2026-09-16 • 7 min read
What documents you need to check before paying for a second-hand car
Check the owner, VIN, CIV, registration certificate, tax situation, and transaction documents before paying for a second-hand car.
Auto expert profile
Marius-Gabriel Andrei
Automotive Content Writer
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.
Articles published by Marius-Gabriel Andrei (15)
2026-09-15 • 6 min read
The seller doesn't want to give you the VIN: what could they be hiding?
Find out why it's important to receive the VIN before viewing, what the seller's refusal might be hiding, and how to check if the VIN matches the car and documents.
2026-09-14 • 7 min read
How to recognise a car repaired after an accident
Find out how to identify a car repaired after an accident using its damage history, previous photos, and careful bodywork inspection.
2026-09-13 • 7 min read
How to recognise a flood-damaged car before you buy it
Find out what the signs of a flood-damaged car are, where to check for water traces, and what problems can arise after the vehicle has been dried and cleaned.
2026-09-11 • 6 min read
Free VIN check: what information can you find out and what doesn't appear in a decoder?
Find out what information you can get for free using the VIN, what the difference is between a decoder and a vehicle history report, and what you need to check before buying.
2026-09-09 • 6 min read
RAR Auto-Pass: what information it contains and how to fully check a car
Find out what information you can check about a car registered in Romania and how you can supplement mileage and ITP data with history available from both home and abroad.
2026-09-03 • 7 min read
Lease car, fleet, taxi or rent-a-car: what risks need to be checked?
Find out how previous use can influence a car's condition and what you need to check if the vehicle has been on lease, in a fleet, used as a taxi or for rent-a-car.
2026-09-03 • 7 min read
What does economic total loss mean and is it worth buying such a car?
Find out what economic total loss means, why such a car can be repaired, and what needs to be checked before making a purchase decision.
2026-09-02 • 6 min read
Why might a car's service history be missing?
The absence of service records doesn't automatically mean the car hasn't been maintained. Find out why some interventions don't appear and how to check maintenance before buying.
2026-09-01 • 6 min read
What does the estimated value of damage mean and how to interpret it correctly?
The value of damage alone does not indicate the severity of the accident. Find out how costs are influenced and what you need to check before buying the car.
2026-08-31 • 7 min read
How to check a car from mobile.de before travelling to Germany
Found a car on mobile.de? Find out what to ask the seller, how to check its history by VIN, and what signs might indicate a risky advert.
2026-08-27 • 8 min read
How to correctly interpret a vehicle history report
Find out how to analyse the mileage, damage, photos, service history, features and other information from a vehicle report.
2026-08-21 • 6 min read
How to tell if a car's odometer has been rolled back
Professional methods for spotting odometer tampering: data reports, physical wear inside the cabin and readouts from secondary ECUs.
2026-08-13 • 6 min read
The report does not show damage: does that mean the car has not been hit?
A report without recorded damage does not guarantee that the car has not been hit. Find out why some accidents do not appear in the history and what checks you need to do before buying.
2026-08-10 • 7 min read
How to check a second-hand car before buying it: a complete guide
Find out what you need to check before buying a used car: the VIN, damage and mileage history, documents, bodywork, test drive and technical condition.