When buying a used car, it's not just gut feeling and looks that count – there are specific signals in the ad and on the vehicle that point to hidden problems. You should know these ten warning signs before you even arrange a viewing.
1. Mileage doesn't match the vehicle's age
An 8-year-old mid-size car with 45,000 km? Sounds good – but it's a warning sign. On average, a German vehicle covers about 13,000–15,000 km per year. Big deviations on the low side can point to odometer tampering. Take a look at the service intervals and oil change stickers – they often reveal more than the odometer.
2. No or incomplete service history
A vehicle without a service book isn't automatically poorly maintained – but you have no proof. Gaps of several years are especially critical. When was the oil changed? When was the timing belt last replaced? Without receipts, you can't judge.
3. Missing or soon-to-expire HU (roadworthiness test)
If the HU date is missing from the ad, it's often no oversight. A main roadworthiness inspection (HU) that is about to expire or has already expired costs you as the buyer hard cash – and the seller knows it. Anyone who doesn't state the HU usually has a reason for it.
4. Price well below market level
A low price is no reason to celebrate, but a reason to be careful. Prices 20 % or more below the market average are either bait (advance payment fraud) or the vehicle has problems that aren't mentioned in the ad. Compare prices via DAT, Schwacke or directly on the platforms.
5. “Unfallfrei laut Vorbesitzer” (accident-free according to the previous owner)
This phrase is no guarantee. It means: the current seller has no first-hand knowledge – or doesn't want any. Repaired accident damage leaves uneven panel gaps, paint differences and structural weaknesses. Have the vehicle inspected by an independent garage.
6. Phrases like “wie besehen” (as seen) or “keine Rücknahme” (no returns)
“Wird verkauft wie gesehen” (sold as seen), “keine Garantie, keine Rücknahme” (no guarantee, no returns) – these phrases signal: the seller knows about defects and is protecting themselves legally. In private sales the warranty can be excluded, but the seller always remains liable for fraudulently concealed defects. Even so, proving this in a dispute is difficult.
7. Very short period of ownership by the seller
Anyone who buys a vehicle and sells it again three weeks later has either discovered a problem or is a commercial dealer without a trade licence. Both are warning signs. Always ask about the purchase date and the reason for selling.
8. Missing interior photos or only a few pictures
A reputable ad shows every side: exterior, interior, engine bay, boot, instruments, seats. Anyone who only shows exterior shots and leaves out the interior usually has something to hide – smells, mould, wear or water damage are easy to leave out of photos.
9. Location differs significantly or is unclear
The vehicle is advertised in Germany but, according to the description, is “kurzzeitig im Ausland” (temporarily abroad)? That's a classic fraud pattern: the vehicle doesn't exist, and the seller is trying to obtain an advance payment. Never transfer money before you've seen the vehicle.
10. Pressure to close the deal quickly
“Noch zwei Interessenten” (two more interested buyers), “muss diese Woche weg” (must go this week), “kann auf keine Besichtigung warten” (can't wait for a viewing) – if you're put under time pressure when buying a vehicle, the aim is to stop you thinking calmly. Reputable sellers don't push. If you feel pressured: walk away.
How InseratCheck detects these signals
InseratCheck automatically analyses ads for these and many other warning signs. The result: a score from 0–100 with specific pointers – so you know what to look out for at the viewing. Free for listings from AutoScout24.de, Kleinanzeigen and autoland.de. Listings from mobile.de are free for users in Germany.
More on a specific scam: What “im Kundenauftrag” (on behalf of a customer) really means – and what rights you have.
Frequently asked questions about warning signs when buying a used car
Is a test drive enough to discover defects?
No. A test drive reveals obvious driving problems, but not structural damage, corrosion, accident repairs or odometer tampering. An independent garage inspection is the only reliable method before buying.
Do I as the buyer have to prove defects myself?
When buying from a dealer, there's a statutory presumption within the first 12 months that defects were already present at the time of purchase. After 12 months, or in a private sale, the burden of proof lies with the buyer – which is much harder.
How exactly does InseratCheck help?
InseratCheck analyses the ad text for over 30 risk factors – including all the warning signs mentioned above. The result shows you which points you should clarify before or during the viewing.