Car buyer's glossary

A 17-digit car identifier: country+maker+model+year+number. Locations: windshield left, driver pillar, under hood, documents. Mismatched VINs are a red flag.

The real car price: purchase + fuel + insurance + service + repairs + yearly depreciation. An $8000 car with repairs costs more than a reliable $12000 one. Count per year, not per month.

Service records with dates and mileage — proves real odometer and care. Check at a dealer by VIN — official services see even 'lost' history.

Factory paint: 80–150 μm evenly. 200+ μm — filler/respray = accident. Measure 10+ body points, not one. 'Never crashed' needs verification, not faith.

Leasing — for business (VAT, depreciation), pricier for individuals. Loan — 15–30% APR overpay + mandatory full coverage. Cash — 3–7% negotiating room. '0% installment' usually bundles mandatory insurance.

For imports: excise (age/engine formula), 20% VAT, 10% duty, 3–5% pension levy. Certification + first registration. 'Euro-plate' is temporary import, not legalization.

Dealer '30-day warranty' — usually minimal with conditions. Extended warranty — read exclusions (engine+gearbox often 'not covered'). Private sale — seller liability limited to hidden defects.

Trading the old car into the new one: convenient but 10–20% below market. Selling yourself = more money, slower. Trade-in makes sense with a new-car discount.