Buying a Used Car in Germany: Watch out for Unfair Sales Pitches!

2010-07-12

The European Consumer Centre Germany informs European consumers about the problems and risks of buying used cars from untrustworthy dealerships in Germany.

Consumers are increasingly taking advantage of the European Single Market to find lower product prices in other EU-countries. Through online websites many German retailers offer their cars to consumers across Europe. For the most part, sales conversations are held in English, or with the help of a translator.

After an agreement is reached the salesman hands out a contract in German. But beware: This pre-written contract may differ from arrangements previously discussed! This allows the seller to evade warranty rights and gives the supplier an unfair advantage as well as the opportunity to sell damaged cars.

Read the whole memo here..