In Pakistan, used cars are often marketed with various interesting phrases to signal perceived better maintenance, gentler usage, and overall good condition.
Related: Some Interesting Car Buying/ Selling Experiences
You might have come across these phrases while looking for a used car ad either in a newspaper or any classified website. Here’s what these terms typically imply:
Doctor Driven
- Impression: The car has been driven carefully by a doctor, likely in an urban setting, with minimal wear and tear.
- Maintenance: It’s often assumed that doctors prioritize regular servicing and keep the car in good working condition.
- Reality: While it sounds good, it’s important to verify the condition as not all doctors may be meticulous about car maintenance.
Lady Driven
- Impression: The car has been driven gently, typically on shorter, less demanding routes (e.g., school runs, and grocery commutes).
- Maintenance: Advertisers imply the car hasn’t been overused or driven aggressively.
- Reality: While the phrase may suggest lower mileage, it doesn’t guarantee perfect condition. Some “lady-driven” cars may have cosmetic damage (like minor scratches) due to inexperience or city traffic.
Parsi Owned
- Impression: Parsi-owned cars enjoy a reputation for being exceptionally well-maintained, with proper documentation and regular servicing. Parsis are stereotyped as meticulous about their possessions, including vehicles.
- Maintenance: Often perceived among the best-maintained options, these cars are assumed to have a history of authorized dealership servicing and careful use.
- Reality: This can hold true more often than not, but buyers should still verify service records and overall condition.
Army Officer Owned
- Impression:
This phrase suggests the car was owned by an army officer, implying it is well-maintained, driven carefully, and has been kept in good condition due to the disciplined nature often associated with military personnel & generally ample cash in hand for top-notch maintenance. - Reality:
While many army officers do maintain their vehicles properly, this is not a guarantee. It may also mean the car was used on long highway routes (e.g., between cities for postings), which could result in high mileage. - What to Check:
- Mileage: Verify the odometer for usage; highway mileage is usually less damaging than city driving but still matters.
- Service Records: Ask for a maintenance history to confirm regular servicing.
- Interior and Exterior: Inspect for signs of rough usage or neglect (e.g., scratches, dents, or worn interiors).
- Posting Locations: Cars from hilly or rough terrains (e.g., northern areas) may have endured more strain.
Sparingly Used
- Impression: The car has been driven very little, suggesting low mileage and minimal wear and tear.
- Reality: While it may indicate light use, check the odometer for actual mileage. Low usage can also mean the car sits idle for long periods, which can lead to issues like tire rot, battery wear, or dried-up engine seals.
- What to Check:
- Odometer reading.
- Condition of tires and battery.
- Service history (to ensure it was maintained even when not driven).
Used as a Third Car
- Impression: The car was part of a household with multiple vehicles, so it was driven occasionally and may have been well-maintained.
- Reality: This claim is often used to justify low mileage, but the quality of maintenance can vary. A third car might have been neglected in terms of regular servicing. Also, it can be the case that the third car actually bears the burden of being a workhorse.
- What to Check:
- Look for signs of wear inconsistent with claimed mileage.
- Verify regular maintenance from service records.
- Check for rust or decay due to prolonged parking.
Company Maintained
- Impression: The car was owned and maintained by a corporate entity, implying professional servicing and upkeep, often at authorized dealerships.
- Reality: These cars are usually well-maintained, but some corporate-owned vehicles might have been driven by multiple users, leading to potential wear and tear.
- What to Check:
- Verify the service records for consistency and authenticity.
- Inspect for excessive wear, especially in the interior (seats, steering, pedals).
- Ensure the car wasn’t part of a rental or fleet service.
Full Shower
- Impression: The car has been fully repainted to restore its appearance, often due to fading, scratches, or minor accidents.
- Reality: A full shower may be cosmetic, but it could also indicate the car was involved in a major accident.
- What to Check:
- Look for uneven paint jobs, mismatched panels, or overspray on non-painted parts (like door seals or under the hood).
- Check for rust or repairs under the paint.
- Inspect the car’s structure for accident damage (get a professional inspection if needed).
Original Condition
- Impression:
The car is in its factory-original state, meaning it hasn’t been repainted, repaired extensively, or modified. This term is often used to highlight that the car is free from major accidents or alterations. - Reality:
While “original condition” sounds reassuring, it doesn’t necessarily mean the car is in excellent shape. The car could still have minor wear, dents, faded paint, or mechanical issues that have not been addressed. Moreover, the term is often heavily misused, potentially presenting a completely different reality than what you might envision. Refer to our earlier article for an in-depth discussion on “original condition.” - What to Check:
- Paintwork: Look for inconsistencies in color or texture that could indicate repainting. Check if the car is truly in its original paint.
- Panel Gaps: Uneven gaps may suggest repairs or replacements after an accident.
- Engine and Performance: Ensure that the engine, suspension, and other mechanical parts are functioning well despite the claim of being “untouched.”
- Documentation: Verify that the claim matches the actual history of the car through its maintenance logs or inspection reports.
What to Expect (and Check) Regardless of the Claims
- Service History: Ask for maintenance records to confirm regular servicing.
- Mileage: Verify the odometer reading matches the claims of low usage.
- Cosmetic Condition: Look for scratches, dents, or signs of repainting that could indicate past damage.
- Engine and Performance: Inspect the engine, brakes, and suspension for wear and tear.
- Test Drive: Always take a test drive to ensure smooth performance.
The above-mentioned terms are often used as marketing tactics, so while they might indicate good condition, always validate with a thorough inspection! However, for various reasons, car inspection services cannot be fully trusted either. For a detailed guide about buying a used car in Pakistan, check our article below:
Ultimate Guide to Buying a Used Car in Pakistan: Tips, Tricks, and Best Practices
I don’t eat, sleep or dream of cars, I am just someone who loves to see, think & write about cars. I love Ferrari in Pink but they won’t make one for me. I use X to write my full name, but that doesn’t mean I’m inspired by Altis X, in fact, my dad hates it 😀 Btw I’m an occasional writer so don’t expect too much from me 🙂
