How to check a used car means verifying the documents, identification number, service history, and vehicle condition on site before you pay. Start with a conversation with the seller, continue with a step-by-step inspection, and only conclude when the details in the documents match the vehicle and what the seller told you. If something doesn't add up, walk away from the deal.
The checklist below is written so you can open it on your phone during the viewing. Each step has a clear goal: to find out whether the vehicle is what it claims to be, and whether the price makes sense given its condition. None of this replaces official records or determines whether the vehicle is technically flawless. Where official rules matter, check the valid source, for example gov.si, and don't rely on verbal assurances.
In Slovenia, many viewings take place in Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj, or Novo Mesto, often after work and in a hurry. So prepare a list of questions in advance and write down the answers. What remains unclear is often a reason for additional checks.
- Before the viewing, ask for a photo of the registration document, the VIN, and service details.
- At the viewing, compare the VIN on the vehicle with the documents and check that they match.
- Inspect the vehicle cold, not warmed up, and let the engine run for at least a few minutes.
- Only arrange payment and handover once the documents, vehicle, and agreement are consistent.
What to ask the seller before the viewing?
Before the viewing, ask the seller for basic information you can verify without the vehicle. The goal is not an interrogation but gathering claims you will check during the viewing. If the seller doesn't answer simple questions clearly or changes their answers, that's a reason for caution.
Ask whether the vehicle is registered and who is listed as the owner. Also ask about the reason for selling, how long they've had the vehicle, and whether it has ever been in an accident. Ask about the service book and invoices for major repairs. Request a photo of the VIN and registration document before you travel to the viewing.
When a vehicle is listed on an online platform, review the entire ad and terms. On EX & GO, listings are moderated, but that is not a guarantee of the seller's identity, ownership, or vehicle condition, so it's worth checking the listing rules as well. If you negotiate via messages, save the conversation.
Documents and evidence to request
Request to see the registration document and vehicle details that you can compare with the VIN. If the seller mentions service history, ask for copies of invoices or the service book. For more expensive vehicles, it makes sense to check official records where available, through public services linked to gov.si.
Don't accept claims that the documents are with another owner or will be sent later. If they can't be seen before payment, don't complete the deal. The same applies to information about any financing or leasing, which must be clear before handover.
How does the vehicle inspection at the viewing work?
Carry out the inspection in order so you don't miss anything. The vehicle should be cold, on level ground, and in daylight. Hold your phone and tick off the steps. If possible, bring another person to watch while you listen to the engine.
- Check the VIN on the vehicle and compare it with the registration document.
- Inspect the exterior in daylight: color differences, panel gaps, freshly painted parts.
- Open and close all doors, the trunk, and the hood; check that they close evenly.
- Look at the tires: brand, age according to the DOT code, and even wear.
- Sit in the vehicle and check that all lights, switches, and gauges respond.
- Start the engine and listen to the first few seconds; then let it run for a few minutes.
- Check whether the exhaust emits smoke that isn't normal steam.
- Inspect the interior: smell of damp, wear on the steering wheel and pedals relative to mileage.
- Look under the vehicle: oil traces, fresh stains, or damage underneath.
- On a short drive, check the brakes, steering, transmission, and any warning lights.
After the drive, let the engine idle for a few moments and look underneath. A fresh oil or coolant stain is a warning. The same goes for warning lights that don't go out while driving.
What does it mean if the details don't match?
If the VIN doesn't match the documents, if part of the documentation is missing, or if the seller won't show the vehicle on a lift, that's a reason not to complete the deal. Also don't insist on the viewing if the seller limits the inspection or doesn't allow a test drive. The risk is too great compared to the benefit.
What are common hidden faulty parts and how do you recognize them?
Hidden faults most often show up during a cold start, while driving, and when inspecting the undercarriage. Some you can't detect without a lift or diagnostics, so include them in your conversation with the seller. If you suspect a major fault, arrange an inspection at an independent garage before you pay.
Look carefully at the following:
- Engine: unusual noise on startup, idle vibration, exhaust smoke.
- Transmission: sticking when shifting, delay in automatic transmission.
- Undercarriage: rattling over speed bumps, signs of bending or newer parts on one side.
- Bodywork: color differences, uneven gaps, signs of painting on doors and fenders.
- Interior: dampness, moldy smell, wear that doesn't match the mileage.
- Electronics: warning lights, non-working sensors, air conditioning problems.
Photograph every suspicious detail and send it to the seller in a message. That way you have a record of what was agreed, and it's easier to decide whether the fault is a reason to negotiate a lower price or to walk away.
How to compare offers and price?
Compare the price with several similar vehicles of the same model, year, and roughly similar mileage. Use search by city and category to see what's available in your area. Pay attention to the difference between the advertised price and the final agreement, as it often includes additional costs.
On EX & GO you can search listings by category and location and contact the seller via messages. Support can help with questions about how the platform works, but cannot check the vehicle for you. If a safe deal option is available, read its terms before you decide to use it.
| What to check | How | What a problem looks like |
|---|---|---|
| VIN | Compare with documents and photo | Different characters, painted or scratched area |
| Service history | Ask for invoices and service book | Missing records, inconsistent dates |
| Mileage | Compare with interior wear and services | Low mileage with heavy pedal wear |
| Bodywork | Inspect in daylight and from an angle | Shade differences, uneven gaps |
| Engine | Start cold and listen | Knocking, vibration, smoke |
| Undercarriage | Look under the vehicle and drive over bumps | Fresh stains, rattling |
| Documents | Request to see them before payment | Missing documents or excuses |
How to safely close the deal?
Only close the deal once the documents, vehicle, and agreement are consistent. Before payment, check that the agreement is written down and includes details about the vehicle, price, and handover method. Make the payment in a way that gives you proof, and avoid cash without a receipt.
If you negotiate through the platform, use messages and save the communication. Also check the current terms of service and any costs related to listing or additional services. Listing rules and terms can change, so read them at the moment of decision. used cars
To compare offers in your area, open search by category and location and write down what's available. used cars in Ljubljana If you decide to buy, prepare a handover checklist in advance and review it once more before signing or paying.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a used car if I have no experience with cars?
Start with a conversation and the documents, then follow the checklist step by step. If you don't know how to check something, arrange an inspection at an independent garage or bring a friend who knows cars. The key is not to pay until you have all the information and the option for further checks.
What should I do if the seller refuses to show the documents?
That is a reason to walk away. Documents are the basis for verifying the vehicle, and without them you cannot confirm that the details match. If the seller offers excuses, look for another listing and remember that caution is more important than a quick purchase.
Can I check a used car without seeing it in person?
Partly. You can review photos and data remotely, but the condition of the vehicle, engine, and undercarriage only becomes clear during an in-person inspection and test drive. So insist on seeing it in person and having someone else inspect it too. If that's not possible, walk away.
How do I check the mileage and service history?
Compare the mileage with the wear on the interior, service records, and document data. Ask for invoices for major repairs and check if the dates make sense. If the data doesn't match, that's a warning that the car may not have been maintained as presented.
Your next step
Pick one listing you're seriously considering and go through it with this list. Before the viewing, send the seller your questions and ask for a photo of the documents. At the viewing, tick off the steps and write down every observation. If a doubt arises that you can't resolve, don't complete the deal and look for another vehicle.