Technical inspection
- OBD diagnostics and fault code reading
- Check of available data and error history
- Assessment of engine, gearbox and overall running condition
- Visual inspection of engine bay and interior
Sicher-Check Auto › Used car inspection before purchase in Germany
We inspect vehicles before purchase: OBD diagnostics, paint thickness check, photos, videos, test drive and an honest assessment. We work on the buyer’s side, not the seller’s. If needed, we can also help with price negotiation, export paperwork and delivery.
📍 Base: Stahnsdorf / Brandenburg. We work in Berlin, Brandenburg, across Germany and, by arrangement, in other EU countries.
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An independent inspection helps you understand the condition of a specific used vehicle before signing the purchase contract. We inspect accessible bodywork, interior and engine-bay areas, measure paint thickness, scan available control units and assess visible warning signs. A test drive is possible only with the seller’s permission. You receive photos, videos, documented findings and practical guidance on whether to buy, negotiate or walk away.
This is not just about plugging in a scanner. The goal is to give you a practical understanding of the vehicle’s real condition before any money changes hands.
Would you like to see how a real pre-purchase vehicle inspection is documented in practice? Here you can view a genuine example report with photos, paint thickness measurements, videos, OBD diagnostics, and a clear final recommendation.
View example reportThe purpose is to document signs of expensive repairs, hidden bodywork and inconsistencies before you sign. A visual and electronic inspection is not a dismantling procedure and cannot guarantee that no future fault will occur.
| Inspection area | Possible warning signs | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Bodywork and paint | Filler, repainting, uneven panel gaps, corrosion and repair traces | May indicate previous damage, poor repairs or future expense |
| Engine and transmission | Leaks, unusual noises, smoke, hesitation or harsh shifting | May justify further diagnosis, negotiation or rejecting the vehicle |
| Electronics and OBD | Active or stored faults in accessible control units | A clear fault memory is useful, but it is not proof that the car is fault-free |
| Mileage and maintenance | Differences between wear, documents and available vehicle data | The seller’s claims should be compared with supporting records |
| Test drive | Vibration, noise, braking behaviour and power delivery | Provides additional information if the seller permits the drive |
Approximate calculation from Stahnsdorf / Brandenburg. Please enter the distance one way. For Berlin and Potsdam choose the local rate (0 km). External costs such as plates, insurance, official fees or parking are not included.
Simple and transparent: you send the listing, we inspect the vehicle and help you avoid an expensive mistake.
Sicher-Check is based in Stahnsdorf, Brandenburg. Our main service area covers Berlin and Potsdam, and we travel throughout Germany by prior agreement. Longer trips are calculated from Stahnsdorf. Cross-border assignments within the EU may also be possible on request.
The cities listed are examples. Availability depends on the seller, distance, timing and agreed inspection scope.
Real feedback with real results builds more trust than any slogan. This matters even more when you are buying a car in another country.
Thank you for the advice and especially for the negotiation support. After the inspection it was clear where the price could be pushed down, and in the end we saved 450 €.
The car was checked carefully, all issues were documented and explained. Things that were not visible in the listing photos were spotted on site during the inspection.
They helped not only with the inspection but also with the next steps. Documents and export plates were arranged quickly and without unnecessary stress.
Depending on the agreed scope and accessibility, we inspect the body, paintwork, interior, engine bay and available OBD data. A test drive takes place only when the seller permits it and the circumstances allow.
An inspection with a report starts at €200. Berlin and Potsdam use a local rate without an additional travel charge. For other locations, travel is usually calculated from Stahnsdorf at €1.50 per kilometre one way. Optional services are agreed separately.
No. Our base is in Brandenburg, but we can travel across Berlin, throughout Germany and, by arrangement, to other EU countries.
Yes. In most cases, a link from mobile.de, AutoScout24 or Kleinanzeigen is enough for us to assess whether an inspection can be arranged.
Yes. If the seller and appointment allow it, we can inspect the vehicle and send you the findings, photos, videos and assessment remotely.
Yes. That is exactly the point of the service: not just to collect technical data, but to give you a clear and honest recommendation — buy it, negotiate hard or walk away.
Yes. If needed, we can help with Kurzzeitkennzeichen and Ausfuhrkennzeichen. Official fees, insurance and third-party costs are charged separately.
No. We are not the seller. Our assessment is based on the areas and data accessible at the time of inspection. Hidden defects and faults that develop later cannot be ruled out.
We record the restriction and inspect only what is accessible and permitted. A refusal does not prove that the car is defective, but it reduces the amount of information available for the buying decision.
The fastest way to get started is WhatsApp. If a good car is already on the market, it is better not to wait too long. We help you decide quickly whether the car is worth your time and money.