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Find and check the car yourself
Want to find the car yourself? Here's our best advice. Remember that what to look for varies a lot from car to car.
6-step guide
Buy the right used car
Scroll down and follow the car through the 6 steps: from the listing to the test drive and the model's weak spots.
Start the guide- Guide 1 of 6
How to find a good used car online
- Set a budget for the whole car, not just the purchase price. Include insurance, road tax, fuel and depreciation.
- Search widely on Bilbasen and DBA, and save the search so you're notified about new cars.
- Compare mileage and price with others of the same model and year. If the car is much cheaper, find out why.
- Look for service history and a seller who gives concrete answers.
- Choose a model that holds its value. It's often the biggest saving.
- Guide 2 of 6
Questions to ask the seller
- How many owners has the car had, and why is it being sold?
- Is there a service book, and when was the timing belt or chain last changed?
- Has the car been damaged or had major repairs?
- Is there rust, and are any warning lights on?
- Is there debt on the car? Check it yourself in Bilbogen at tinglysning.dk.
- Guide 3 of 6
How to read the inspection report
- Find the inspection reports on nummerplade.net using the number plate or VIN.
- Check the mileage at each inspection. It should rise steadily.
- Read the remarks. Rust, brakes and steering often come up again.
- See if the car failed and was re-inspected, and what was found the first time.
- Guide 4 of 6
Test drive: what to feel for
- Start the engine cold. Listen for knocking, rattling and smoke.
- Drive in town and on the motorway. Does the car pull smoothly? Does the gearbox shift softly?
- Brake hard once. The car should stay in its lane.
- A test drive doesn't show everything. Fault codes and compression need an OBD scanner.
- Guide 5 of 6
Check the car yourself before the test drive
- Rust: under the car, in the wheel arches, along the door sills and under the mats in the boot.
- Tyres: they should be evenly worn. Uneven wear points to faults in the steering or wheel alignment, or that the car has been driven hard. Both are a bad sign.
- Engine bay: oil or fluid leaks and fresh stains under the car.
- Cabin: all warning lights should go out, and air con, windows and electronics should work.
- Guide 6 of 6
Know the model's weak spots
- Search for model and year together with "known faults" or "problems".
- Read FDM's tests and owner reviews of the model.
- Ask the seller directly about the faults the model is known for.
- If in doubt, call us. It's free.
Found the car?
We'll come along, scan it and negotiate the price for DKK 1,999.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to call?
No. Calling for advice is free. You only pay when you choose a service and we've confirmed the time.
How do I pay?
By card or MobilePay. You choose: book a time and pay afterwards via a payment link, or choose "Pay now" and pay right away.
When do you call after we've paid?
Within 24 hours. We'll arrange a time and go through what you wrote, e.g. number plates or links to listings.
Do we get our money back if you can't help?
Yes. If we can't help you, you get the full amount back.
Can I just have the car inspected?
Yes. If you've found the car yourself, we'll come along and go through it for DKK 1,999.
What if the car has hidden faults?
Then the peace-of-mind guarantee applies: if the inspection shows faults that make the car not worth buying, we check one new car for you at no extra cost. The guarantee applies at the inspection, not after the purchase.
Does travel cost extra?
No. The price is fixed across Funen and up to Vejle and Kolding, and everywhere in between.
When can I call?
The phone is open every day 8:00–18:00. If the line is busy, you can ask to be called back. Meetings and inspections can be booked every day 8:00–14:00.
Do you help with car loans?
No. We don't broker loans or advise on specific loans. Use our free loan calculator to compare the APR on the offers you get yourself.
See also
DepreciationNew car or 10 years old?See how much money you keep by choosing used. Compare Audi, Toyota and VW.Open the calculator
Car loansCheck your loan offerEnter the APR and see what a lower APR could save you.Open the loan calculator
Car analysisSee how we check the carWho we are, and how we check a car from A to Z with advanced PC diagnostics.Read about us and the method
PricesFixed pricesSee all our services and prices, incl. VAT and travel.See prices
Ready to find the right car?
Call for free, or book an appointment
We'll give you advice straight away on the phone. You only pay if you choose one of our services.