Buy a used car: used car checklist helps

Manipulated speedometer, hidden defects, missing documents and increased prices: There are many pitfalls when buying a used car. lawyers give tips on what you should definitely pay attention to.

• Inspect the car before signing and take it for a test drive

• Use the checklist to identify dubious sellers and discover defects

• Don’t let the seller put you under pressure

View used cars before purchasing

Buy the car definitely not unseen and don’t make any promises over the phone. Do not conclude a purchase contract before viewing the car. Because: Even a purchase contract concluded verbally or via WhatsApp, for example, is legally binding. You won’t get out of there that easily.

If you want to buy a used car, you should take a look at the seller. A reputable car seller speaks openly about previous damage and defects in the vehicle for sale. He lets you test drive, provides complete vehicle documentation and shows you HU reports and repair invoices.

Take one second person for a viewing. Check out the car brightness and good weather all around, otherwise you can easily overlook rust spots, dents or scratches. It is important to have the used car defects that are not immediately visible and investigate accident damage. A private seller is allowed to exclude liability for such defects.

Checklist for buying a used car

With the checklist for buying used cars discover the most important defects yourself. It is available for free download here:

Ask about accident damage

Please inquire specifically about accident damage. Repaired damage also reduces the value of the car. If a vehicle has been damaged by an external influence, it is called a Accident car, no matter how great the damage was. Only very minor paint scratches and other small “blemishes” are not considered accident damage.

A private seller must explain any accident damage if you ask him about it. A Dealer has a so-called Obligation to provide information. This means that he must inform about accident damage without being asked and expressly point out if the customer cannot expect it. He also has to check the car for accident damage before selling it investigate.

Tip: Get a written assurance in the purchase contract that the car accident free is. If you have any doubts, you can have the car checked by an specialist.

Tampered speedometer: detecting fraud

Experts assume that every third used car in Germany has a manipulated speedometer. Make sure that the purchase contract not only states the odometer reading, but also the Total mileage stands. If this does not correspond to the truth, a guaranteed property is missing and entitles you to withdraw from the purchase.

 

Check service booklet and papers

The service booklet and registration papers provide information about the history of the used vehicle.

• Service booklet: If the seller cannot provide a service booklet, HU reports or workshop invoices, defects in the used vehicle may be concealed. Or not all maintenance has been carried out.

• The Statement “service book maintained“ does not mean that all maintenance has been done. Buy a car from Dealer and the original checkbook is missing, the dealer must point this out, otherwise there is a defect. If the dealer cannot prove that the inspections were carried out as required, you can reduce the purchase price.

• Check it, how many Previous owner in the Registration certificate are registered. Be sure to ask, especially if the car has had many previous owners or the seller has only owned it for a short time.

• Check whether the chassis number matches the documents. If there are any discrepancies, it could be a stolen car with false documents.

Take a test drive

Take a test drive before signing the purchase contract. Take one if possible Companion with. Everything you should pay attention to during the test drive can be found in checklist for the test drive:

Tip from the lawyers: Before the test drive, clarify how the vehicle is insured. There is one Fully comprehensive insurance and cause damage to a private seller’s vehicle, you only have to Deductible and pay the upgrade damage. In the case of a dealer vehicle, it can be assumed that liability is reduced to gross negligence and intent.

Also, make a test drive agreement. You can … a sample agreement download here.

Dealer trick: Selling for previous owners

The Used car dealer may shorten the statutory liability for material defects from two years to one year. But he can’t rule them out completely.

Be careful: some dealers try this To avoid liability for material defects, by selling the car on behalf of the previous owner. Ask the previous owner directly whether he actually commissioned the sale on his behalf.

Also pay attention private sale ensure that the registered owner and the seller are identical. If not, ask for one Power of attorney and contact the owner or previous owner directly.

Don’t allow yourself to be put under pressure

You should be careful if the seller puts you under pressure (“You have to decide quickly”) or answers specific questions with banal phrases (“It’s always like that with these models”).

Insist that the seller all verbal assurances (Mileage, guarantees, additional equipment, absence of accidents, extent of accidents, accessories, etc.) confirmed in writing in the purchase contract.

Caution: Is a Offer too good, to be true, it could be a scam. Information about the most common scams on the used car market

Doubts about age? This way you can see how old the used vehicle really is

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