Test drive before buying — guide & tips
When buying a used car in Germany, one of the first steps is to check a VIN report (carVertical or CARFAX). It reveals hidden info: accidents, mileage, owners, commercial use, import, liens, restrictions and more. Below is how to read the key fields and cross-check them with reality.
Key VIN report flags & sections: what they mean
Accidents & damage
Check the event type, date and severity. A note like Declared total loss / Totalschaden means economic write-off: very high risk. Sometimes payout amounts and damage photos are included.
Mileage (odometer)
Chronology of readings (service, TÜV, sale). Any “jump back” suggests rollback. Compare with seller claims and look for wear indicators.
Number of owners & usage type
Frequent changes in a short time are a red flag. Taxi/Rent/Corporate labels indicate harder use.
Foreign registration (import)
Check countries and dates. Import is fine, just verify compliance and seller transparency.
Liens / theft / restrictions
Searches for theft, finance liens, registration bans. Any encumbrance is a reason to walk or demand documented release.
Additional data
Recalls, TÜV results, service history, factory equipment by VIN, indicative values and safety ratings — all help complete the picture.
Example: mileage chart with a yellow warning plus a damage entry. Not an automatic “no”, but a strong reason for a deeper in-person check.
Match the report to the car’s real condition
- Body & paint. If accidents are listed, measure paint thickness; look for color mismatch, waves, repair traces in apertures and trunk.
- Mileage vs wear. Compare the odometer with wear on wheel/pedals/seats; use OBD to read mileage in ECUs.
- Documents & VIN. VIN in the report ⇄ VIN on the body and registration. Ask why frequent sales, confirm import with documents.
- Test drive & mechanics. A “clean” report doesn’t rule out issues — drive and listen to engine/AT/suspension. Our test-drive guide helps.
Interpreting damage history & mileage
Damage severity. “Minor damage” is often cosmetic; “structural damage”, “airbags deployed”, high repair bills — high risk.
Mileage chronology. Steady growth is normal; freezes or jumps need explanations. Consider the use profile.
Recurring issues. A series of similar incidents or faults suggests a chronic cause — ask for proof it’s fixed.
Limits of VIN reports: where extra checks are needed
- Not everything is recorded. Off-book repairs won’t appear.
- Errors happen. Mis-matches or misinterpretations are possible.
- Reports age quickly. They show the past, not today’s condition.
- Live condition matters. Compression, leaks, noises, system operation — only in person.
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Conclusion: a VIN report is a powerful filter — the final word is the in-person inspection
Use carVertical/CARFAX to pre-screen and save time. For the final step, always do an in-person inspection, OBD scan and test drive. The best strategy combines VIN history with on-site checks.
Sicher-Check can run a full inspection: OBD diagnostics, paint thickness, documents & VIN data check, photo report and negotiation advice. See our services.
FAQ — frequently asked questions
Can I buy a car with a “clean” VIN report without inspection?
Not recommended. Reports miss hidden or unofficial repairs and current technical issues. Always do an in-person inspection and test drive.
If the report says “Minor damage”, is it critical?
Not always. Check repair quality and geometry. Structural damage or airbag deployment is risky.
How do I know the car is an import and what does it mean?
See the list of registration countries. Import is fine, but verify compliance, documents, accident history and odometer correctness.
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Test drive before buying — guide & tips
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