Abroad car inspection

Pre-purchase checklist for EU/US cars

Checks — 0/6 checked

VIN in country database: history, mileage, accidents
Service book / online maintenance history
Paint thickness — resprays/accidents
Lift check: rust, leaks, geometry
Diagnostics: errors, real mileage in modules
Legal check: lien, seizure, right to sell

A paid pre-purchase inspection at a shop costs 50–150 € and saves thousands. For the US — Carfax/Autocheck is mandatory; for the EU — dealer VIN history. US auction photos show damage selectively — review all angles.