How to Buy Safely?
Buying a car is a major investment. Follow our guidelines to avoid problems.
Before Viewing
✓ Check vehicle history in CEPiK or CarVertical
✓ Compare price with market (Otomoto, AutoScout24)
✓ Carefully analyze photos
✓ Read the entire description
✓ Contact the seller and ask questions
✓ Arrange viewing in a safe place
✓ Bring someone with you
During Viewing
• Check technical condition of vehicle
• Compare condition with listing description
• Look for accident signs, corrosion
• Check all functions work
• Ask for service contact
• Take photos of odometer, VIN, damage
Document Verification
You MUST check:
✓ Registration document (data matches)
✓ Insurance policy (current)
✓ Service book (repair history)
✓ VAT invoice or purchase agreement (proof of ownership)
✓ VIN number (matches documents)
Compare VIN in:
• Registration document
• Car plate
• Windshield (visible from outside)
Test Drive
Definitely take a test drive before buying!
Check:
• How the car drives
• Engine runs smoothly
• Transmission shifts smoothly
• Brakes (brakes evenly, no vibration)
• Suspension (drive over bumps)
• AC and other functions
Drive on different road types (city, highway).
Payment
WARNING: Never pay upfront without inspection!
Safe payment methods:
✓ Bank transfer (with purpose: vehicle purchase [make] [VIN])
✓ Cash on delivery (counted with seller present)
✓ Notary escrow (for expensive cars)
Danger:
✗ Transfers to foreign accounts
✗ Payments through intermediaries
✗ Cryptocurrencies
✗ Prepayments without contract
⚠️ Red Flags - BEWARE
Suspicious signals:
🚩 Price much lower than market
🚩 Seller pressures quick decision
🚩 No documents ("will be later")
🚩 Only phone contact, no meeting
🚩 VIN doesn't match or is illegible
🚩 Refuses test drive
🚩 Refuses workshop inspection
🚩 Incomplete service history
🚩 Tries to force deposit without contract
If something seems suspicious - WALK AWAY!