Preparation pays off
Before you set off, research pays: what does the model realistically cost, what typical weak spots does it have, what equipment is fitted? Knowing the market price and the model's flaws lets you spot a too-good offer instantly and negotiate with more confidence.
Allow plenty of time and inspect in daylight and dry weather – in the dark or in the wet, scratches, rust and paint differences disappear.
The key on-site checks
Work through these six areas systematically during the viewing:
Documents & VIN
Check registration certificate parts I and II, the roadworthiness report and the service book – and match the vehicle identification number on the car with the papers.
Bodywork & paint
Watch for rust, uneven panel gaps, paint differences and overspray – hints of repairs or an undisclosed accident.
Mechanics & engine
Start the engine cold (reveals starting issues), check fluid levels, oil and exhaust smoke. Blue or white smoke is a warning sign.
Interior & electrics
Test every function: windows, air-con, lights, driver assists. Does a warning light stay on in the cockpit?
Tyres & brakes
Tread depth and even wear of the tyres, condition of the brake discs. Uneven wear points to suspension problems.
Test drive
At least 15 minutes, faster too: test steering, brakes, gearbox and noises. Does the car pull, vibrate, does the transmission jerk?
Prepared for the viewing
Knowing the vehicle data already lets you negotiate with confidence. Enter the vehicle identification number into our VIN check beforehand and get the report: make, origin, key technical figures, recalls and – where available – documented history. So you enter the conversation with solid facts instead of relying on the advert.
On price and contract
- Always sign a written purchase contract and ask to see the seller's ID.
- Do not hand over cash without complete documents and a verified VIN.
- A dealer owes statutory warranty; in a private sale it is usually excluded – factor that in.
- Don't let yourself be pressured. A reputable seller gives you time for checks and a test drive.
Check the VIN before the viewing
Enter the vehicle identification number and get the report: we bundle vehicle data, origin, recalls and – where available – the documented history from verified sources. In seconds you have the facts to buy safely and negotiate from strength.
- Vehicle data & origin from the VIN
- Recalls & documented history where available
- Solid data from verified sources
- Result in seconds
Frequently asked questions
What matters most when buying a used car?
The combination of documents, mechanics and history: complete registration and service records, a technically sound condition and a plausible past. The VIN is the key to cross-check all of it.
What should I watch out for in a private sale?
In a private sale the warranty is usually excluded. So check all the more thoroughly, ask for every document and take a proper test drive – with a workshop if in doubt.
Is a vehicle report worth it before buying?
Yes. A report is the cheapest step before an expensive decision: it bundles vehicle data, origin and – where available – the history and gives you solid arguments for the negotiation.
This checklist is for general information and does not replace a professional inspection by a workshop or appraiser in individual cases.