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Guide and tips

Tips for buying a used car

There are a few things to consider when buying a car so that you can enjoy your new vehicle for a long time. Buy with a good feeling. Our tips will support you when buying a used car and help you make the right decision.

Beratungsgespräch im Autohaus

Where is the best place to buy a used car?

Are you wondering whether you should buy the car from a dealer or privately? There is no general answer as to which option is the better choice. Both have advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview.

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a used car from a dealer

  • For those who want to be on the safe side, we recommend buying from a dealer
  • Car dealers are legally obliged to provide a warranty. This means that they must guarantee that the car will function perfectly for at least two years after the sale. In the case of used cars, the warranty may be reduced to one year, but not completely excluded
  • If defects occur during this time, you can withdraw from the purchase contract
  • Buying a used car from a dealer is usually more expensive, but also the safer option

Advantages and disadvantages of buying a used car privately

  • When buying a car privately, you benefit from a wider choice and often more favourable prices
  • A private seller may completely exclude liability for the car in the purchase contract - this means less security for the buyer
  • If something breaks on the car after handover, you are stuck with the repair costs
  • However, known defects may not be fraudulently concealed

What should I consider when buying a used car?

You can save a lot of money when buying a used car. However, there may also be a lot of nasty surprises lurking under the bonnet. Find out here what you should look out for when buying a used car and which documents are important when buying a used car.

Preparation: Don't buy a car without seeing it first

  • Never buy the car without having seen it first
  • Do not blindly rely on verbal promises over the phone or the conclusion of an online purchase contract
  • Take a second person - preferably an experienced mechanic or car expert you trust - with you to the viewing appointment. They can help you recognise faults in the vehicle and assist you in the upcoming price negotiations
  • If possible, view the vehicle in good, dry weather and in bright light
  • If the vehicle has not been washed, scratches, dents and rust are easily overlooked
  • Take your driving licence, torch and mobile phone or camera with you to the viewing appointment so that you can document the condition of the car with photos in consultation with the seller
  • Do not take any money with you to the first appointment and give yourself enough time for considerations and inspections

Be careful with speedometer manipulation

According to police figures, the speedometer on around one in three used cars sold in Germany has been manipulated. By falsifying the mileage, an average sales price of 3,000 euros higher per vehicle is achieved. The victims are primarily private used car buyers.

Here's how you can protect yourself:

  • Check whether the overall impression of the vehicle matches the stated mileage:
    • Are the seats badly sagged or worn?
    • Is the steering wheel worn?
    • Are the pedals worn?
  • Look out for oil change tags or other stickers that indicate a higher mileage than the speedometer shows
  • If in doubt, contact the previous owners registered in the vehicle documents to ask them about the last mileage before resale
  • A call to the dealership can also provide a lot of information about the vehicle's history
  • If possible, buy a car with a well-maintained service history. This will allow you to check the history of the odometer readings entered during the inspections to see whether everything has been done properly or not
  • Be sure to record the mileage in writing in the purchase contract in case you only realise the speedometer fraud afterwards
Beratung in der Werkstatt mit digitaler Unterstützung

What documents are important when buying a used car?

The vehicle documents

Take a careful look at the vehicle documents, such as the service booklet and registration certificates (vehicle licence/vehicle registration document).

If workshop invoices, general inspection reports or the service booklet are missing, this is not a good start. Incomplete documentation indicates that the car's maintenance has been neglected.

Test receipts, maintenance invoices and cheque or service booklet

  • Ask for all inspection reports, documents and invoices and check them for completeness and accuracy. This will allow you to check whether the vehicle has been regularly serviced and whether it has been fully maintained
  • You can estimate the mileage on the basis of inspection documents, repair and/or maintenance invoices and oil change tags
  • If the original checkbook is missing when you buy from the dealer, this is a defect if the dealer has not pointed this out to you. If the seller cannot prove to you in any other way (e.g. handing over a service history of the car) that the inspection intervals were adhered to, you can claim a reduction in the purchase price, for example

Registration certificates

  • Make sure that the vehicle documents (registration certificate I and II) are complete
  • Make sure that the vehicle owner and seller are identical if you are buying the vehicle from a private individual
  • Check the number of previous owners entered in the registration certificate part II (vehicle registration document). If there are many previous owners or if the seller only had the car in his or her possession for a very short time, ask specifically
  • Take a look at the chassis number. Check whether it matches the papers. If there are any discrepancies or if the number on the vehicle appears to have been tampered with, it could be a stolen car with false papers

Ask about accident damage

Anyone selling a vehicle as a private individual must inform the buyer of any accident damage. This is particularly the case if a specific question is asked. Used car dealers have the same duty to inform (= duty of disclosure). They must provide information about accident damage without being asked.

From 1 January 2022, the new sales law will apply, which commercial dealers must comply with. The complete vehicle condition must be communicated to the buyer in writing and countersigned by the buyer.

How can I recognise accident damage as a layperson?

Even as a layperson, you can recognise accident damage. You should pay attention to this:

  • Look for gaps in the doors, wings, bonnet and tailgate
  • Check the paint for colour differences, paint splashes on seals or dull spots
  • Look for paint spray mist on neighbouring structural and plastic parts
  • Look for reflections and warping on smooth surfaces, which could indicate dents or deformations

What should I pay attention to when inspecting the vehicle?

Once all these things have been clarified in advance, it's time for the actual vehicle inspection. Take an expert with you to the purchase or have your favoured vehicle inspected with a TÜV NORD AutoKaufCheck to check for hidden defects.

Check the used car carefully using our used car checklist. This will enable you to make a sensible pre-selection yourself to avoid making the wrong purchase.

Take enough time to inspect the vehicle and check all the functions:

  • Are there any dents, scuffs, scratches, cracks or stone chips?
  • Are there any differences in colour or dull spots in the paintwork?
  • How large and how even are the gaps (i.e. the distances between two abutting components, such as the joints on doors or bonnet lids)?
  • Are there any rusty spots on the vehicle? Caution: Always consult a specialist if there is rust!

  • Are all headlights and lights functional?
  • What is the condition, e.g. blindness of the headlight lenses?
  • Are there any stone chips, cracks, fissures or moisture?

  • Is there enough oil and cooling water?
  • Are the hoses porous or leaking?
  • Are the rubber sleeves on the steering and drive shafts torn?
  • Are the clamps still tight?
  • Are the battery terminals oxidised?
  • Does the bonnet close properly?
  • For electric cars: Is the high-voltage cable damaged? Caution: Stay away from orange cables
  • Are there any traces of oil in the engine compartment? Caution: A sparkling clean engine may be a sign that an engine wash is intended to cover up leaks

  • What is the condition?
  • Are there any unusual noises when the engine is running?
  • Is oil dripping from the engine or underbody?
  • Does the gearbox shift smoothly?

  • Do all doors open and close easily?
  • Do the doors jam or sag when opening?
  • Are the rubber seals complete and in good condition?

  • Are all seat belts functional, not torn or frayed?
  • Are the upholstery in good condition?
  • Is the driver's seat sagging or worn?
  • Does it smell musty or mouldy in the interior or boot?
  • Are the spare wheel and jack available?

Start the engine and check all functions:

  • Hazard warning lights
  • Headlamp levelling
  • Heating/ventilation
  • Air conditioning
  • Electric windows
  • Electric sunroof
  • Exterior mirrors
  • Seat adjustments
  • Navigation system
  • Rear view camera
  • Parking aid
  • Hands-free system
  • Driving assistance systems
  • Seat heating
  • Horn
  • Sound system
  • Heated rear / front windscreen
  • Windscreen wiper
  • Parking heater
  • Cruise control
  • Detachable trailer coupling

  • Enquire about the timing belt and ask for proof of when it was replaced and by whom. This will help you avoid possible engine damage.

  • Is the exhaust system rusty or leaking?
  • Are there loud acoustic noises? Attention: This is where the most common defects are hidden!

  • Are the brake pads in order?
  • Are the brake discs worn or rusted?

  • Are the tyres damaged?
  • Do they have sufficient profile?
  • Are they evenly worn? Attention: Indication of incorrect toe and camber settings
  • Are the rim edges damaged or show signs of rust?

What should I pay attention to during the test drive?

Take a detailed test drive, as this is the best way to get to know the car.

  • Before the test drive, be sure to clarify the modalities with the dealer or private seller, such as whether the vehicle is registered and insured, the duration of the test drive and take pictures of the condition of the vehicle
  • Feel free to take the seller with you on the test drive to find out more about the vehicle
  • Ask for the test drive agreement - especially from the dealer - and read it carefully before signing it
  • Check entry and exit for the driver and front passenger as well as the rear doors
  • Check front and rear legroom
  • Check the size and storage space as well as the ability to load and unload the boot
  • If possible, test the driving and braking behaviour as well as the manoeuvrability of the vehicle on motorways, country roads and in city traffic
  • When driving slowly: Does the gearbox shift easily and smoothly? Are there any cracking noises in the steering? Do the displays such as the speedometer or rev counter work? Do the indicator lights go out again? Do the air conditioning and heating work? Is the ventilation working properly?
  • At high speeds: Can you feel vibrations on the steering wheel? Does the car stay on track? Can you hear any noticeable noises? Do the brakes grip evenly?
  • What is your personal impression of the vehicle? Do you feel comfortable, is visibility good, can you reach switches and controls, is the vehicle the right size, is the boot big enough?
  • Do the car's engine, transmission and equipment meet your expectations?

The purchase agreement: Don't let yourself be pressured


Once you have decided in favour of a used car, all that remains is the purchase contract. Here, too, there are a few things you should bear in mind:

  • Don't let the salesperson put you under pressure
  • Be careful if you hear empty phrases such as "you have to make a decision quickly"
  • Ask the seller to confirm all verbal assurances (mileage, warranties, additional equipment, accident-free, accident coverage, accessories, etc.) in writing in the purchase contract
  • If an offer is too tempting, it could be fraudulent
  • Always trust your gut feeling: If you have any doubts, it is better to decide against a purchase!

Vehicle handover: What do I need to bear in mind?

  • Use the vehicle identification number to make sure that it is the vehicle you want, especially if you are buying privately
  • Only hand over the vehicle and the money when you, as the buyer, have all the original vehicle documents and the vehicle with all the equipment and keys.
  • To do this, conclude a written handover protocol
  • Also ask for the MOT certificate, as you will need this for the vehicle re-registration
TÜV NORD tip

If the vehicle keeper and the vehicle owner are not the same person, make sure that the seller is also authorised to sell the vehicle.

Contact

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