In short: how does a Sicher-Check inspection work?
You send us the listing, we agree the scope and inspect the vehicle before purchase. Depending on access and conditions, the check covers the body, paint, accessible mechanical parts, computer diagnostics, documents and a test drive. An inspection with a report starts from €200. It reduces purchase risk, but it cannot guarantee that a vehicle has no hidden faults.
One-off vehicle inspection or full car finder service
Buyers approach us at different stages. You may already have a specific car in mind, or you may need help filtering listings and identifying suitable candidates. The service can therefore begin before or after you find an advertisement.
One-off inspection
Best when you already have a specific listing. We inspect the vehicle at the seller’s location and explain whether its actual condition appears consistent with the description and asking price.
Listing review
We review the photos, specification, description, asking price and information available before deciding whether an on-site visit is worthwhile.
Car finder support
We define your budget and use case, review listings, contact sellers and inspect the most promising vehicles by prior agreement.
Purchase support
We help you understand the findings, discuss the price and check the consistency of available vehicle documents before the transaction.
What is checked before you buy a used car?
The exact scope depends on the vehicle, its condition, physical access and the seller’s permission. The inspection is non-invasive and does not involve dismantling components.
Body and paintwork
- Paint thickness on accessible metal panels
- Evidence of repainting, filler and body repairs
- Panel gaps, fasteners, glass, lights and corrosion
- Dents, chips and visible wheel damage
Mechanical condition
- Accessible fluids and the engine compartment
- Visible leaks, damage and unusual noises
- Tyres, visible brake components and suspension parts
- Cold start where the seller has not warmed the car beforehand
Interior and equipment
- Wear compared with the stated mileage
- Warning lights and dashboard messages
- Climate control, multimedia, windows and equipment
- Available driver-assistance features
Diagnostics and road test
- Scanning accessible electronic control units
- Stored and active fault codes
- Available live data and mileage-related records
- Engine, gearbox, steering, brakes and suspension in motion
Anything that cannot be tested is stated in the result. A road test, for example, depends on the seller’s permission, registration, insurance and conditions at the location.
How the inspection works in Berlin or Potsdam
- Send the listing. We need the advertisement link, vehicle location and your preferred inspection date.
- Agree the assignment. We discuss the model, asking price, your key concerns, scope, travel and total service price.
- Arrange access with the seller. The time, diagnostic access and possibility of a road test are confirmed.
- Inspect the vehicle. We examine accessible areas, use a diagnostic scanner and assess the car on the road where permitted.
- Document the findings. Relevant issues are recorded with photos or video and explained in practical terms.
- Receive a recommendation. The outcome is clear: consider buying, negotiate based on the findings or walk away.
Why professional diagnostics matter
A basic OBD-II adapter usually reads standard engine faults and a limited set of parameters. A professional multi-brand diagnostic scanner can often communicate with more systems, including transmission, ABS/ESP, airbags, climate control and body electronics, where the vehicle makes that data available.
| Capability | Basic OBD adapter | Professional scanner |
|---|---|---|
| Standard engine faults | Usually available | Available |
| Other control units | Limited or unavailable | More often accessible |
| Live data | Basic selection | Wider selection when supported |
| Manufacturer-specific functions | Usually unavailable | May be available depending on the vehicle |
| Interpretation | Requires technical context | Still requires analysis alongside the physical inspection |
A fault code is not a diagnosis on its own. It must be assessed together with live data, service history, symptoms and the physical condition of the vehicle. Equally, an empty fault memory does not prove that a car has no mechanical problems.
Vehicle documents and history to review
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II: the VIN and key vehicle details should match the car.
- HU/AU records: check the next Hauptuntersuchung date and any available previous inspection reports.
- Service history: invoices, workshop records and digital entries should be considered together rather than relying on a single stamp.
- Keys and equipment: confirm what is included before signing the contract.
- Purchase contract: seller details, VIN, mileage, known faults, accident history and promises should be recorded accurately.
A paid VIN history report may provide useful additional information, but no database is guaranteed to contain a complete vehicle history. It should support an inspection, not replace one.
Important: we can check the completeness and consistency of available vehicle documents, but this is not a legal opinion and does not replace advice from a lawyer or an official ownership check.
Remote inspection for buyers outside Germany
You do not need to travel to every preliminary appointment. Send us the listing, agree the assignment and commission an inspection while you remain abroad.
What you can receive
- Photos and video of relevant areas
- Diagnostic scan results
- A list of recorded defects and limitations
- A clear purchasing recommendation
Possible next steps
- Evidence-based price negotiation
- Review of available vehicle papers
- Guidance on temporary or export plates
- Questions about handover or transport
Communication is available in English, German, Russian and Ukrainian. Official charges, insurance, number plates, paid reports and third-party services are not included in the inspection price.
Price and service area
Vehicle inspection with report: from €200
The final amount depends on the location, agreed inspection scope and optional tasks. Travel and third-party costs are confirmed before work starts. Current conditions are listed on our prices page.
Sicher-Check Auto is based in Stahnsdorf, Brandenburg. The main service area covers Berlin, Potsdam and Brandenburg. Inspections elsewhere in Germany can be arranged in advance.
- Berlin
- Potsdam
- Stahnsdorf
- Teltow
- Kleinmachnow
- Werder (Havel)
- Brandenburg
- Germany
What a mobile inspection can and cannot establish
Even a detailed inspection is an assessment of the vehicle at a particular time. Some faults are intermittent, appear only after a long drive or require dismantling and specialist workshop equipment.
An inspection reduces risk but cannot guarantee the absence of hidden faults. It does not replace the Hauptuntersuchung, a formal valuation, laboratory analysis, a lift inspection or diagnostics involving component disassembly.
Frequently asked questions
What is included in a pre-purchase car inspection?
Depending on the vehicle and conditions, we check the body and paint, accessible technical components, interior, electrical equipment, diagnostic control units, documents and road behaviour during a test drive when permitted and possible.
How much does an inspection in Berlin or Potsdam cost?
A vehicle inspection with a report starts from €200. Travel, paid history reports, official fees and optional services are agreed separately before work begins.
Can I order an inspection while outside Germany?
Yes. Send us the listing link and vehicle location. The result can include photos, video, recorded findings and a clear recommendation.
Can an inspection guarantee that there are no hidden faults?
No. It reduces risk but assesses accessible components without dismantling the vehicle at a particular time. It is not a warranty.
Do you travel beyond Berlin and Potsdam?
Yes. Inspections elsewhere in Germany are possible by prior agreement on cost, distance and timing.
Can you help with negotiation and documents?
Yes. Documented defects can support a price discussion. We can also check the completeness and consistency of available vehicle documents; this is not a legal opinion.
Request a vehicle inspection
Send the listing link, vehicle location and preferred date. We will reply with the possible timing, inspection scope and price.