Check a Used Car — Complete Pre-Purchase Guide
40% of used cars have hidden damage. Follow our 15-point checklist to avoid scams and buy with confidence.
40%
Have hidden damage
€2,500
Avg. cost of hidden defects
15
Points to check
15 essential points to check
Before signing, go through each point on this checklist. A single missed issue can cost thousands of euros.
Documents
1. Registration document
Verify the seller's name matches the registration document. Be wary of sales by proxy or documents in a third party's name.
2. Valid inspection certificate
A technical inspection less than 6 months old is mandatory for sale in France. Check the date and any re-inspection notes.
3. Service booklet
A maintained service booklet with garage stamps is a sign of good maintenance. No booklet = be cautious.
Exterior
4. Body condition
Inspect each panel under raking light. Look for scratches, dents, rust, and especially repainted areas (accident indicator).
5. Panel alignment
Uneven gaps between body panels indicate an accident with part replacement or straightening.
6. Tire condition
Check wear (indicator at 1.6mm), manufacture date (DOT code), and especially asymmetric wear indicating alignment issues.
7. Lights and glass
Test all lights, indicators, and windshield. A cracked windshield can cause an inspection failure.
Interior
8. Dashboard
With the engine running, check no warning lights stay on. Engine, ABS, airbag, or power steering lights signal costly issues.
9. Seats and interior
Interior wear should match the stated mileage. A heavily worn interior with low mileage is suspicious.
10. Air conditioning
Test hot and cold. An AC recharge costs €60-100, a failed compressor €500-1,000.
Mechanical
11. Cold engine noise
Start the engine cold. Knocking or whistling can indicate timing belt, turbo, or pump problems.
12. Test drive
Test in city, highway, and motorway conditions. Check steering, braking, gearbox, and suspension noises.
Digital checks
13. VIN verification
Decode the VIN number to confirm the vehicle's characteristics and verify it's not stolen or encumbered.
14. HistoVec report
Ask the seller for the HistoVec report (free) which traces the administrative history of vehicles registered in France.
15. Automano VIN report
Check the VIN with Automano for complete vehicle history, real price estimate, and an Automano Score out of 100.
HistoVec: the free government tool
HistoVec is a free service from the French Ministry of the Interior for checking the administrative history of vehicles registered in France.
What HistoVec provides
First registration date • Ownership changes • Insurance-declared incidents • Administrative procedures (liens, pledges) • Vehicle administrative status
HistoVec limitations
Only vehicles registered in France • No mechanical or technical history • No real mileage verification • No photos or vehicle condition • No coverage for imported vehicles
Automano complements HistoVec with European VIN verification, market price estimation, complete history (incidents, inspections), and detailed PDF report.
Most common scams
Knowing the classic scams helps you spot and avoid them.
Odometer fraud
25% of used cars may have tampered odometers. Verify mileage via VIN and compare with interior wear.
Hidden accident
Partial repaint, misaligned panels, filler traces. The Automano VIN report reveals declared incidents and damage in the vehicle's history.
Stolen or encumbered vehicle
An encumbered vehicle cannot be legally sold. Check via the SIV or the Automano VIN report.
Fake sale (straw purchase)
The seller isn't the real owner. Demand the registration document in the seller's name and verify their identity.
Our vehicle verification tools
Use our free and paid tools for a complete pre-purchase check.
Free VIN decoder
Identify the manufacturer, country, and year from the VIN number.
Free Argus Value
Compare the Argus value with our market-based estimate.
Free estimation
Know a vehicle's market value in 30 seconds.
Used Car Verification FAQ
How to use HistoVec for free?
Go to histovec.interieur.gouv.fr. The seller generates a report and sends you the link. You can check the vehicle's administrative history without registering.
How to detect a tampered odometer?
Compare the mileage with pedal, steering wheel, and seat wear. Check history via VIN (inspections, maintenance). Suspiciously low mileage for the vehicle's age is a red flag.
How to spot a repaint?
Look under raking light: color differences between panels, dust in paint, imperfect joint masking. The VIN report may reveal declared incidents, but visual inspection remains essential for cosmetic damage.
Should I always get a mechanic check?
Yes, for mechanical aspects (engine, transmission, suspension). The Automano VIN report covers history and price estimation, but an on-site mechanical diagnosis is recommended for cars over 5 years or 100,000 km.
How to check an imported car?
The VIN is essential for imported vehicles. Automano checks history in major European countries. Be wary of vehicles imported from Germany or Belgium with suspiciously low mileage.
Which sites to check a car for free?
HistoVec (free administrative history), Automano VIN decoder (free and unlimited identification). For complete history, the Automano VIN report costs €7.90.
Ready to check your next car?
Check any vehicle by its VIN number. Complete history, Automano Score out of 100, price estimate, and alerts on hidden issues.