Buying a car hundreds or thousands of kilometres away without physically seeing it is possible, but requires replacing the usual visit with a series of documented checks.
1. Check the seller before the vehicle
Clearly identify the company or individual: contact details, business identity, address and consistency of payment information. An attractive listing must never overshadow checking the counterparty.
2. Obtain the vehicle's exact identity
Request the VIN where available and cross-check it against the documents. Verify model, version, year, engine, gearbox, mileage and equipment.
3. Request a complete photo file
Photos must cover bodywork, wheels, tyres, interior, dashboard, boot, engine bay and areas with defects. A dated video or video call can provide an additional check.
4. Build the history
Invoices, servicing, inspections, successive mileage readings and documents must be analysed together. See our guide to how to check a car before importing.
5. Arrange an inspection if the risk warrants it
For an expensive, rare or poorly documented vehicle, an independent inspection can reduce uncertainty. It can cover mechanical components, bodywork and equipment operation.
6. Check documents before payment
Do not discover missing paperwork after paying. See our list of documents to request from a European seller.
7. Secure the logistics
Reconfirm the collection address, actual vehicle availability, documents to be given to the transporter and delivery arrangements.
8. Calculate the final cost before deciding
Add checks, transport and procedures to the vehicle price. Our guide to the total vehicle import budget helps you consider the overall cost.
Compare several vehicles
Do not become attached to a single listing too early. Our European catalogue and our bespoke search allow you to compare several options.
Checks to carry out before paying a deposit
- Identify the seller and check that their business contact details are consistent.
- Obtain the VIN and available documents before treating the listing as sufficiently substantiated.
- Cross-check the vehicle : model, version, date, mileage, engine and important options.
- Obtain recent evidence : detailed photos, video or inspection depending on the level of risk.
- Read the sales document and check who is selling, who is buying, which vehicle and the amount.
- Check the payment beneficiary : any difference from the seller must be explained and documented before transfer.
- Confirm the logistics : availability, collection location, transport and document handover.
Warning signs in a remote sale
- price far below market without a verifiable explanation;
- refusal to provide legible documents before payment;
- bank details changed at the last moment;
- pressure to pay within an unusually short time;
- seller, invoice and transfer beneficiary do not match;
- photos that do not allow the vehicle to be precisely identified;
- important verbal promises absent from the contract or invoice.
Why compare at least two or three candidates
Comparison reduces the risk of explaining away a listing's faults because it seems rare or especially attractive. With similar specifications, three candidates let you compare price, documentation, mileage, servicing and seller quality — as well as the car itself.
Buying remotely cannot eliminate every risk; the aim is to identify and reduce them before committing.