Buying a used car: The direct road to your dream wheels

Buying a vehicle is often an emotional decision – and therefore one that's sometimes made too quickly. Trust is important, but you should always set out all agreements and assurances in writing in the purchase contract.

If an offer seems too good to be true, it's worth being cautious. We recommend buying from a well-known specialist company or at least from a reputable supplier with transparent information. An indication "with MFK" simply means that the vehicle meets the minimum technical requirements – it is not a guarantee of quality. A used car warranty can offer additional security. 

It's not really the case that there are any particularly "problematic" makes. All manufacturers face similar technical challenges, but it makes sense to find out about the typical weak points of a model or type of engine before buying – for example through targeted online research. 

A test drive is always just a snapshot. Costs often appear shortly after purchase due to wearing parts such as brakes, tires or upcoming service work – for example, a timing belt change.

A look at the service booklet helps you to estimate what planned work might be needed. Be sure to also open the hood and check for traces of oil or other leaks. A look under the vehicle can also provide indications of underbody damage. 

Very important. The service booklet should be complete and should not contain any missing pages. For newer vehicles, electronic service booklets are often available – the dealer can provide information here. If necessary, the history can also be obtained from the workshop that carried out the last service. 

There are no fixed thresholds. It's generally worth being more cautious with vehicles outside the warranty. As vehicles get older, the risk of technical failures increases. Even if the mileage is conspicuously low, you should ask whether it is plausible and can be confirmed by the service booklet. 

Make sure that indicator lamps light up when you're driving. Drive without music to make it easier to hear unusual noises. Check the vehicle's directional stability – including when you're braking. 

View the vehicle from different angles – ideally in daylight. This makes it easier to recognize paint differences or unevenness. Ask about previous owners and – if possible – about their use of the vehicle. 

At present, many used electric cars are still relatively new, which is why the risks are manageable. Nevertheless, you should have the battery condition confirmed in writing – ideally with a battery certificate. Also check the factory warranty, which is often longer for the batteries of electric vehicle than the general vehicle warranty.

Older models usually have a shorter range than newer generations.

Have the condition of the battery confirmed in writing by a branded company. An official battery certificate provides clarity and safety. 

Disputes concerning warranty claims or unclear contractual agreements can lead to legal disputes. Proper documentation and a clearly formulated purchase agreement significantly reduce this risk. 

Contact the seller immediately and make a written complaint about the defect. Document the defect with photos and record all steps in writing. Also inform the seller in writing – this way you create a clear starting position. 

Glass breakage, for example due to stone chipping, is particularly common. In the case of newer used cars, collision and parking damage are also common. 

Depending on the cover, motor vehicle insurance protects you against the financial consequences of accidents, natural disasters, glass breakage or theft, so that you are not left with high repair or replacement costs in the event of a loss. 

When buying a second-hand car in Switzerland, you should pay particular attention to the technical condition, service history and contract details. A complete service booklet, full vehicle documentation and clear information on accidents or repairs are crucial. During your inspection and test drive, check the engine, electronics, brakes, tires and bodywork carefully. A written purchase contract also protects you from misunderstandings. 

200,000 km is not necessarily too much. The make, model and, above all, maintenance are crucial. With regular maintenance, many vehicles are reliable even with high mileage. The important thing is that major service work such as changing the timing belt or clutch is documented. Condition and maintenance count more than simply the number of kilometers. 

The guideline is 10,000 to 20,000 km per year. A vehicle with significantly higher or lower mileage is not necessarily worse – what matters is whether its use, age and maintenance plausibly match. A well-maintained vehicle with a higher mileage may be a better choice than a low-mileage used car that has not been maintained so well. 

There is no make that is fundamentally problem-free. Second-hand purchases generally show that vehicles with regular maintenance, a transparent previous owner history and complete documentation are much less likely to incur high repair costs. A clean service history is more important than the make. 

When you buy a used electric car, the crucial factor is the condition of the battery. Have the remaining capacity and battery condition confirmed in writing – ideally by a brand-name company. Also check the remaining factory warranty, as this is often longer for electric vehicles. This will help you avoid unexpected follow-up costs.