The 5 scams to avoid when buying a used car
Discover the 5 common scams in Switzerland and the RG Automotive checklist to buy a used car with peace of mind.
1. The tampered odometer
A vehicle displaying 80'000 km may actually have 150'000. This distorts the price and increases the risk of premature breakdowns.
Our advice: Compare the service book and invoices. An inconsistency = warning sign.
2. Concealed defects
Repainted rust, disabled warning lights, polished headlights on the surface… some sellers know how to hide problems.
Watch out for: Always test the vehicle on different types of roads for at least 20 minutes.
3. Hidden costs
A low price can hide CHF 2'000.– or more in repairs: tyres, brakes, air conditioning…
Concrete example: a car listed at CHF 12'000.– can cost CHF 14'200.– after tyre and brake replacement (+CHF 2'200.–).
4. Dubious imports
Vehicles imported without history: undeclared accidents, missing maintenance, uncertain origin.
Did you know? A complete service book increases resale value by 10 to 15%.
Our advice: before any purchase, verify the vehicle's chassis number (VIN) on a specialized platform like CarVertical. You will find the complete history there: accidents, mileage, maintenance, recalls. A check that costs a few dozen francs can save you a loss of several thousand.
5. Seller pressure
"Another buyer is coming!" → classic technique to push you to buy without checking.
Our advice: never give in to pressure. If the deal is good, it will still be good tomorrow.
The RG Automotive checklist
At RG Automotive, we provide a practical checklist to secure your purchase:
- Bodywork: uniform paint, no rust or dents.
- Tyres: legal minimum 1.6 mm, recommended ≥ 3 mm (summer) and ≥ 4 mm (winter).
- Brakes: discs in good condition, pads ≥ 3 mm.
- Sensitive elements: windscreen, headlights and mirrors intact.
- Road test: sharp braking, smooth gearbox, stable steering.
- Service book: belt and water pump replaced according to recommendations.
Conclusion
The used car market is full of opportunities, but you need to know how to avoid pitfalls. With the checklist and support from RG Automotive, you maximize your chances of making a good deal and buying with peace of mind.