5 min read2026-10-22
Used car test drive: what to check in 20 minutes
A 20-minute test drive plan for a used car: cold start, gearbox, brakes at speed, steering, suspension and a final check of the electronics.
Blog category
Buying guides
Essential advice and checks for choosing and safely buying a used vehicle.
7 min read2026-09-15
Seller won't share the VIN? What it may hide
Why you need the VIN before a viewing, what a seller who refuses to share it may be hiding, and how to check the VIN really belongs to that car.
6 min read2026-09-14
How to recognise a car repaired after an accident
How to spot a car repaired after an accident: its damage history, earlier photos, panel gaps, paint thickness and a careful look at the bodywork.
7 min read2026-09-13
How to spot a flood-damaged car before buying
Find out what the signs of a flood-damaged car are, where to check for water traces, and what problems can arise after the vehicle has been dried and cleaned.
7 min read2026-09-03
Ex-fleet, taxi or rental car: what risks to check
How previous use affects a car's condition, and what to check if it was a lease car, part of a fleet, used as a taxi or as a rental car.
7 min read2026-08-31
Checking a mobile.de car before you travel
Found a car on mobile.de? What to ask the seller, how to check its history by VIN and which signs point to a risky advert before you travel.
7 min read2026-08-10
How to check a used car before buying: full guide
Find out what you need to check before buying a used car: the VIN, damage and mileage history, documents, bodywork, test drive and technical condition.