Pre-Purchase Car Inspection from Europe
The idea of importing a vehicle from abroad initially seems difficult, complicated and full of risks. car inspection before purchase is the most crucial step to secure your money, as the distance makes it impossible to travel and inspect the vehicle you are interested in yourself.
You may have found a car on mobile.de, autoscout24.de or any other European platform that perfectly meets your needs and looks perfect in the photos. However, it is completely natural that second thoughts and fears immediately come that prevent you from taking the next step.
That's exactly where it comes in. carforyou.gr. With many years of specialized experience in this specific subject from 2007, we take care of everything for the safe import of the vehicle you have chosen. At carforyou.gr we never act blindly, we never buy a "pig in a poke" and we plan the appropriate control strategy with you.
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How is the Technical Inspection Performed?;
The inspection of a car before purchasing it abroad can be carried out by different agencies, with the corresponding cost of course. Our first step is to choose the appropriate partner, depending on the needs and type of vehicle we want to import.
The main options for control are:
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German MOT (TÜV / DEKRA): The most economical option, with a cost of approximately €150. However, this inspection is more standardized and is mainly limited to certifying whether the car meets the basic requirements for safe traffic. It is similar to our own MOT inspection and is accompanied by a corresponding technical inspection certificate.
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Independent German expert firm: An extremely comprehensive solution. It includes all the specialized checks (mechanical, bodywork, electronic) that we analyze below and is always accompanied by rich photographic material and a detailed written report. The cost ranges around 300 €.
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Official brand representative: The ideal (and often mandatory) choice for more premium or rare cars. This is the most complete, specialized and reliable inspection, as it is carried out by technicians who know the specific model very well. Its cost has to do with the pricing policy of each official dealership. Of course, it is accompanied by a technical inspection report.
What does a full check include?;
The following are the parts of the car that are examined in detail:
1. Car Details & Documents
We check the completeness, authenticity and authenticity of all vehicle documents. The necessary documents for import and customs clearance require special attention, as legislative changes in Greece are frequent. In addition, the chassis number (VIN) is meticulously cross-checked with the registration certificate and the sales invoice, while it is transferred intact to the inspection report, eliminating the possibility of an attempt to deliver a different vehicle.
2. Accident & Bodywork Inspection
The thickness of the car's paint is measured with an electronic thickness gauge. Any deviations and/or increased paint thickness indicate paintwork and therefore a possible crash. A thorough inspection of the car is carried out, any scratches or potholes that are likely to exist are noted, photographed and sent via the technical inspection report.
3. Corrosion Control (Rust)
The presence of rust on the floor is a common concern for cars imported from northern countries due to the salt on the roads. The mechanic focuses on the underside of the car and sends relevant photos. It is worth noting that, because the vehicles we import are now newer and the factory anti-corrosion protection has evolved, serious rust is rare. Most often, surface rust is found (e.g. on screws or the exhaust), with the problem being purely cosmetic.
4. Test Drive
The expert performs a dynamic test of the car on the road. This ensures proper driving behavior, alignment, engine response, and ride quality without suspicious noises.
5. Checking the Proper Operation of Mechanical Parts
All vital systems of the vehicle are thoroughly checked: the transmission, brakes, suspension, steering, air conditioning (A/C), gearbox, battery and exhaust. At the same time, a visual check is carried out for any fluid or oil leaks, as well as an acoustic check for the smooth operation of the engine.
6. Equipment Control
The car's equipment, comfort and safety systems are examined. If there is any observation, it is marked with yellow color, or with red color if it is a serious problem, i.e. something is not working at all. Of course, in addition to the color, a description of the finding is recorded in the technical inspection report.
7. Tire Condition
The brand, dimensions, type (summer/winter), year of manufacture (DOT) and tread depth of the tires are recorded in detail. This check, in addition to whether the car needs new tires immediately, shows us the consistency with which the previous owner maintained the car.
8. Living Room & Inner World
The condition of the cabin, upholstery, dashboard and seats is recorded for any wear, tear or missing parts. Each finding is photographed using a calibrated arrow or ruler, so that you can accurately perceive the actual extent of the wear from your computer or mobile screen.
9. Additional Personalized Controls
In the carforyou.gr, our priority is your confidence and absolute transparency. If the basic, high-standard audit policy we apply does not fully cover you and you wish for an additional specialized audit from a specific independent body of your choice, we are able to coordinate and satisfy your every requirement.
Analytical Control
Each car is methodically checked at all important points
Car Details
- Document authenticity check
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Verification
- Matching with sales invoice
- Car history check
External Audit
- Paint thickness measurement on all surfaces
- Detecting scratches and dents
- Check for rust and corrosion
- Status of traffic lights and optical devices
Internal control
- Condition of seats and clothing
- Operation of all electronic devices
- Air conditioning and heating control
- Dashboard and instrument status
Mechanical Control
- Test drive and behavior check
- Engine and fluid inspection
- Brake and suspension system
- Tire and rim condition
Why is control necessary?
01.
Market Security
You know exactly the condition of the car before purchasing and avoid unpleasant surprises.
02.
Risk Avoidance
Identifying hidden problems that are not visible in the photos or description.
03.
Negotiation
The information from the inspection can be used to negotiate the price.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
How long does it take to inspect a car abroad?;
How long does it take to inspect a car abroad?;
Once we agree on the vehicle, the inspection is scheduled immediately in consultation with the seller. Usually, the full technical inspection report along with photos is in your hands within 2-4 business days.
What if the inspection shows that the car has serious problems?;
What if the inspection shows that the car has serious problems?;
That is exactly the purpose of our service: to protect you. If the car inspection before purchase If it shows hidden problems or a crash (red flag), we dissuade you from purchasing and continue the search together for the next, right car.
Can I request an inspection of a car being sold by a private individual?;
Can I request an inspection of a car being sold by a private individual?;
Yes, as long as the private seller agrees to accept the independent mechanic or take the vehicle to an official dealership for inspection.
Can I request an inspection of a car sold by an official dealership?;
Can I request an inspection of a car sold by an official dealership?;
Yes, the official dealerships have no problem with us sending our own inspector to check their car. In most cases they carry out their own inspections before delivering the car which are very reliable. I think that for the vast majority of these cars the second inspection by our inspector is an exaggeration. It is of course your choice if you want a second inspection to be carried out by us.