Mistakes cost money – used cars are becoming more and more expensive – Tips for buying!


Cars are becoming more and more expensive – unfortunately this also applies to used cars. According to the evaluation of a relevant online portal, a used car in Austria now costs an average of more than 22,000 euros. It is all the more important to do everything right when buying a car.

Compared to the previous year, the prices have increased by around 2,000 euros, according to AutoScout24. In the pre-corona year of 2019, the average used car price at the same time was only 19,727 euros. Even for small cars, an average of 12,565 euros is required. Only the prices for classic cars, annual cars and 1 to 3 year old used cars fell slightly in April.

The supply of cars up to five years old has declined, which is probably one of the reasons for the rise in prices. By contrast, there are twelve percent more vintage and youngtimers on the market.

Tips on buying a car
Don’t rush into anything: A purchase decision should never be made hastily. It is particularly important to be critical of sellers who are pushing for a quick deal with reference to other interested parties. This is especially true for supposed “bargains”.

Never without a test drive: And no matter how trustworthy the seller appears – you definitely have to take a close look at the car on offer and definitely take a test drive. Some defects are only noticed while driving.

At least two: Anyone who is not really sure of their feet when it comes to car inspections should definitely bring someone to visit. But the same applies to experts: four eyes see more than two.

Perform purchase verification: When it is actually time to buy, a purchase test (e.g. at the ÖAMTC) should be carried out in advance in the interests of both parties in order to largely clarify and document the actual condition. While the “badge” only certifies the current operational safety, the purchase inspection provides information about weak points, possibly existing accident damage, signs of wear and tear and foreseeable future defects.

Use a sample contract: A lot should be regulated in the sales contract, otherwise it will be particularly difficult in the event of a problem. For the sale from private to private, the ÖAMTC offers a Sample form for download at.

Write verbal commitments in writing: It is also important not to sign a contract whose content deviates from the verbally agreed upon. In particular, if the vehicle is described in the contract as a “hobbyist vehicle”, but the purchase price does not correspond to this and the seller asserts that everything is fine, the alarm bells must ring. Basically what has been signed applies.

Be careful with cash: Especially with high purchase prices, it is not advisable to come to the handover with cash. Jens-Peter Voss from the legal advice platform AnwaltOnline advises transferring money to the seller’s account or, in the case of cash payments, always insisting on a receipt. Alternatively, a payment to a trustee is also an option. The money is only released to the seller after a certain period of time. Escrow services are also offered on the platforms through which cars are sold online.

Once the sales contract has been signed and technical defects, for example, appear as a result, people are often at a loss as to how to proceed. Motorist clubs such as the ÖAMTC offer legal advice – you should take advantage of this in case of doubt.