10 tips for buying a used car

Buying used cars can be a cost-efficient and smart decision – provided you know what to look for. With the right tips, you can not only save money, but also avoid other unpleasant surprises. In this article, you'll find the top 10 tips for buying a used car that will help you make an informed decision.

⏰ Summary

• View vehicle
• Check documents
• Watch out for rust and accident damage
• Be sure to take a test drive
• Pay attention to the seriousness of the salesperson

If you are interested in a used car, here are a few offers:

Tip 1: Be sure to inspect used cars

One item on your used car checklist should be a thorough inspectionto evaluate a used car. No matter how tempting an online offer sounds, a vehicle should always be inspected on site before you decide to buy.

Pay particular attention to the following points during the inspection:

• Exterior appearance: Check the paint for scratches, dents, and color variations that could indicate subsequent repairs.
• Tire: The tread depth should be at least 1.6 mm (recommended: 3 mm). Also pay attention to whether the tires are worn evenly – uneven wear can indicate problems with the axle geometry.
• Subsoil: If possible, also look at the underbody of the vehicle, as oil or liquid stains could indicate leaks.
• Smell: Some unpleasant smells, such as cold cigarette smoke, cat pee or vomit, can make the journey a martyrdom. However, they also indicate careless handling by the previous owner(s).

A careful inspection is essential to avoid expensive repairs after the purchase.

Tip 2: Take an accompanying person with you to the tour

Four eyes see more than two. Take someone with you who knows about cars, preferably a friend or acquaintance with technical know-how.

An accompanying person can:

• Point this out to you if you miss details.
• Give a neutral assessment of the vehicle.
• Ideally, observe during a test drive whether unusual noises occur.

A second opinion is worth its weight in gold, especially when buying a used car.

Tip 3: Check the papers and documents of the used car

The vehicle documents are essential to reconstruct the history of a car.

The following documents should be available:

• Registration certificate part I and II: These papers prove that the person selling actually owns the car. Pay attention to whether the car has had many previous owners. Too many previous owners are an indication that the vehicle may have had a lot of technical problems.
• HU/AU certificates: Check whether the main inspection and emission test are still valid.
• Service booklet: A complete service booklet shows that the car has been serviced regularly.

If important documents are missing, you should be careful – this could be an indication of dubious practices.

Tip 4: Uncover speedometer fraud

One of the biggest dangers when buying a used car is the mileage. Unfortunately, speedometer fraud is not uncommon in Germany. A manipulated mileage makes the vehicle appear more attractive than it actually is.

How to uncover speedometer manipulation:

• Compare the mileage with the information in the service booklet and repair invoices.
• Pay attention to the wear and tear in the interior (e.g. worn steering wheel or worn pedals) – these should match the mileage.
• If you suspect anything, have the car checked by an expert – a used car check at the TÜV is also possible.

Tip 5: Find rust on the used car

Rust can be a serious problem, especially in older vehicles.

Check the following places during the visit:

• Wheel arches and underbody
• Door edges and entrances
• Fuel cap and bonnet

Even small rust spots can spread quickly and result in high repair costs. Caution is advised especially with vehicles that were often driven in winter.

Tip 6: Check used car for accident damage

A vehicle with accident damage is not necessarily a bad offer - but it should be openly declared.

This is how you recognize accidental damage:

• Colour deviations or paint mist on the body
• Different gaps (e.g. on doors or bonnet)
• Poor fit of attachments such as headlights or bumpers
• Bumpers or fenders in mint condition that do not match the general condition of the vehicle.

Don't hesitate to talk to the salesperson directly about possible accidents. Reputable people will give you accurate and honest information.

Tip 7: Take a test drive

A test drive is indispensable to test the condition of a used car.

You should pay attention to the following points:

• Handling: Does the car pull to the side when braking or accelerating? Is the steering smooth?
• Noises: Rattling, squeaking or rattling can indicate defects.
• Brake: Test the braking effect and check whether the vehicle brakes smoothly and evenly while staying in lane.

Take enough time for the test drive and drive different routes (e.g. city, country road and highway).

Tip 8: Check maintenance records

Regular maintenance is a sign that the previous owner has taken good care of the vehicle.

A well-maintained service booklet shows:

• Were oil changes and inspections carried out on time?
• Were the filters also replaced during the oil change?
• Have wear parts (e.g. brakes, timing belts) been replaced in time?

If this evidence is missing, the vehicle could be unkempt or necessary repairs have been delayed.

Tip 9: Check repair receipts

In addition to maintenance documents, repair receipts are also important. These provide information about what work has already been carried out and whether major damage has been repaired. Missing repair invoices should also be critically assessed.

Particularly important

• Timing belt change: For many vehicles, this is necessary every 100,000 km at the latest.
• Brake: Check if and when brake pads and discs have been replaced.

A car with a good repair history usually has fewer hidden defects.

Tip 10: Check the seriousness of the seller

A reputable salespersonis the basis for a successful used car purchase.

Look for the following features:

• Full information: The salesperson should answer all questions about the vehicle willingly.
• Address and identity: Check whether the address on the vehicle registration document matches that of the seller.
• Online Reviews: For retailers, it's worth taking a look at customer reviews.

Be skeptical of people who seem impatient or push you to make a quick decision. Take the time to work through your checklist.

How to prioritize used car buying tips

Buying a used car requires good preparation. Prioritize the following steps to make sure you get a good deal:

Start with a thorough inspection of the vehicle (tip 1) and take an expert with you as a companion (tip 2). Make sure you have complete paperwork (tip 3), check the mileage for speedometer manipulation (tip 4) and look for rust spots (tip 5). Take a test drive (tip 7) and make sure you have both proof of maintenance (tip 8) and repair receipts (tip 9).

Read the sales contract carefully. Last but not least: Check the seriousness of the seller (tip 10).

With these used car tips, you will be well equipped to find a vehicle that meets your requirements and will give you pleasure for a long time. Good luck with your used car purchase!