Buying a used car: checklist

In short: When buying a used car, condition, history and price count. A test drive, documents and a written purchase contract protect against nasty surprises.

In more detail: In private sales the warranty is often excluded; with a dealer it applies for at least one year.

In detail

• Budget: Purchase price plus tax, insurance, upkeep and repairs.
• Documents: Registration certificate, service book, MOT report (tuev-hauptuntersuchung).
• Visual inspection: Rust, paint differences, tyre tread, oil leaks (winterreifen-pflicht-und-profiltiefe).
• Test drive: Engine, brakes, steering, noises, electronics (abs-esp-und-fahrassistenten).
• Mileage: Compare with service book and condition.
• Expert report: Inspection by a garage or testing service is worthwhile.
• Purchase contract: In writing with condition, defects and warranty (garantie-und-gewährleistung).
• Fraud: Beware of time pressure, prices that are too cheap and cash payment to strangers.