How to Buy a Used Car in Germany
Buying used in Germany is well regulated and safe if you follow the normal steps. The paperwork matters more than in most countries, and getting it in the right order saves you money and hassle.
Where people actually search
Almost all private and dealer stock sits on two portals: mobile.de and AutoScout24. Both list the same cars in most cases. Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen) carries cheaper private cars, and more risk.
- mobile.de — largest German inventory, strongest dealer presence
- AutoScout24 — strong across Europe, useful for imports from AT/NL/BE
- Kleinanzeigen — cheapest end, private sellers, least protection
- Brand programmes (VW Das WeltAuto, BMW Premium Selection) — dearer, but inspected and warrantied
The order to do things in
- Set your real budget — purchase price plus roughly €1,000–2,500 a year running costs
- Shortlist 3–5 cars and check each one's typical faults
- Message the seller and ask for the VIN (FIN) and the HU report
- View in daylight, never in rain, never in the dark
- Test drive at least 20 minutes including Autobahn speed
- Optional but worth it: a paid inspection (DEKRA/TÜV Gebrauchtwagencheck, €100–200)
- Agree the price, write a Kaufvertrag, get an eVB number from an insurer
- Register at the Zulassungsstelle, then pay
Never pay before the car is registered to you
Standard practice is a small deposit (Anzahlung) at most, with the balance paid on handover. Pay at a bank branch or by instant transfer in person — never by Western Union, crypto, or "shipping agent" schemes. Those are always scams.
Dealer or private?
A dealer owes you at least one year of Sachmängelhaftung (statutory liability for defects). A private seller owes you nothing beyond not lying to you. The dealer premium is typically €1,000–3,000 — for a car over ten years old, that protection is often worth it.
Red flags that should end a viewing
- No Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (Fahrzeugbrief) in hand
- Seller's name is not on the Brief and they have no written authority
- Mismatched VIN between the Brief, the windscreen and the door pillar
- Fresh undersealing hiding the floor and sills
- Service book conveniently "lost"
- A price far under market with a story attached