Car purchase checklist: you have to pay attention to this

With a checklist for your next car purchase, you can deal with it much more relaxed. There are a number of things to consider when choosing a car dealer or buying a used or new car. Here you will find tips for your next car purchase.

Checklist when buying a car: find the right dealer

It is very important for the checklist for your car purchase to find the right car dealer. The Internet offers you good opportunities to compare traders.

• Find out more about car dealers in your area on the Internet and use ratings and reviews from various comparison portals.
• At car dealers, you can choose between brand dealers, used car dealers and independent dealers.
• According to ADAC, brand dealers do better in customer satisfaction than independent car dealers.
• It should also be noted that there is a considerable regional price difference. The ADAC found that the same model was offered in different cities with big price differences.
• Make the first contact by phone or in person. Because the response rate of the dealer is much lower via e-mail.

Checklist for the used car

When buying a used car, you have to trust the statements of the seller. But with a checking eye you avoid additional costs later.

• Check the appearance of the used car. Differences in color or an uneven paint can indicate cover-up damage. With a paint density tester, you can find repainting or filled areas more quickly.
• If you can see screws on the car parts of the trunk and the bonnet, these have been re-screwed in since they are no longer covered by the paint of the car.
• Before starting the test drive, check the level of the brake and coolant. This way you will notice whether they are leaking out or are unusually low after driving.
• Ask the seller that the engine is cold before the test drive. How to test whether the engine is actually working properly.
• It is also very important to check the odometer reading. Dubious sellers turn this back. Compare the wear and tear on the car parts such as the steering wheel, gear knob and pedals with the odometer reading.
• Stop on the test drive in the parking lot to check the car for damage without the presence of the seller. Test the complete electronics with air conditioning, wipers and headlights here.
• Check all panes for stone chips or leaks. Doors can also leak. If there are wet or damp places in the interior, this can be an indication of this.
• If you want to be absolutely sure, it is best to consult a specialist. Some workshops, automobile clubs or the TÜV offer a used car inspection. This costs around 100 euros.

Checklist for the new car

If you buy a new car, you are probably already looking at a specific model. But here, too, it helps to consider a few things.

• Pay attention to a possible model year change. Manufacturers change subtleties or correct some errors in models that have only just come onto the market. This change is often not made public, but it is worth the wait - either in terms of price or in terms of equipment.
• Buy only shortly before the new generation of your desired model comes on the market. Because here the discounts of the old generation increase before the new one is offered for sale.
• If a lot of equipment is important to you, it is cheaper to choose the higher equipment directly than the smaller one and then to provide it with extras.
• Choose a common paint color when purchasing. Because if you want to sell it in the future, it is easier for you with a black, white or gray paint color than with an unusual one. Painting a car also involves some costs.
• When negotiating the price of the car, pay attention to the cost of the transfer. Because even if new cars are sold with high discounts, the transfer costs are much higher.

In the next article you will find 5 apps with which you can buy used cars.

Video tip: Android Auto