More people buy a used car than a new one. When leasing a car, the financial benefits are greatest when the vehicle is not brand new. This is partly due to the amount of registration tax, which is determined bySKAT, and is levied in percentage intervals based on the car's first registration date.
Buying a car is always a matter of trust – especially in the private purchase of a used car. It is important to be thorough before the purchase to protect yourself from unnecessary surprises.
When buying a car, there are many things to consider before you sign a purchase agreement. This requires substantial preparation. This applies not only to decisions about the make, model and year, but also whether it should be a petrol, diesel, electric or hybrid car. In addition, you need to decide whether you will buy from a private individual or a dealer, or import a car.
To help you and give you the best possible prerequisites for buying a used car, we’ve compiled a list of things that you should take into account. Scroll down on the page to see the list.
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At Global Car Trading, we buy and sell cars daily both at home and abroad. We’ve been doing this since 2005. As a result, we have solid years of experience; we know the pitfalls, we know the important questions to ask, and we know which documents are essential to a purchase.
If you want professional advice on the purchase of your next car, we’re happy to assist you. We assist customers daily in purchasing cars and you decide the level of our participation in your vehicle purchase or sale. Perhaps you just want help in reviewing the paperwork, or start-to-finish assistance – from evaluating the car to signing of the final purchase agreement. We offer different packages depending on how much help you want.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome to contact us. Then, together, we can assess how we can provide you with the best possible assistance.
Check the car in bright light and look from an angle for scratches and dents. Look along the car for small or large dents.
Uneven closure/seals at doors, the bonnet, the boot, and windscreen/windows should arouse suspicion. If there are traces of painting work, such as blotches, "orange peel" or colour differences, the car should be checked by an authorised garage. The best solution would be Dekra, which can prepare a detailed report on the car
Rust is no longer a major problem on newer cars, but always check the door frames, bonnet and boot, as well as fenders, undercarriage and exhaust equipment.
Pay attention to the details and don’t hurry through this inspection! Examine the front and rear headlight lenses, exterior lighting, interior, engine and luggage compartments and, for cabriolets, the roof. Is there a relatively large amount of wear?
Examine the condition of components such as the battery. Check oil, water and acid levels. Are there traces of recent maintenance or repair?
Pay attention to inconsistent or unusual engine noises. The idle speed must be constant.
A test drive should be offered, unsolicited by you. Bring a passenger along and take your time. If possible, drive a known route and try out different driving situations: city, country and motorway.
Before driving, pay attention to engine temperature and engine noise. Turn off the radio during the test drive and listen for noise from the engine, rear suspension and tires. Remember that the car must be insured during the test drive, and that there is a deductible in that case.
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Check the vehicle documents and in particular the registration certificate to make sure that the seller owns all rights to be able to sell you the vehicle. Require a power of attorney/authorisation if necessary. In the case of a German car, there must be a "Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I" (Fahrzeugschein) (certificate) and Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief) (Vehicle registration); the data in these documents must match the car's data, including the chassis number.
Check to see whether a service booklet is available, and that services dates in the book are stamped in accordance with the car's odometer readings. Has all service taken place at an authorized garage? Do the service intervals correspond to the kilometres driven?
If repairs or alterations have been made to the vehicle, documentation should be available. Non-original accessories or extra equipment must be registered in the registration documents (a requirement specifically in Germany) and there must be at least a general operating license (ABE).
Caution is advised irrespective of whether it is a cash payment, bank transfer or "Western Union" transfer. The same applies to a so-called "escrow service". Many of these services link to fraudulent websites.
The best way to pay for your vehicle is by having your bank make an immediate transfer. This is done after the car and keys have been checked, and documents have been verified. This can usually be effected within a few hours, which means that neither you nor the seller will be cheated. This method also prevents a larger amount of cash from having to be transported.
Re-register your used car as soon as possible at your local motor vehicle office. For this you need:
If you have questions about the above or when you are buying a car, you are always welcome to contact us.