Save without hassle: Important tips when buying a used car

Used cars are cheaper than new cars. However, the purchase is associated with risks. To ensure that your car does not become a cost trap, we have listed the most important rules of thumb for you.

What do you have to consider when you want to buy a vehicle? In the article on buying a car, we have already summarized the most important points for you. Especially when buying a used car, you should keep a few additional things in mind. To make sure nothing is forgotten, you will find all the useful tips here.

What you need to pay attention to when viewing

The most important rule first: Never place a bid on a car that you haven't seen yourself! Before you conclude a purchase contract, you should definitely inspect the vehicle. It is best to go to the viewing appointment with a second person you trust. Four eyes simply see more during the inspection.

You should look very closely. It's not just about your comfort, but also about your safety: A car with defects can quickly lead to critical situations in traffic. The price of a used car also rises rapidly if additional repairs are necessary shortly after the contract has been signed.

When inspecting the vehicle, check the following carefully:

• Is the car clean and dry inside? A musty smell in the interior also indicates leaks in the body. In such cases, inspect the vehicle thoroughly for traces of rust.
• And what does it look like from the outside? In addition to unwanted traces of rust, dents or scratches indicate an accident vehicle.
• Accident vehicles usually also have patch spots in the paintwork. Are there dull spots or color gradients or color differences? Also pay attention to uneven gaps on doors and flaps.

Our pro tip: Use a magnet to test to see if any filler work has been done. In contrast to the rest of the body, the magnet does not hold in such places.

• The engine compartment should not be oily, the battery should be no more than three years old and the cables and hoses should be intact. You can also lie under the car to look at the underbody and spot any stains on the floor.

• Tires: Make sure that all tires are from the same manufacturer. Age and tire tread are also important. The tires should not be older than 4 years and tread depth should be at least four millimeters. It's best to measure it yourself right away.
• Then take a close look at the door locks, the seals and all the mirrors.
• Finally, test whether the steering wheel leaves a maximum of 2 cm of room for manoeuvre and switch on the lights and turn signals. In short: press every button!
• And be sure to take a test drive of at least 30 minutes. It is best to test the used car both in town and outside town and preferably on the motorway. This is the only way to notice whether everything works perfectly and you like the car.

On AutoScout24 you will find a complete checklist for the vehicle inspection and for the test drive. This way you are sure to think of everything important.

Is the motor vehicle inspection a quality feature?

You should not only take a close look at the car, but also the associated papers. The first thing you should do is check the vehicle registration document to see how much time has passed since the last motor vehicle inspection (MFK). In Switzerland, the regular demonstration of the car is mandatory. The MFK does not assure you that there will be no repairs in the next two years. However, you can be sure that the vehicle meets the standard for road safety if the last inspection was not long ago or if the car is sold "from MFK". A widespread recommendation is: Do not buy used cars for which the last motor vehicle inspection was more than eight months ago.

Don't forget: check the documents

Compare the type number of the vehicle with the number on the vehicle registration document. These two numbers must match, otherwise something is fishy! Also check in the service booklet whether the car has been regularly maintained and the services provided are appropriate to the mileage.

Speaking of mileage: If the car has driven more than 150,000 kilometers, that's already at the upper limit. However, the mileage alone should never be decisive for your decision. Also calculate how many kilometers the car has covered on average per year. If this number is very small, the car has not been driven for a long time or only for short distances. And that would also be a bad indication: What rests, rusts.

Buying or leasing a used car? What you need to know

Leasing a used car may be tempting. But be careful: If you lease a car, you have to take out a more expensive fully comprehensive insurance. Their premium is only worthwhile for newer cars. In addition, with a leasing contract, you have to pay all service and repair costs yourself. Because these expenses tend to be higher for used cars, you sometimes make a bad deal with leasing.

This is how the warranty is regulated when buying a used car

You can buy your new used car either from a dealer or a private seller. Private individuals often make cheaper offers, but dealers have a larger selection of used cars.

There is an important difference in the second-hand warranty: In contrast to private individuals, dealers are liable for any defects for two years. This is what Swiss law says. But be careful: This warranty is reduced or even excluded altogether by many retailers! Agree with the seller whether you will receive a full or partial warranty and how long it lasts. A warranty of a few months is recommended in all cases.

Private individuals are obliged to inform you about previous accident, damage and defects. Liability for property damage is not mandatory in the case of a private sale. Some sellers sometimes choose to offer a warranty to the seller anyway. This is made possible by insurance providers such as Quality1. Either way, if there are problems with your used car, you should report it to the seller immediately. Do not make any repairs at your expense until the liability situation is clear.

To be on the safe side: Make a sales contract

Once all the details have been clarified, the purchase can be finalized. Always insist on a written contract! In it, you regulate the period and scope of the warranty. Furthermore, you have the characteristics of your used car assured, for which the seller guarantees even if the warranty is excluded. These include, for example, the mileage or the absence of accidents. With the purchase contract from AutoScout24 you are on the safe side. As soon as the document is signed, you can take care of the car handover.

On our platform, you can easily filter for used vehicles that are accident-free, insured directly "ex MFK" or via a warranty. So you're sure to find a car that suits you.