Technical inspection history: what it shows about a used car
What an inspection report says about a used car, what it doesn't show about its history, and why you put it next to a VIN check before you pay.
What a technical inspection checks
Every European country inspects cars periodically: TÜV/HU in Germany, contrôle technique in France, revisione in Italy, ITV in Spain, APK in the Netherlands and so on. The name and the schedule differ, but the purpose is the same: to confirm that the car is safe and roadworthy on the day of the test.
What an inspection report shows
Across the EU, an inspection certificate lists the same key facts:
the VIN, which must match the car and the registration document;
the date and place of the test;
the odometer reading;
the deficiencies found and their level: minor, major or dangerous;
the result: passed, or failed with the reason;
when the next test is due.
A minor deficiency means the test is passed and the defect should be fixed. A major one means the test is failed and the car needs a repair and a re-test. A dangerous one means the test is failed and the car may be banned from public roads until it is repaired.
The mileage at each inspection
Each inspection records the odometer. Side by side, the readings from consecutive inspections should only go up. A reading lower than an earlier one may mean the odometer was turned back or replaced. Ask for an explanation and documents.
What an inspection report does not show
An inspection confirms the technical condition on the day of the test. It does not show:
how and where the car was repaired after an accident;
the services done between inspections;
damage claims recorded with insurers;
the car's condition after the test date.
A passed inspection does not tell you whether the car was in an accident before.
Put the inspection papers next to a VIN check
Ask the seller for the latest inspection reports. Check that the VIN matches the car, compare the mileage with the readings in a vehicle history report and look at the deficiencies noted. The Certcar report searches the history recorded for the VIN across the countries where the car has been: mileage readings, damage records, service visits where the data exists, and a theft check. Put them side by side before you pay.
If the next inspection is due soon after you buy, the test and any repairs it asks for are yours to pay. Take that into account when you negotiate.
Check the car
Enter the VIN on Certcar and check the mileage, damage, service history and the other available information before you go to the viewing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a valid inspection mean the car has never had an accident?
No. An inspection checks the technical condition on the day of the test. Accident repairs, damage claims and the service history are checked separately, for example in a vehicle history report by VIN.
Why does the mileage on inspection reports matter?
Each inspection records the odometer. If a later reading is lower than an earlier one, the odometer may have been turned back or replaced. Ask for an explanation and documents.
Does the Certcar report show inspections from other countries?
No. Inspection results from other countries are on the car's local papers. The report shows the mileage readings, services, damage and theft records found for the VIN.
With over 15 years of experience in sales and a solid track record in the premium car segment, Marius brings to Certcar's content a perspective shaped directly by working with people and the used car market. The articles are practical and easy to understand, built on the real situations and questions that come up when buying a car.
