Buying a used car in Germany: what to check

Quick checks before buying a used car

1. Compare the asking price. Compare like with like in terms of model, specification, mileage and condition. Distinguish between asking prices and prices actually achieved. The table below shows dealer asking prices from our data.
2. Inspect the car. Compare the vehicle identification number on the car with the details in the documents. Get any discrepancies resolved before buying.
3. Check the HU. Read the inspection sticker on the rear number plate and ask to see the inspection report. Also check the vehicle’s condition.
4. Ask about the actual mileage. Do not rely on the odometer reading alone. Make sure the mileage is recorded in the sales contract.
5. Check the vehicle history. Ask specifically about accident damage and get any known damage described in detail.
6. Ask to see the original documents. These include the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II. Resolve any missing or contradictory documents before paying.
7. Read the sales contract before signing. Clearly record the vehicle, price, mileage, known damage and handover. If buying from a dealer, check any terms on liability for faults.

How much does a used car cost in Germany?

The table shows the used models listed most often in our data. It includes the median dealer asking price, the middle half of asking prices (P25–P75) and the number of cars recorded. Compare dealer asking prices for vehicles that are as similar as possible. Take account of specification, mileage and condition.

Dealer asking prices on 3 Nov 2026, not sale prices. Models with at least 30 cars for sale; the range is the middle half of asking prices (P25–P75).

See more models and prices on the Germany page. If you are checking a particular advert, compare its details with similar listings. A low asking price alone tells you nothing about the vehicle’s technical condition or its documents.

What should you check before buying?

For an ordinary passenger car, the first Hauptuntersuchung (HU, roadworthiness inspection) is normally due three years after first registration. After that, an ordinary privately used passenger car normally needs an HU every 24 months. The month and year of the next inspection are shown on the sticker on the rear number plate.

Also ask for the HU inspection report. The keeper must keep it at least until the next HU. Compare the report, sticker and vehicle details. If a report or a claimed inspection seems questionable, contact the inspection organisation named in the report. Resolve any outstanding questions before signing.

Ask about the actual mileage and have it recorded in the sales contract. The odometer reading alone does not answer the question. Compare the seller’s statements with the documents provided, and ask questions if the mileage history is unclear.

The Central Vehicle Register also records mileage reported as part of legally required inspections. However, this does not mean that anyone can access a report for any car: the KBA’s online personal data request is limited to your own data. A private keeper can request information about vehicles registered in their name. Ask the seller what evidence they can provide about the mileage.

Ask to see the originals of Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II (vehicle registration documents). The police recommend checking original documents. Do the vehicle details and vehicle identification number match the car? Ask for any accident damage to be described separately and record the details in writing.

Also ask whether any finance or third-party rights relating to the car need to be resolved. Under a Sicherungsübereignung (transfer of ownership by way of security), a credit institution may keep the Fahrzeugbrief until the loan is repaid. The registration authority does not decide private law matters. Registration alone therefore does not settle such matters. Before paying, clarify why original documents are missing or why there are doubts about the seller’s right to sell the car.

Sales contract, vehicle documents and registration

Record the vehicle identification number, agreed price, actual mileage, known damage and handover time in the sales contract. Read every detail before signing. Have outstanding points added rather than relying on a verbal promise. When the car is handed over, collect the agreed documents and check their details against the vehicle again.

For an ordinary transfer of ownership, the law provides for agreement on the transfer of ownership and delivery of the car by its owner. The sales contract records what you have agreed. Check with your local registration authority which vehicle documents you need. The registration authority does not decide private law matters.

If you take over a registered vehicle, arrange the change of keeper with the registration authority for your place of residence without delay. The law does not specify a fixed number of days. Check your local registration authority’s requirements before your appointment. For registering a vehicle with a non-local number plate after a change of keeper, the ServicePortal Berlin lists the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (Fahrzeugschein) and Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief), among other things. Have these documents ready after buying the car.

Buying from a dealer or a private seller?

If you buy a car from a dealer as a consumer, statutory liability for faults applies. The period is generally two years. For a used car, it can be reduced to one year. For this reduction to apply, you must be specifically informed of it before the contract is concluded, and it must be expressly and separately agreed in the contract. Read this term before signing.

If a fault appears within one year of handover, it is generally presumed in a consumer sale to have been present at handover. This does not apply if that presumption is incompatible with the nature of the item or the fault. Describe any fault you find as precisely as possible and keep the purchase documents.

For a private sale, read carefully what the contract says about known faults and any exclusion of liability. A seller cannot rely on a contractual exclusion insofar as they have fraudulently concealed a fault or guaranteed a particular quality. Ask specifically about damage and have the answer recorded in writing.

What happens after the purchase?

Arrange motor third-party liability insurance for the car. The keeper must maintain this insurance. Confirm that you are covered before using the car. To register it in your name, contact the registration authority for your place of residence and check which evidence you need for your circumstances.

Also budget for motor vehicle tax. It is collected by SEPA direct debit, usually one year in advance. Before buying, check the motor vehicle tax due for that particular car. The Germany calculator also calculates the annual motor vehicle tax.

Make a note of the next HU date from the sticker and inspection report. Keep the report. If it is missing or the details do not match, check with the seller and, if necessary, the inspection organisation before relying on a date.

Buying in Germany and registering abroad?

If you plan to register the car in another country after buying it, check that country’s requirements for documents, transport and charges. The following pages show the available import routes from Germany.

The import calculator overview helps you check the calculated costs for your destination country.