM, BLL115 said:

Could you please complete the last sentence:   "By properly, it means..."

HA HA HA..I have no idea what I wanted to say...but if I was to say it now..it would be:

A proper fix means to have the required failed parts replaced with genuine parts. Sometimes, replacing one part requires looking in to other integrated parts as well and that too needs to be looked in to. There are plenty of repair jobs where they do something to turn off warning lights and get the car moving for a quick sale or as a temporary fix.

[BLL115]

😁..

Thanks again, for the suggestions, didn't know that warnings could be turned off..😶

In that case, with your experience, do you think a Scan report would reveal such issues?😥 

[iRage]

3 hours ago, BLL115 said:

😁..

Thanks again, for the suggestions, didn't know that warnings could be turned off..😶

In that case, with your experience, do you think a Scan report would reveal such issues?😥 

SOmetimes replacing just a small part (without actually fixing the issue) or by passing some of the sensors or resetting the ECU and clearing the error codes will clear out the warning indicators. Sometimes people literally put black insulation tape on the meters to cover up the light  Yes..we Sri Lanksn are so wonderful when it comes to cheating people.

Do a scan...the can might not show any error codes or at the very least show you when the error codes were reset if there were no error codes.

[BLL115]

On 2/1/2022 at 5:05 PM, iRage said:

 

Thank you for your valuable advice, and the credit given us Sri Lankans.. 😜 

[iRage]

15 hours ago, BLL115 said:

Thank you for your valuable advice, and the credit given us Sri Lankans.. 😜 

sad but true....we Sri Lankans turn in to different beasts when it comes to cars (let it be driving or trying to make a sale or taking care of one)  

[matroska]

4 hours ago, iRage said:

we Sri Lankans turn in to different beasts when it comes to cars

Talk about it! 

The Sri Lankan version of car ownership summarized:

1. Find the car that would make the neighbors' jealous, ticks all the boxes as per your drinking buddies and allows the wife to brag to her friends.

2. Pay unnecessarily high amount for afore mentioned car. But do NOT transfer it to your name. 

3. Find out the previous owner has sold you a lemon at the first service - hate the service guy for mentioning that the car has met with a massive accident never go to that service station again. 

4. Dress it up - but give zero sh*ts about it's drive train. Do the cheap stuff like waxing and washing so much so it looks like Cher with all the make up in the world.  Skip services, use the cheapest replacement parts but make sure you have a cover for your remote key so that it does not have a single scratch. Invest in the most nasally devastating air freshener. Keep rolling back your odo at each service. 

5. Brag about fuel figures - make your co workers jealous. Brag how you went from Malabe to Kataragama and your car did 34 KMPL over a bottle of Gal Arrack. Make sure your conversation precedes any discussions about Kusal Mendis's batting average. 

6. When the car starts giving the first signs of trouble - get it shown to a makabass ideally someone who is recommended by Roshan who is in the tuk-stand closest to your house. 

7. Ask the makabass to patch it up. No expensive fixes. 'Malli just make the error go away'. Malli will reset the errors. Patch up any existing issues. Thank god you did not transfer the car to your name. 

8. Do a nice wax up job - post an ad : tell them the previous owner is your brother in law and you never bothered to transfer. Wait for Jayantha who is a buy-and-sell-guy from Kohuwala to haggle for  a few hours and buy it from you and make the problem someone else's.

The process repeats. 

[PreseaLover]

16 minutes ago, matroska said:

Talk about it! 

The Sri Lankan version of car ownership summarized:

1. Find the car that would make the neighbors' jealous, ticks all the boxes as per your drinking buddies and allows the wife to brag to her friends.

2. Pay unnecessarily high amount for afore mentioned car. But do NOT transfer it to your name. 

3. Find out the previous owner has sold you a lemon at the first service - hate the service guy for mentioning that the car has met with a massive accident never go to that service station again. 

4. Dress it up - but give zero sh*ts about it's drive train. Do the cheap stuff like waxing and washing so much so it looks like Cher with all the make up in the world.  Skip services, use the cheapest replacement parts but make sure you have a cover for your remote key so that it does not have a single scratch. Invest in the most nasally devastating air freshener. Keep rolling back your odo at each service. 

5. Brag about fuel figures - make your co workers jealous. Brag how you went from Malabe to Kataragama and your car did 34 KMPL over a bottle of Gal Arrack. Make sure your conversation precedes any discussions about Kusal Mendis's batting average. 

6. When the car starts giving the first signs of trouble - get it shown to a makabass ideally someone who is recommended by Roshan who is in the tuk-stand closest to your house. 

7. Ask the makabass to patch it up. No expensive fixes. 'Malli just make the error go away'. Malli will reset the errors. Patch up any existing issues. Thank god you did not transfer the car to your name. 

8. Do a nice wax up job - post an ad : tell them the previous owner is your brother in law and you never bothered to transfer. Wait for Jayantha who is a buy-and-sell-guy from Kohuwala to haggle for  a few hours and buy it from you and make the problem someone else's.

The process repeats. 

hammo deiyo 

[GK_007]

5 hours ago, matroska said:

Talk about it! 

The Sri Lankan version of car ownership summarized:

1. Find the car that would make the neighbors' jealous, ticks all the boxes as per your drinking buddies and allows the wife to brag to her friends.

2. Pay unnecessarily high amount for afore mentioned car. But do NOT transfer it to your name. 

3. Find out the previous owner has sold you a lemon at the first service - hate the service guy for mentioning that the car has met with a massive accident never go to that service station again. 

4. Dress it up - but give zero sh*ts about it's drive train. Do the cheap stuff like waxing and washing so much so it looks like Cher with all the make up in the world.  Skip services, use the cheapest replacement parts but make sure you have a cover for your remote key so that it does not have a single scratch. Invest in the most nasally devastating air freshener. Keep rolling back your odo at each service. 

5. Brag about fuel figures - make your co workers jealous. Brag how you went from Malabe to Kataragama and your car did 34 KMPL over a bottle of Gal Arrack. Make sure your conversation precedes any discussions about Kusal Mendis's batting average. 

6. When the car starts giving the first signs of trouble - get it shown to a makabass ideally someone who is recommended by Roshan who is in the tuk-stand closest to your house. 

7. Ask the makabass to patch it up. No expensive fixes. 'Malli just make the error go away'. Malli will reset the errors. Patch up any existing issues. Thank god you did not transfer the car to your name. 

8. Do a nice wax up job - post an ad : tell them the previous owner is your brother in law and you never bothered to transfer. Wait for Jayantha who is a buy-and-sell-guy from Kohuwala to haggle for  a few hours and buy it from you and make the problem someone else's.

The process repeats. 

Post of the Day !

[BLL115]

@matroskayou have successfully scared me!!! I am thinking "better to book tide on uber and pick me and commute" 

Edited February 21, 2022 by BLL115

[Tharaka Madhusanka]

On 2/10/2022 at 11:59 AM, matroska said:

Talk about it! 

The Sri Lankan version of car ownership summarized:

1. Find the car that would make the neighbors' jealous, ticks all the boxes as per your drinking buddies and allows the wife to brag to her friends.

2. Pay unnecessarily high amount for afore mentioned car. But do NOT transfer it to your name. 

3. Find out the previous owner has sold you a lemon at the first service - hate the service guy for mentioning that the car has met with a massive accident never go to that service station again. 

4. Dress it up - but give zero sh*ts about it's drive train. Do the cheap stuff like waxing and washing so much so it looks like Cher with all the make up in the world.  Skip services, use the cheapest replacement parts but make sure you have a cover for your remote key so that it does not have a single scratch. Invest in the most nasally devastating air freshener. Keep rolling back your odo at each service. 

5. Brag about fuel figures - make your co workers jealous. Brag how you went from Malabe to Kataragama and your car did 34 KMPL over a bottle of Gal Arrack. Make sure your conversation precedes any discussions about Kusal Mendis's batting average. 

6. When the car starts giving the first signs of trouble - get it shown to a makabass ideally someone who is recommended by Roshan who is in the tuk-stand closest to your house. 

7. Ask the makabass to patch it up. No expensive fixes. 'Malli just make the error go away'. Malli will reset the errors. Patch up any existing issues. Thank god you did not transfer the car to your name. 

8. Do a nice wax up job - post an ad : tell them the previous owner is your brother in law and you never bothered to transfer. Wait for Jayantha who is a buy-and-sell-guy from Kohuwala to haggle for  a few hours and buy it from you and make the problem someone else's.

The process repeats. 

Damn ! 

[marikjo74]

very useful information

Edited August 10, 2022 by marikjo74

[arian77]

interesting information

Edited October 3, 2022 by arian77

[junipersamantha]

Buying a used car in Sri Lanka involves several steps to ensure you make a smart and informed purchase:

1. Set Your Budget: Determine how much you're willing to spend, including potential costs for repairs, insurance, and registration.

2. Research: Look into different car models and their market prices. Websites, local classifieds, and car dealerships are good sources of information.

3. Check the Vehicle History: Obtain a vehicle history report if possible. Verify the car’s background, including previous accidents and ownership records.

4. Inspect the Car: Have a trusted mechanic inspect the car for any hidden issues. Check for signs of wear and tear, both inside and out.

5. Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to assess its performance and ensure everything works as it should.

6. Verify Documents: Ensure all legal documents are in order, including the vehicle registration, title, and insurance papers. Confirm that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) matches the documents.

7. Negotiate Price: Be prepared to negotiate the price with the seller. Use your research and the inspection results to guide the discussion.

8. Complete the Sale: Once you agree on a price, finalize the sale with a written agreement. Make sure to get a receipt for the transaction.

9. Transfer Ownership: Visit the local Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) to complete the ownership transfer and update the vehicle registration.

10. Insurance and Taxes: Arrange for insurance coverage and pay any applicable taxes or fees before driving your new car.

Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth and successful purchase.