Experts Urge Used Car Reforms To Protect Buyers

A leading automotive expert is calling for a national database to help Malaysians avoid unknowingly buying damaged or unsafe used cars.

Director of the UTM Automotive Development Centre Dr. Mohd Azman Abas told The Sun that Malaysia lacks a centralised system for the public to check a vehicle’s history using its registration or chassis number.

“In countries like the US, UK, and Japan, buyers can access accident records, flood damage, mileage, and ownership history. Malaysia needs to take that step to protect consumers,” he said.

Azman warned that visual checks aren’t enough, as serious issues like chassis damage or missing safety components are often hidden.

“Airbags, brakes, and suspensions could be faulty or even removed but most people won’t know until it’s too late.” He also noted that while digital inspection tools are helpful, they can't replace expert checks or a verified history report.

Meanwhile, Saravanan Thambirajah, CEO of FOMCA, said buyers often fall victim to hidden damage and misleading claims.

“Most complaints come months after the purchase, when buyers find out the car had been in an accident or flood,” he said. “Dealers use ‘as-is’ clauses to avoid responsibility, and consumers don’t always understand the risks.”

Saravanan welcomed the government's move to propose a Lemon Law, calling it long overdue.

“It’s not just about breakdowns, it’s about fairness,” he said. “We need strong enforcement to make sure it works, not just on paper.”

He also stressed the need for better protection as EVs become more common, warning that faults in batteries and software are expensive and hard to detect.

“Always ask for full documentation, walk away from shady deals, and get a proper inspection,” he advised.

Source: The Sun.