Wahanaya.lk articles
News, model reviews, advice and plain guides to buying, selling and leasing vehicles in Sri Lanka.
Showing 86–97 of 282 articles
Research the fair market price first, inspect the car for faults you can point to, and make a firm, polite offer below the asking price with a reason attached. Sellers expect negotiation, but you need facts, not just a lower number, to move them.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
A Japanese car is almost always cheaper to run in Sri Lanka because parts are more widely stocked and cost less, and local mechanics know the models well. A European car can still be worth it if you value its features, but budget 40-60% more for parts and check it's genuinely right-hand drive.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
A shaking steering wheel when you brake almost always means your front brake discs have worn unevenly (commonly called 'warped'), usually from heavy stop-start driving, old pads, or long downhill braking. Get the discs measured and resurfaced or replaced rather than driving on them.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
Check 5-10 similar listings for your exact model, year and mileage using a tool like Wahanaya's price-check, price slightly above your real target to leave room for bargaining, and adjust for condition, accident history and remaining revenue licence.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
Turn the ignition to the 'on' position and watch the SRS/airbag light — it should flash briefly then go off. If it stays on, flashes, or doesn't light at all, plus mismatched dash panels or stiff seatbelts, the airbags may have deployed and been poorly replaced or disabled.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
The Atto 3 is sold new with a local warranty and dealer network, while the Leaf is usually a used import with no official backup. Choose the Atto 3 for peace of mind, the Leaf if you want a cheaper EV and can check its battery health carefully.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Before driving to Nuwara Eliya, Ella or Haputale, get your brakes, tyres, coolant and clutch checked, and go downhill in a low gear instead of riding the brakes — brake fade on long descents is a real, documented danger on these roads.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
As of November 2026, CBSL rules require at least 60% down payment for a new/unregistered car, SUV, van, or three-wheeler, 40% for a new commercial vehicle, and 40% for any vehicle registered more than a year ago.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Check the spare tyre well, seat belts, seat rails and fuse box for mud, rust or a water line, smell for mustiness, and test every electrical switch. Sri Lanka's CR book and RMV records don't show flood history, so a hands-on check is your main defence.
Wahanaya.lk team6 min read
A lease usually gets you approved faster with less paperwork, but the leasing company owns the vehicle until you finish paying. A bank loan gives you ownership from day one and sometimes a lower rate, but needs a bigger deposit and stricter CRIB checks.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
Yes. Since 1 November 2026, anyone renewing a revenue licence must show a TIN certificate, and for a leased vehicle this is the lessee's own TIN, not the leasing company's, because the lessee is the registered owner on the CR.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
The leasing company, registered as 'Absolute Owner,' keeps the original CR book until your lease is fully settled. You're given a certified photocopy to carry in the vehicle, and the financier must write to the DMT to release the CR once you've paid off the facility.
Wahanaya.lk team7 min read
