What to check before buying a used car (Taiwan): accidents, flood, recalls

Before buying a used car, check at least five things: (1) safety recalls, (2) age/mileage plausibility, (3) accident/flood history, (4) traffic violations and unpaid fees, (5) an independent inspection. Most are public or verifiable — don’t just trust the dealer.

Check recalls first (free)

Use Taiwan’s vehicle safety site (car-safety.org.tw) to see any open recall for the model.

Registration & violations

The motor-vehicle service portal shows violations, unpaid fees and inspection dates; clear them before transfer or they follow the car.

Accident / flood cars

Get full service records and a third-party history report; flood cars show belt-anchor and wiring corrosion; accident cars show altered panel seams and bolts.

Always get an independent inspection

Pay a little for an independent shop to check chassis, engine and structure before closing.

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FAQ

Can I look up the owner?

No, and you shouldn’t — owner identity is personal data. This covers only verifiable vehicle safety/recall/registration aspects.

Can I trust the odometer?

It may be rolled back; cross-check service records, wear and an inspection report.

Official sources:公路監理服務網、車輛安全資訊網(召回) car-safety.org.tw、財團法人車輛研究測試中心。
Public-data summary, not legal or investment advice. Updated:2026-06-20。