Buying a car in Germany: checks before payment

Information guide — no real offers or live market prices on this page.

Verify the vehicle and seller

Check the seller’s identity and authority to sell, vehicle documents, maintenance and mileage. Resolve inconsistencies. Arrange a suitable test drive and an independent technical inspection where needed.

Separate the purchase price from total costs

Record purchase price, transport, insurance, documents and procedures required in the destination market separately. Do not assume the listing includes every charge or that the same rules apply to every buyer.

Clarify the contract and handover

Read the contract and payment terms. Record known defects, documents and keys to be handed over. Do not pay based on an advertisement alone. The calculator helps compare verified figures; it does not replace checks.