Guide: What to check before buying a car to resell
12 Jul 2025
🛠️ Introduction
Buying a car to resell is not just about getting a good price. As a professional, you know that a mistake in the purchase can cost you time, money, and reputation. From mechanical problems you didn't see at first glance to cars with liens that cannot be transferred, the risks are there.
This guide is designed for you to have a quick and effective checklist before any purchase, whether buying from an individual or at auction, leasing, fleets, or from other sellers.
1. Basic mechanical inspection (even if you're not a mechanic)
Even if you don't have a lift or an OBD scanner on hand, there are many points you can check yourself to avoid surprises:
Element | What to check | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|
Engine | Noises, smoke, stable idle, visible leaks | Blue smoke (oil), white (cylinder head), unstable idle |
Transmission | Smoothness of gears (manual or automatic) | Grinding, jerking, or delay in shifts |
Steering and suspension | Turn the steering wheel, go over bumps | Noises when turning, uneven sinking |
Brakes and tires | Wear on pads, discs, vibration when braking | Spongey pedal, uneven tire wear |
Lights, wipers, air, interiors | Everything must work | Poor interior condition = general poor care |
Dealcar Tip: If the car is cold, start it and let it idle for 2-3 minutes. If you notice instability, jerking, or abnormal smoke, discard it or negotiate very low.
2. Documentation: without proper papers, no deal
Before making any payment or commitment, check that all documents are correct:
✅ Registration certificate and original technical sheet
✅ Valid ITV or with little time left before expiration
✅ Maintenance history if available (stamp in book, invoices, PDF)
✅ DGT report, Carfax, AutoDNA or similar
✅ Well-written purchase contract, even if buying from another professional
Key aspects to check in the DGT report:
Actual number of previous owners
If the vehicle is deregistered, has liens, domain reservation, or seizures
Mileage recorded in recent ITV
Existence of recorded accidents or total loss
👉 With Dealcar you can request the DGT and Carfax report directly at the best price and with one click, without leaving the system and automatically linking it to the car's file.
Practical tip: If the original technical sheet or registration is missing, require that a duplicate be processed before buying. Otherwise, you could end up with a car with no possibility of transferring ownership.
3. Is there a real profit margin? How to estimate it
Before buying, assess whether the car has enough margin to resell. Do it in 3 steps:
1. Realistic mileage
Is it tampered with? Compare the ITV history with the odometer.
Does it make sense with the type of use, year, and interior condition?
2. Market value
Check similar ads in your area and on portals like Coches.net, Wallapop, and Milanuncios.
Evaluate condition, extras, color, exact version, type of transmission, and if it has an environmental label.
3. Calculate your total cost
Don't just look at the purchase price. Add:
Transport, cleaning, repairs, or polishing
Cost to bring it up to standard (ITV, battery, tires…)
Office expenses or fees
Mandatory warranty (if selling to a private buyer)
Golden rule for small resellers: don't buy anything that doesn't leave you at least €800–€1,200 net margin, unless it's a very quick turnover or you already have a client.
4. Signs of scam or risk of problems
Even if it's a bargain, if something doesn't add up, it's better not to buy. Here are signs that should alert you:
❌ Seller who avoids giving you ID, registration, or owner data
❌ Price far below market without justification
❌ History with multiple ownership changes in a short time
❌ Foreign car without approved documentation
❌ Recent unfavorable ITV without correction
❌ Silence or evasions to basic questions
Trick: search Google for the license plate or VIN. Sometimes there are duplicate ads or reported cases in forums.
✅ Practical conclusion
Buying well is the first step to selling well. And as a professional, that means doing a quick but thorough inspection of the car and everything surrounding it.
Make a basic visual and functional inspection of the vehicle.
Check that all documentation is complete and without issues.
Calculate your real margin including all associated costs.
Avoid risky purchases, even if the price seems tempting.
👉 With Dealcar you can request DGT and Carfax reports directly with one click and at the best price, linking them to the car's file. In addition, you can organize your stock, save documentation, and keep track of each unit like a professional.
https://www.dealcar.io/informe-carfax-dgt
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