Germany car import guide

Germany vehicle history check by VIN.

Buying a car from Germany? Check the available information on damage, mileage, service, equipment and previous use before you pay or arrange transport.

Enter VIN number (17 characters)
Germany VIN check illustration

Check the car before it leaves Germany

A check made before purchase helps you compare the seller's presentation with the history available for the car.

1
Request the VIN

Ask for the chassis number before paying a deposit or travelling to view the car.

2
Check the available history

Review damage events, mileage, service entries and previous use.

3
Compare the report with the listing

Check that the engine, equipment and information in the report match the seller's description.

4
Inspect the car in person

Use what you found out to know which areas need careful attention during the viewing.

What you can find out about a car from Germany

Damage and previous photos

See damage events, repair estimates and the images available in the vehicle's history.

Mileage progression

Compare the values recorded over time and spot any drops or unusual differences.

Service history

Check the available entries on services, repairs and the mileage recorded at the time of each intervention.

Commercial use

Find out whether there is information about previous fleet, leasing, rental or transport use.

Buying a car from Germany?
Check the history before you pay or arrange transport.
Check history

Car bought from a dealer or from a private owner?

Whatever the type of seller, the check must be done using the car's VIN. A detailed listing, a clean exterior or a history presented by the seller does not replace an independent check. Always compare the VIN in the report with the one on the car and in the documents you receive.

What is worth checking on a car imported from Germany

Mileage stated in the listing

Compare the value shown by the seller with the records available in the vehicle's timeline.

Damage repaired before sale

A car can look very good after repairs. The available photos and damage events can provide more context.

Fleet or leasing use

Check whether the car had commercial use and review the service history against the mileage.

Equipment and original configuration

Compare the engine and factory equipment with the information presented in the listing.

What we check for a car from Germany

Damage and photos

See the damage events and previous images available for the car.

Mileage and service

Follow the mileage readings and service interventions identified in the vehicle's history.

Configuration and equipment

Compare the engine and factory equipment with the information presented by the seller.

Previous use

Check the available information on commercial, rental or leasing use.

Found a car in Germany?

Do not wait for the car to arrive home. Check the VIN before paying a deposit, travelling or arranging transport, and use the report to decide whether the purchase is worth pursuing.

The Certcar report does not replace a physical inspection, a diagnosis or a check of the original documents.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check a car from Germany before buying it?

Yes. You need the vehicle's VIN to see the information available in the report.

Do I need the German registration number?

No. The Certcar check is done using the VIN (chassis number).

Does the report contain every event in the car's history?

The report shows the information available in the sources consulted. It cannot be guaranteed that every damage event, intervention or mileage reading has been recorded.

Can I check a car that was also used in other countries?

Yes. The report can include information from several countries where the vehicle was registered or used.

Does the report replace a workshop check?

No. The report should be completed with a physical inspection, a diagnosis and a check of the original documents.

Buying a car from Germany?
Check the history before you pay or arrange transport.
Check history