Buying a Used Car: The Ultimate Checklist for a Safe Purchase in 2026

Buying a used car without nasty surprises

For many people in Switzerland, a used car (known locally as an "Occasion") is the smart choice: compared with a new car, you often save 30 to 50 percent and still get a reliable, modern vehicle. But buying a used car carries risks if you don't look closely.

Our comprehensive checklist helps you play it safe. Whether you are buying a used car for the first time or already have some experience, you should go through these points systematically at every viewing.

Before the viewing: preparation is everything

Calculate a realistic budget

Before you fall in love with a listing, do the maths honestly: the purchase price is only part of the cost. Plan for:

Purchase price of the vehicle
Motor vehicle tax (varies by canton, based on engine size or power)
Insurance (comprehensive cover is recommended for newer vehicles)
MFK costs (the Swiss vehicle inspection; if it is due soon: CHF 60 to CHF 100)
Servicing costs (the first major service can cost CHF 500 to CHF 1'500)
Possible repairs after the purchase (plan a buffer of CHF 1'000 to CHF 2'000)

Also take a look at our financing options: with a transparent leasing calculator, you can work out your monthly payments in advance.

Research the vehicle history

Check the service book: Complete entries from a brand dealership are ideal. Missing entries may point to neglected maintenance.
Number of previous owners: Fewer is better. A vehicle with one or two previous owners is often better looked after than one that has changed hands frequently.
Accident history: Ask directly and get the answer confirmed in writing. Repaired accident damage is not always visible.
Is the mileage plausible? An average of 10'000 to 15'000 km per year is normal. Significantly less can point to short-distance driving (more wear), significantly more to motorway kilometres (often less of a problem).

Research the market price

Compare the asking price with similar offers on AutoScout24 or car4you. Pay attention to model, year, mileage and equipment. That way you can quickly tell whether an offer is fair or whether there is room for negotiation.

At the viewing: check the outside and inside thoroughly

Exterior check

Take at least 15 minutes just for the exterior. View the car in daylight, never in the rain or in the dark.

Paintwork: Colour differences between body panels point to respraying (and therefore possible accident repairs). Look across the surface at an angle to spot dents and ripples.
Panel gaps: The gaps between bonnet, doors and boot should be even. Irregular gaps indicate poorly repaired accident damage.
Rust: Check the wheel arches, sills, lower door edges and the area around the windscreen. Surface rust is harmless, but rust that has eaten through can get expensive.
Tyres: Minimum tread depth of 3 mm (the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but below 3 mm a change will be due soon). Uneven wear points to suspension problems.
Windows: Stone chips and cracks will cause the car to fail the MFK.

Interior check

Smell: A musty smell can indicate water ingress and mould. Heavy air freshener is sometimes an attempt to mask problems.
Upholstery and carpets: Damp patches, discolouration or wavy carpets point to water damage.
Electronics: Try out every switch, window, mirror, seat adjustment and the infotainment system. Electronic faults can be surprisingly expensive.
Air conditioning: Does it cool noticeably within two minutes? A faulty air conditioning system can easily cost CHF 800 to CHF 1'500.
Warning lights: After starting the engine, all warning lights should light up briefly and then go out. Lights that stay on signal problems.

The test drive: how to test properly

The test drive is the most important part of the viewing. Don't let yourself be rushed: take at least 20 minutes and drive different types of road.

Engine and gearbox

Cold start: Start the engine when it is cold. A difficult cold start can point to battery problems, worn spark plugs or other faults.
Idling: The engine should run quietly and smoothly, without juddering or making unusual noises.
Test every gear: With a manual, each gear should engage cleanly. With an automatic, look for smooth, jolt-free gear changes.
Acceleration: Does the car accelerate evenly, without hesitating?

Suspension and steering

Straight-line stability: On a straight road, briefly let go of the steering wheel. The car should not pull to one side.
Suspension: Drive over bumps and listen for knocking noises. You will notice faulty shock absorbers by a spongy driving feel.
Steering: Play in the steering or noises when turning indicate wear.

Brakes

Braking distance: Under hard braking, the car should come to a stop in a straight line and without vibrations.
Noises: Squealing or grinding points to worn brake pads or discs.
Handbrake: It must hold after 3 to 5 clicks at most. Test it on a slight incline.

Book a test drive with us: we are happy to take the time to answer your questions and show you the vehicle in detail.

Check the MFK status: when is the next inspection due?

In Switzerland, every vehicle must regularly undergo the MFK (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle, the Swiss vehicle inspection). The intervals are:

First inspection: 4 years after first registration
Second inspection: 3 years after the first inspection
After that: Every 2 years

Always ask for the date of the last MFK and when the next one is due. A vehicle that has just passed the MFK gives you peace of mind. If the MFK is coming up soon, you should negotiate a discount, or ask the seller to have the MFK carried out before the sale.

Typical reasons for failing the MFK: Rust damage to load-bearing parts, faulty lighting, worn tyres, oil leaks, a cracked windscreen, excessive exhaust smoke.

Negotiation tips: how to avoid paying too much

Document defects: Every scratch, every dent, every faulty feature is an argument for a lower price. Photograph everything.
Factor in MFK costs: If repairs are needed to pass the MFK, this should be reflected in the price.
Mention comparable offers: Show the seller what comparable vehicles cost. Facts work better than gut feeling.
Don't let yourself be pressured: "Someone else is interested too" is the oldest trick in the book. Take time to think it over.
Walk away calmly: If the price isn't right or you have a bad feeling, leave. There is always another car.

Why buy from a dealer rather than privately?

With a private sale, the rule is: bought as seen. Warranty? None. That makes the purchase cheaper, but also riskier.

A reputable dealer, on the other hand, offers:

Warranty: At Car Trade24, you can choose a warranty for every vehicle, a real safety net.
Transparent information: For every car, you receive the available documents and a clear price.
Financing and leasing: Flexible financing solutions with transparent terms.
Trade-in: We take your old vehicle in part exchange, fairly valued and without hassle. Find out more on our trade-in page.
Legal certainty: A purchase contract with clear terms and a contact person if problems arise.

Printable checklist

Here are the most important points at a glance once more:

Ready for your next used car?

With this checklist, you are well prepared. And if you would rather skip all the research: in our vehicle stock, you will find used cars with a warranty, transparent pricing and fair financing.

Would you like to compare the used car with a new one? Take a look at the Skoda Fabia or the Seat Ibiza from our EU import and work out the rate with the leasing calculator.

Do you have questions or would you like to view a specific vehicle? Book a test drive or contact us: we are happy to advise you personally and without obligation.