Why Germany?
Germany is the #1 source of used cars in Europe. German owners maintain vehicles well (T\u00dcV inspections every 2 years are mandatory), and high registration taxes on older vehicles mean many well-maintained cars are sold at competitive prices. The major platforms are mobile.de, AutoScout24, and eBay Kleinanzeigen. Dealers (H\u00e4ndler) offer legal warranty; private sellers (Privat) sell "as is."
T\u00dcV Inspection
The T\u00dcV (Technischer \u00dcberwachungsverein) is Germany's periodic vehicle inspection. Every vehicle must pass T\u00dcV every 2 years to remain registered. A vehicle sold with fresh T\u00dcV (recently passed) gives confidence about its mechanical condition. A vehicle with expired T\u00dcV may have hidden issues—budget for inspection costs (\u20ac80–150) and potential repairs. T\u00dcV reports include mileage readings, which helps detect odometer fraud.
Common Scams
Despite being illegal (§22b StVG), odometer rollback is common on export vehicles. Always cross-reference mileage with T\u00dcV reports, service book, and physical wear.
Some commercial traders pose as private sellers to avoid warranty obligations. If someone has multiple cars listed or operates from a commercial area, they may be a disguised dealer.
By law, dealers must disclose known accident damage. However, "unfallfreies Fahrzeug" (accident-free) only means no damage disclosed to the seller. Always inspect paint thickness and panel gaps.