Are you buying a new or used car? We know what to look for when buying a car

The market for new and used cars has changed considerably in recent years. The prices of new cars have risen due to a shortage of chips and other parts, and this has been reflected in the prices of used cars. Buying a car today therefore requires more caution than ever before. Increased demand also means that more fraudulent adverts and poor quality vehicles are appearing. This makes it all the more important to check thoroughly and make the right decision.

What to think about at the outset?

When buying a car, it’s always important to consider a few key aspects. Answer these questions at the outset: Will I be buying a new car or a used car? Who do I want to buy from, a trusted dealer or a private seller? How will I check the technical and legal status of the car? People most often choose to buy a used car because it is more affordable. However, with such a car you always have to take into account the greater risk of hidden defects or an opaque history.

Before you hit the online bazaars, think about how much money you want to invest in your new car. It’s not just about how much money you have available. You also need to add other costs to the price, such as the vehicle’s title deed (£640 to £800). Another sometimes unpleasant surprise, especially with more powerful engines, can be compulsory liability and breakdown insurance. You will also have to wait for the first service for an oil change, filters or brake check. If there are any defects in the car, you will have to pay to have them repaired. And sometimes you may even need to get new tyres because the current ones are at the end of their life. These costs can easily inflate your budget by tens of thousands. So, especially if you’re planning to buy a used car, have some money in reserve.

Next, think about why you ‘re buying the car in the first place – will you be driving it to work every day, going on weekend trips, or is it to represent your company? How many of you are there? Having a five-seater convertible is nice, but quite impractical for carrying small children. How many miles do you drive a year? If you’re barely over 5,000, you don’t need a diesel. And would you prefer a popular brand or reliability? Make a list of your preferences so you don’t end up with a car that’s beautiful but totally impractical for your needs.

Now the question becomes who you buy the car from. At an authorized dealer, you’ll have more assurance that the car has passed inspection, you’ll have more warranties, but at the same time you have to factor in a higher price. At a car dealership you will have a wider choice and often lower prices, but you have to be very cautious because of the risk of hidden defects or inaccurate vehicle history. The lowest prices tend to be in the case of a private sale, but the responsibility is entirely yours, with no guarantee and no certainty about the true history of the car. The difference between buying a car from a private seller or a business is also reflected in the liability for defects. You can read more about the possible withdrawal from the purchase contract due to defects in a separate article.

How to buy a car: A step-by-step procedure

The question of how to buy a car has several correct answers. But if you follow the following procedure, you will surely reach your goal successfully.

Set a budget.

Choose a car: Determine what specifications your new car should have (body type, fuel consumption, engine power, make, age of the car, etc.).

Check the history of the car: When buying a used car, always “trust but verify”. Before you sign a car purchase agreement, find out if the car has been stolen, if it is not encumbered by a foreclosure or lien, and if you are buying a totaled car without the seller telling you. You should also check whether the car is not covered by a lease, where you would need the mortgage lender‘s consent to buy. Check the vehicle’s VIN code (you’ll find it on the bodywork) against databases such as Cebia or CarVertical. There you can find out the actual mileage, how many owners the car has had, whether it has been wrecked or stolen, and whether there is a foreclosure or lease on it.

Insist on a personal inspection and test drive: Pay attention to every detail when inspecting the car. The car may look amazing in photos, but the subsequent reality is different. When inspecting, look at the condition of the bodywork – different shades of paint indicate paintwork from an accident. Uneven gaps between parts may indicate that the body has been repaired. Corrosion – look especially for this on the wheel arches and sills. Look for wear and tear on the interior – do the saddled seats or steering wheel really match the low mileage figures? Then, during the test drive, observe braking, shifting, vibration, engine and chassis sounds. If you bring along a mechanic, you could save tens of thousands thanks to their expert eye.

Check the paperwork: what to look out for when buying a car when it comes to paperwork? You should be interested in the technical certificate, the last MOT report, the service book (or at least the service invoices) and the green card (valid compulsory liability insurance) Then it’s a warning sign. In addition, check that the seller is indeed the owner of the car.

Draw up a contract of sale: A car purchase agreement should be detailed and protect both parties. You can use our ready-made model purchase agreement.

Transfer the car to the new owner: Remember that you must report the change of ownership to the vehicle registry within 10 working days. You will also need a registration inspection report that is no more than 30 days old to make the transfer. The administration fee is CZK 640 or CZK 800 depending on how you make the transfer. We cover car transfer in detail in a separate article.

Warning signs when buying a car

Now we come to one of the most important parts, namely what to look out for when buying a car. Because once you neglect something, you can get into trouble very quickly. If the car is missing a registration certificate, service records or important documents, be very careful. Likewise if the VIN number on the vehicle doesn’t match the one on the registration certificate.

Too low a price may indicate that you are buying a wrecked car or a car burdened with other problems. Check if the vehicle is from abroad and if so, check its history even more thoroughly.

Never sign a contract without actually reading it in full. The contract must contain accurate details of the seller, the buyer, the vehicle and clear terms and conditions of the claim.

If you discover hidden defects after the purchase, you can ask for them to be removed, for a discount on the purchase price or, as a last resort, to cancel the contract. In this case, you may need legal representation, for which you can use our services.

Summary

Buying a car, whether new or used, is a major investment that requires careful thought and caution. Given the rising prices and the risk of fraud, it is important to first establish a budget including all incidental costs (title, insurance, servicing), determine your needs (type of car, type of use, preferred make) and choose accordingly. When buying a used car, it is essential to check the technical and legal condition of the car using databases (e.g. Cebia, CarVertical), focus on a detailed personal inspection, test drive and check the documentation. Buying from an authorised dealer is safer but more expensive, while buying from a private individual carries the highest risk. The key is to have a well-drafted purchase agreement, transfer the vehicle within 10 days and watch out for warning signs such as missing documents, VIN discrepancies or a suspiciously low price. If there are problems after the purchase, you can exercise your rights to claim or withdraw from the contract.