Tips and tricksSelling used cars

When buying a new vehicle, it is usually also necessary to sell the previous vehicle. The uninitiated may experience unpleasant surprises when selling used cars. Is the buyer credible? How can I protect myself against theft on the test drive, deception or being paid with counterfeit money?

The following pointers will help you to avoid difficulties and successfully sell your used car.

Offering vehicles

If you would like to sell your used car, first of all have your vehicle checked by your Audi dealer or another test centre. Your vehicle will be easier to sell if it has an inspection report, and you will receive a reliable market value. Your Audi dealer will offer you ideal security as a trusted third party and professional assessor.

Tip: if your vehicle soon has to be taken for its technical inspection or its special emissions check, you should get these done before offering to sell the vehicle so that the value of your vehicle increases.

Preparing vehicles
  • Check the oil level, water level, brake disc water, tyre pressure, lighting.
  • Check that the badges for the technical inspection and emissions check are valid.
  • Have any faults repaired by your Audi dealer.
  • Wash your vehicle thoroughly inside and outside; also remember to wash the wheels. If there are significant signs of wear, special car care products available from specialist car dealers can work wonders.
  • Empty the luggage compartment and storage compartments as far as possible in order to give the buyer the best possible view.
  • Have the necessary documents at the ready: vehicle registration document and papers, service history / service manual, owner’s manual, evidence of conversions and add-on parts or major repairs.

Tip: just ask your Audi dealer. Audi Vehicle Service will provide reliable assistance with minor service work.

Viewing and test drive

Before the vehicle is viewed and a test drive takes place, contact is usually made by phone, in the course of which you should describe the vehicle and the price you expect for it as precisely as possible. If the vehicle is then viewed and test driven, please take the following pointers into account:

  • Ensure, if at all possible, that another person who you know is present (as a witness).
  • It is imperative that you look at the personal ID of the prospective buyer before he/she test drives the vehicle and that you ensure that he/she is in possession of a valid driver’s licence.
  • Never hand the vehicle registration document over to a prospective buyer until a purchase contract is agreed and payment has been made.
  • Insist on accompanying the prospective buyer on the test drive.

Tip: do not conceal any defects. You are obliged to inform the buyer of all defects of which you are aware. This also includes previous damage caused by accidents.

Conclusion of contract

Be careful about accepting cheques. Insist on cash payment and check at the time of payment that the correct amount is paid and that the cash is authentic. This should ideally be done at your bank. Only hand over the vehicle registration document when the complete vehicle price has been paid. It is imperative that you keep a record in the purchase contract of the exact time that the vehicle is handed over!