Used-car buying checklist for Europe
Buying used is smart — if you check the right things first. Work through this list before you hand over any money.
Before you go
Ask for the VIN and run a check. Confirm the make, model and year match the advert, and look for open safety recalls.
The paperwork
Match the VIN on the car to the registration document. Check the seller's name matches the papers and that there's a valid roadworthiness certificate.
The car itself
Look for mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and rust — signs of past accident repairs. Check tyre wear and that all the electronics work.
The test drive and the price
Drive it from cold, listen for noises, and test the brakes and gears. Compare the asking price to similar cars, and use what the history shows to negotiate.
Check a VIN now
Put it into practice — run a free VIN decode and safety-recall check.