On the trail of hidden defects
The most important thing when buying a used car remains the inspection and test drive. Only then does it come to light whether the car keeps what the advertisement promises. We tell you which ten points you should pay particular attention to during the on-site visit.
1 – Not alone at the viewing appointment
Since a specialist is not always available, you should also take a second person with you to the viewing appointment. The old wisdom that four eyes see more than two is true again and again. A professional test plan for ticking off is also a good help. mobile.de, autoscout24.de and the ADAC, for example, offer this free of charge on the Internet under the search term "checklist".
2 – Thoroughly check the papers submitted
If the workshop invoices, HU reports or the checkbook are missing, this is not a good start. This also applies if the documentation is available but incomplete. This indicates that the maintenance of the car has been neglected. In the worst case, the true mileage is to be concealed because the odometer reading is manipulated.
3 – Uncover speedometer trickery
The customer can detect manipulation if he knows how to interpret the signs: Does the stated mileage match the overall impression of the car? If it appears too low, a look at the interior can provide clues. If the seats are badly worn and worn, the pedals are badly worn and the steering wheel looks worn, skepticism is appropriate for a car with about 100,000 kilometers on the clock. You should also look for old dealer stickers in the car; a call to the dealership can provide a lot of information about the vehicle's history. Oil change slips with the mileage in the engine compartment can also expose speedometer manipulation.
4 – Reveal maintenance backlogs and defects
Brittle or porous cables or hoses in the engine compartment are evidence of poor maintenance. If the oil and water levels are also incorrect, there is a further indication that the previous owner did not think much of maintenance and care. What's more, fluid levels that are too low can also indicate defects in the engine. And if you then find out at the beginning of the inspection that the engine is already warm, the suspicion is very obvious that something is to be concealed. This is because some unhealthy noises are only noticeable when cold. Also pay attention to the tires, which can also reveal a lot about the condition of the car. This does not just mean the tread depth, which can be easily checked with a one-euro coin – if you can still see the golden edge, the tyre is close to the wear limit and will soon have to be replaced. The tire tread also says something about the condition of the chassis. If the inner or outer shoulders of the tires in particular show severe wear, the chassis geometry is no longer correct. If the tread blocks are not evenly worn all around, this usually indicates defective wheel bearings, shock absorbers or axle suspensions.
5 – Detect rust with simple means
If the vehicle is not washed, you should be careful. After all, rust spots, dents or paint damage are more difficult to identify this way. The search for rust in particular can prove to be difficult - especially in the dark, so only carry out the inspection during the day. A tip: If it smells musty in the interior or floor coverings are damp, this is evidence of body leaks - corrosion damage can therefore no longer be ruled out.
6 – Detect accident damage
Even technical laymen can track down accident damage with a few tricks. Different gaps on the doors, fenders and tailgate can be an indication of this. Furthermore, you can use a magnet to detect improper repairs - if it has been filled, it does not hold. After that, the polish deserves a close look: Are there dull spots, can the so-called orange peel skin be detected, are there color runners or are there even color differences? These are all signs of accident damage – just like paint spray mist on adjacent rubber and plastic parts.
7 – Insist on a test drive
Final clarity about the condition of the car is provided by the test drive. You should insist on that. The engine must start without any problems – this is another reason why it is important that the engine is cold at the start of the inspection. In addition, the engine must not run smoothly or respond poorly to throttle commands. If cracking noises are heard when turning at the intersection during the full steering angle, this indicates faulty drive shafts or wheel bearings. If the car does not stay on track, the chassis geometry is not correct. If the transmission makes noise when shifting gears, this is also an alarm signal – not to mention if it is not easy to operate. If the braking performance is weak, the car pulls to one side when stopping, or if the rim is so hot after the test drive that you can hardly touch it – then there are also defects. Basically, the following applies to the test drive: Take your time, seek out low-traffic roads and drive outside built-up areas – certain defects only become apparent at higher speeds or engine speeds. Then check under the hood whether the unit is not leaking at one point.
8 – When in doubt, consult a professional
If there are any doubts after the initial inspection, you should take the car to a workshop or inspection organization. Take DEKRA, for example: There, an expert takes care of the body, technology and electronic systems. After passing the test, the car receives a used car seal of approval. Cost: around 130 euros. Similar offers are available from ADAC, TÃœV or independent workshop chains. Advantage: The experts know the problem areas of many models from everyday testing and service and know where to look.
9 – The warranty trick – don't fall for it!
Private sellers can exclude the warranty in the purchase contract – a dealer cannot. If the car is to be sold on behalf of the previous owners or as a hobbyist vehicle, there is a suspicion that the dealer wants to avoid the warranty. After all, companies must be liable for material defects in the period of one year after the sale of a used car.
10 – Are the owner and seller the same person?
In the case of private sales, make sure that the registered vehicle owner and the seller are identical. If the data is not correct, it may be a stolen car. In this case, request the power of attorney of the actual owner. If you want to exclude forged papers, it is best to go with the seller to the registration office for re-registration. The authority examines the documents, forgeries should be noticed quickly.
In our picture gallery you will find the most reliable used cars from the last DEKRA report. This will allow you to lay a healthy foundation the next time you buy a used car.