Buying a second hand car

Before buying a second hand car

You are entitled to trust that the information the vendor provides about the car is correct.

However, you can avoid many problems if you familiarise yourself carefully with the car and the information provided about it before making the purchase decision.

Buying a second hand car involves risks. Even if the car appears to be in good condition from the outside, its condition may be poor. For example, previous conditions and manner of use may affect the wear and tear of the car more than the mileage alone.

Before making the purchase decision, make sure of the following:

• The car has been inspected by the vendor: Ask the vendor for a report on the condition of the car.
• Test drive: Test drive the car and carry out a visual inspection of the car, if this is possible.
• Features and accessories: Make sure that all features and accessories that are important to you are present.
• Service history: The service history provides information on how well the car has been looked after. For example, regular servicing indicates that the car has been kept in good condition, which may reduce problems.
• Previous use: Find out about the car’s previous use. Is it an imported car or has the car been used as a taxi or a rental car? This information may affect the car’s value and condition.
• Warranty: Check whether the car has a warranty or other additional protection that may make it easier to deal with any possible faults in the car.

Read also: Distance selling and off-premises sales of cars

Make a written contract

When you are ready to conclude the sale, accept only a written contract.

Remember that familiarising yourself carefully with the contract can save you from many problems.

Before signing the contract, check that the agreed matters have been entered in the contract, for example:

• Accessories: Make sure that the accessories mentioned in the contract correspond to reality. Is everything included that was agreed?
• Repairs: Any matters agreed to be repaired by the vendor are specified and clearly stated. It is also worth agreeing on the time for repair in writing.
• Faults: Known faults that will remain your responsibility.
• Price of the trade-in car: If you are trading in a car, make sure that the price of the trade-in car is clearly recorded.
• Price and payment terms: Check that the price and the payment terms correspond to what was agreed.
• Warranty: If a warranty has been granted for the car, check that the terms are clearly presented. The warranty terms may be in a separate attachment.
• Additional protection: Before you buy additional protection, check its terms carefully and assess whether you need it at all. The terms of additional protection vary greatly, and not all faults are covered by additional protection. Additional protection often includes an excess and a compensation cap. Additional protection may be an unnecessary extra cost, because the Consumer Protection Act protects you in defect situations concerning the car.