One keeps you legal. The other keeps your wallet safe.
You found a car you like. The seller says, “Don’t worry, we can do the RTA Comprehensive Test. If it passes, it’s a good car.
” You agree. The car passes. You buy it. Two weeks later, the gearbox fails, and you are facing a AED 15,000 repair bill.
How did this happen?
It happened because you confused Roadworthiness with Mechanical Health. Here is the truth about the difference between the RTA test (Tasjeel/Shamil) and a Specialist Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI).
Conducted by authorized centers like Tasjeel or Shamil, this is a government-mandated standard.
- The Goal: To ensure the car is safe to be on the road and legal to register.
- What it Checks: Chassis number integrity (to spot stolen cars), tires, brakes, lights, emissions, and visible chassis damage.
- The Limitation: It is a high-volume test. Inspectors have about 15-20 minutes per car. They check if the car works right now, not if it's about to die.
- The Verdict: A car with a dying engine, a slipping transmission, or a leaking AC can still PASS the RTA test as long as it has good brakes and tires.
Conducted by a private, specialized garage (like us).
- The Goal: To tell you if the car is worth the money and what repairs are coming up.
- What it Checks: Everything. We perform computer diagnostics, stress-test the engine, check fluid quality, and analyze the "health" of parts, not just their existence.
- The Depth: We spend 60 to 90 minutes on the car. We take it for a comprehensive test drive to feel how the gearbox shifts and how the suspension handles bumps.
- The Verdict: We might tell you, "The car is legal, BUT it needs AED 5,000 in repairs for an oil leak and worn bushings."
| Feature | RTA Comprehensive Test | Specialist Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Safety & Legality (Brakes, Tires, VIN) | Reliability & Cost (Engine, Gearbox, Electronics) |
| Duration | ~20 Minutes | ~60 – 90 Minutes |
| Test Drive | None (or very short inside the bay) | Yes (Highway & City driving) |
| Computer Scan | Basic | Advanced (Deep module scanning) |
| AC Check | Basic | Detailed (Temperature, Leaks, Compressor) |
| Outcome | Pass / Fail Certificate | Detailed Report with Repair Costs |
- Do the PPI First: Before you hand over any money, book a specialist inspection. This is your negotiation tool. If we find faults, you can ask the seller to drop the price or fix them. If the car is a disaster, you walk away and save your money.
- Do the RTA Test Last: Once you are happy with the PPI report and have agreed on a price, go to the RTA/Tasjeel to transfer the ownership. This is the final administrative step to make the car yours.
The RTA test confirms the car is safe for the road. Our Inspection confirms the car is safe for your bank account. Buying a used car? Don’t guess
