What to Check Before Buying an Imported Vehicle in Sri Lanka

Whether you are buying a brand-new import, an unregistered reconditioned car or a registered vehicle, a careful check before you pay saves money and stress later. Use this checklist when viewing any imported vehicle — including ours.

Documents

• Auction sheet (for used imports) — check the grade, mileage and repair diagram. See how to read auction grades.
• Export certificate from Japan, showing chassis number, first registration date in Japan and other details.
• Customs documents showing the duty paid.
• For registered vehicles, the registration certificate (CR) from the Department of Motor Traffic — confirm the owner details match the seller.

Match the numbers

Make sure the chassis number and engine number on the vehicle match the documents. Check the year of manufacture as well as the model year.

Mileage

Compare the odometer with the auction sheet and export documents. Very low mileage on an older vehicle deserves a closer look.

Exterior and underbody

• Look along the panels for uneven gaps or paint mismatch (signs of repair).
• Check under the car for rust, oil leaks and damage — especially on vehicles from snowy regions of Japan.
• Inspect tyre condition and date codes.

Interior and electronics

• Test every window, the air conditioning, infotainment, cameras and sensors.
• Note any warning lights on the dashboard after starting.
• Japanese-market infotainment may need localisation — ask what has been done.

Hybrid and electric vehicles

Ask about the hybrid battery or EV battery health. A diagnostic scan can reveal stored fault codes and battery condition.

Test drive

Drive on a mix of roads, including a hill if possible. Listen for knocks, check the transmission changes smoothly and that the car tracks straight under braking.

Price, tax and paperwork

Make sure you understand whether the price includes duties and registration. If you are importing a vehicle yourself, estimate the duty first with our import tax calculator.

View our vehicles

Every vehicle at Amila Car Sale can be inspected at our Bandarawela showroom. Browse current stock, see our location, or book a viewing on WhatsApp.