We list: Most common mistakes when buying a used car

When Swedes buy a used car, only one in five check whether the seller is the owner of the vehicle. Even fewer say they check financial status, such as loans and taxes.

Anyone who buys a car from a private individual can very well make a successful car deal. But there are pitfalls and certain mistakes can become an expensive story later on.

When does the Consumer Sales Act apply?

If you buy from a car dealer instead, there is usually not the same opportunity to buy. On the other hand, the car is checked and tested by a technician, with accompanying documentation. Car purchases between private individuals are also not covered by the Consumer Purchase Act, so it is not possible to come and complain about defects afterwards if the defects could have been discovered during an examination. If the car is bought from a dealer, the Consumer Purchase Act applies, which includes the right to complain.

The most common things that are missed

Many people don't do their homework. When we asked Swedes what they researched when buying their latest used car, many had missed a number of details.

The most common mistake was not checking fluid levels, even though this can lead to serious damage to the engine and other components. Only 9 percent said they checked this.

The second most common was not checking if the car had a loan (12%) and the third most common was whether the car was taxed (18%). Furthermore, just over one in five answered that they had checked who owned the car (21%) and about the same number had bothered to check the brakes (22%).

-There are many pitfalls to fall into, so it's surprising that more people aren't careful. It should go without saying that you should check whether the car has been inspected, mortgaged, assessed and who owns it. If you are in the least bit unsure about buying, I recommend that you seek help from someone who knows cars or go to a car dealer, says Daniel Odsberg, sales manager at Kvdbil

At Kvdbil we test all cars, both externally and internally, and test drive the car. This way you always know the exact condition of the car before you buy and you avoid unpleasant surprises and unforeseen costs.

This is what most people check

The easiest thing to check is also the thing that most people look at. We Swedes are good at examining the tires, the service book and any paint damage.

The last time you bought a used car, what research did you do?

About the survey
The survey was conducted in Kantar Sifo's web panel during the period 3–6 September 2020. A total of 1033 people aged 18-79 were interviewed. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Sifo's web panel.