USED CAR BUYER'S CHECKLIST
“12 steps to a successful car deal”
Initial information
Before you start shopping, check the car's registration and model details on the internet.
A proper test drive
The test drive and the preliminary inspection of the car should be carried out carefully, preferably with a partner who knows cars. The test drive should be long enough and compare several cars of the same type. During the test drive, briefly turn off the car's heating and music equipment to hear any background noise better.
An external overview of the car
The car should be checked to ensure that it has not been in a collision and, if so, that the repairs have been carried out carefully. Carelessly applied patches, irregular body seams, etc., are warning signs, the exact origin of which should always be checked with the seller. Their answer often tells you a lot about the car. Modern cars with self-supporting bodies are usually difficult to repair after a severe collision.
Pay particular attention to the general type defects of the car model in question.
Ask to see the car's service history.
Reasonableness of the purchase price
The price of the car should be compared with what is being asked for similar cars elsewhere, e.g. in magazines and on the internet.
The identity of the car
Ensure the car's serial number matches the details on the registration certificate. The vehicle's serial number can often be found stamped on the engine compartment or under the back seat, for example. Before making a purchase decision, you should also check the registration history of the car with Trafi. Also, check that the mileage is correct in the vehicle registration history.
Continuity of use
If the car has been deregistered for a long time, it is often a sign that the vehicle has been involved in a bad accident at some point and has taken time to repair. It is then worth checking that the car has been carefully restored and that its bodywork is intact.
Identity of the seller
Check that the seller is who they say they are on their photo ID. Buy only from the owner who is registered. If the seller has a power of attorney for the owner, call the owner to verify that the power of attorney exists. Otherwise, you could have problems later with car ownership, insurance or car tax. Beware of forged documents and false promises.
The car is not immobilised
Check that the car's taxes have been paid and that it has been inspected. If the taxes or the inspection have not been paid, the car cannot be used in traffic. The vehicle may have been declared out of circulation even if it has registration plates.
Written deed of sale
Always ask for a proper sale deed, setting out all the transaction terms. For example, repairs, spare parts, or any other additional performance agreed between the parties to be carried out by the seller. In addition, the new owner and the date of transfer must be entered in the notification section of the registration certificate. At the same time, the seller transfers both parts of the registration certificate, the technical part and the declaration part, to the buyer.
AFTER THE TRADE
Registration
The car must be registered and insured in the new owner's name within one week of the transfer. The registration is done at the vehicle registration office or the insurance company. Otherwise, the insurance premium will increase several times over. The seller should also check with his insurance company that this has been done to get the car insured out of his own name.
Fully comprehensive insurance
Please note that if you wish to take out optional comprehensive insurance for the car, covering, among other things, any damage caused by a fraudulent car purchase, including legal costs, the insurance must be taken out no later than the date of purchase. The policyholder's insurance history will also impact the compensation payable under the policy, so it is worth checking with your insurer. However, the statement must not be allowed to postpone the starting date of the insurance beyond the date of purchase.
Vehicle tax in your name
To pay your car tax, request a tax ticket in your name. You should not pay the tax on the tax ticket of the previous owner.
