Book a pre-purchase inspection and read the report

Before you make an offer, ask whether you may have the car inspected, and agree where and when. The buyer usually pays for the aankoopkeuring (pre-purchase inspection, see aankoopkeuring). If the seller refuses, the ANWB says you already know enough: look for another car. Confirm the agreement in a message, or make the sale contract conditional on a good report.

Only inspect cars that pass your own first test. Look up the RDW data with the licence plate check: APK expiry date, recalls and the odometer verdict. At the viewing, go through the inspection checklist and take a test drive. If something is already off, such as an illogical mileage record or missing papers, you save the cost of an inspection.

DEKRA's prices apply up to 6 cylinders without four-wheel drive. Find more inspectors on inspection and inspectors.

A mobile inspector comes to the car but often needs a lift to check the underside. DEKRA inspects at a location of your choice if a lift is available there. You may not attend, to keep the inspection independent; the report arrives by email. Choosing a garage? Agree with the seller who drives the car there. Ask in advance which checks the package includes.

An inspection looks at the mechanical condition, previous damage and repairs, safety and maintenance, often with a test drive and a look underneath. Cheaper inspections check fewer points. It is not an APK, the annual roadworthiness test, and never gives 100% certainty. For an electric car or plug-in hybrid, ask for a battery health test (SoH); see also checking a used EV battery.

Sort the findings into four groups: safety (brakes, tyres, steering), short-term costs (maintenance, leaks), wear that fits the age and mileage, and cosmetic points. Ask the inspector or a garage for a price estimate on the first two groups. Also note what the report says about repaired damage and whether the mileage matches the condition of the interior.

A report with findings gives you a negotiating position. The ANWB suggests letting the seller choose: repair before delivery or lower the price. Back your offer with the repair estimates, and size your margin with the negotiation tool and the fair price check. Put the agreement in the sale contract, including which repairs must be done before the handover.

If there are only minor points, buy with confidence or at a slightly lower price. With serious safety defects, poorly repaired damage or doubts about the mileage, it is better to walk away; the inspection then saved you more than it cost. If you do buy, keep the report with your car papers: it also helps when you sell the car later.