A used car is often the most sensible choice for your budget, as long as you avoid nasty surprises. Here are the most common pitfalls, how to spot them, and what protects you.
The mileage
The odometer may have been tampered with. To check it, cross-check three sources: the odometer, the mileages recorded at each roadworthiness test (some countries publish them in an official vehicle history report) and those on the service invoices. They must always increase, at a consistent pace. A mileage that goes down or stays flat for years should make you walk away, or have the car inspected.
The history
Ask for the invoices: they are what proves the oil changes, the timing belt and the services. Where an official vehicle history report exists, ask the seller for it: it usually shows previous owners and inspections, but not routine servicing. Why a complete history matters is explained in our guide to service history for used cars.
The inspection report: read it in full
A “pass” at the roadworthiness test doesn’t mean “car in good condition”: it checks safety and emissions, not the wear of everything. Read each defect noted, even minor ones, and ask whether a re-test was needed. A tired clutch, for example, won’t appear on it: take a test drive of at least twenty minutes, cold engine then warm, in town and on the open road.
Manufacturer recalls
Check with the vehicle identification number (VIN) on the brand’s website whether the car is subject to a recall, and ask for proof that it has been done. See how to check recalls.
Scams
An abnormally low price, a seller “abroad”, payment requested before you have seen the car: be wary. Meet the seller, check that the registration document is in their name, and that the VIN on the document matches the one on the car.
Your guarantees
- Buying from a trader in the European Union: the legal guarantee of conformity applies. It lasts at least 2 years; for second-hand goods, depending on the country, the seller may agree with you on a shorter period, but not less than 1 year.
- Buying from a private seller: the legal guarantee of conformity doesn’t apply; depending on the country, you may still be protected against hidden defects, but you will generally have to prove the defect existed before the sale.
In every case, keep the advert, written exchanges and dated photos of the car on the day of the sale.
