Buying used cars cheaply – how to find the best car at a low price
Owning a car doesn't have to be expensive. The used car market in particular offers numerous opportunities to get a solid vehicle at a fair price. Whether for new drivers, commuters, or as a second car – with the right preparation, you can get a real bargain.
In this article, you will learn:
- Where and how to buy a used car at a particularly low price
- Which factors play a role in the price
- Which types of vehicles are particularly worthwhile
- And what you should definitely pay attention to when viewing a car
Why buy a used car at all?
New cars lose a significant portion of their value as soon as they leave the dealership – often up to 20% in the first year. Those who forego this loss in value can save a lot of money on used vehicles.
Advantages of a used car:
- Lower purchase price
- Quickly available
- Large selection of models, brands, and years of manufacture
- Less loss of value in subsequent years
- Lower insurance costs for older models
Where can you buy used cars at especially low prices?
You will often find the lowest prices where there are no traditional dealer markups or brokerage fees. Common purchase options include:
|
Source |
Advantages |
Possible disadvantages |
|
Private sale |
Usually very low prices |
No warranty claim |
|
Independent car dealers |
Large selection, financing possible |
Prices are often higher, commissions possible |
|
Online vehicle exchanges |
Good market overview, filter functions |
Offers may be supraregional |
|
Online auctions |
Good deals on cars in need of repair |
Experience in bidding required |
How much should a used car cost?
The price depends heavily on the intended use and the desired vehicle type. Those looking for a simple everyday vehicle will often find what they are looking for for around €3,000 – €6,000. It is important to consider not only the price, but also the condition, mileage, and running costs.
Tip: Pay attention to TÜV badges, maintenance history, and the condition of the tires and brakes – this will save you from expensive surprises after the purchase.
What should you look out for when buying a cheap used car?
Before signing the purchase agreement, you should definitely:
- Check the vehicle history: Ask for the service history, TÜV reports, and repair invoices.
- Realistically estimate the mileage: A conspicuously low odometer reading on an old vehicle may have been manipulated.
- Take a test drive: Test the engine, transmission, steering, and brakes – preferably with the engine cold.
- Check for rust: Check the fenders, door edges, and underbody for rust spots.
- Identify accident damage: Uneven gaps, new paintwork, or missing stickers can be clues.
Which cars are particularly suitable as affordable used cars?
If your budget is limited, practical criteria can help you make your choice:
- Small cars and compact class: Models such as the Ford Fiesta, Opel Corsa, VW Polo, or Renault Clio are widely available, easy to maintain, and inexpensive to insure.
- Former fleet vehicles: These usually have a solid maintenance history, even if the mileage may be higher.
- Vehicles with minor damage: Cars with minor body damage or signs of wear are often technically sound – there is potential for savings here.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How can I recognize a real bargain when buying a used car?
A realistic price, complete vehicle documents, TÜV report, and traceable history are good indicators.
Is a car with minor accident damage recommended?
Yes – if the repair has been carried out professionally or the damage is cosmetic. The price advantage can be worthwhile.
What should I do if I want to buy a car that needs repairs?
Then you should either be able to do the repairs yourself or have a repair shop on hand that can do the repairs at a reasonable price.
Conclusion: Cheap does not have to be risky
If you are smart when buying a used car, you can save a lot of money – without ending up with a bad vehicle. The key is to critically examine the offer, consult comparative values, and think outside the box – e.g., consider models or brands that not everyone has on their radar.
Discover now: Affordable used vehicles at Copart
At Copart.de, you will find a large selection of used, damaged, and repair-needing vehicles from insurance stocks or lease returns every week. Ideal for price-conscious buyers, mechanics, or commercial customers.
With a little expertise and patience, you can bid for the perfect project vehicle or affordable everyday car – conveniently online.
