Used car buying guide
Clear answers to the most important questions about used car listings – before you buy, view or call.
These phrases in a listing are a warning sign
“Wie gesehen” (as seen), “km laut Vorbesitzer” (mileage according to previous owner), “Bastlerfahrzeug” (project car) – what these phrases mean legally and which ones you shouldn’t ignore.
Learn more →What to look out for when buying a used car?
From analysing the listing to the test drive: the key steps before, during and after the viewing – as a practical checklist.
Learn more →How do I spot mileage tampering?
One in three used cars has a falsified odometer reading. Here’s how to spot tampering – with concrete signs and simple checks.
Learn more →What does “im Kundenauftrag” (on behalf of a customer) mean?
A dealer – but without a dealer’s warranty. What this wording means for you as a buyer and what to watch out for.
Learn more →What does “Unfallfrei laut Vorbesitzer” (accident-free according to previous owner) mean?
Sounds like a guarantee – but isn’t one. The addition “laut Vorbesitzer” (according to previous owner) makes a crucial legal difference.
Learn more →What do “Bastlerfahrzeug” or “Projektwagen” (project car) mean?
These terms almost always hide major damage. When is buying worth it – and when is it better not to?
Learn more →Found a listing? InseratCheck automatically analyses it for risk factors – in seconds, free, no sign-up.
Analyse a listing now →