What should I check before buying a car in France?
When buying a used vehicle in France, there are several points to check.
Administrative documents and maintenance
Registration certificate: check that the certificate is in order and in the name of the owner.
Technical inspection: In France, a technical inspection less than six months old is mandatory for the sale of a used vehicle. The report of the technical control gives a first overview of the condition of the vehicle. Check that the technical control is valid and without any counter-check.
Histovec: ask the seller to send you the histovec of the vehicle. This is an official French government site that allows you to trace the history of a vehicle. You will be able to check the history and the mileage of the vehicle.
Serial number: check that the serial number on the registration certificate matches the vehicle's.
Maintenance booklet: all the maintenance visits should ideally be present on the booklet. Check that the maintenance carried out corresponds to the maintenance plan recommended by the manufacturer and that there are no long periods during which the maintenance would not have been done.
Invoices: Invoices give you an idea of the repairs that have been done. You will know if the vehicle was repaired in the brand's network or at an independent garage.
Static examination
Paint: differences in color are generally the reflection of repairs following shocks or accidents. An orange peel is also an indication of a repainted element.
Bodywork: the alignment of body parts is an indicator of changed or repaired parts. There are small portable and inexpensive tools that measure the thickness of paint. These devices are very effective in detecting over-thicknesses, usually due to an excess of filler or several layers of paint.
Openers: doors, hatches, trunks, hoods, fuel doors, etc. must open and close without play or difficulty.
Windows: check the windows for cracks, crazing and impacts.
Gaskets: check the condition and tightness of the gaskets (door, windows, tailgate ...).
Chassis: check that the chassis does not have any traces of rust or shocks.
Tires: inspect the wear of the tires and check that there is no wear imbalance. It is mandatory that they are of the same brand and size on the same axle.
Rims: Rims are the first witnesses of impacts with the curbs. Their wear reflects the driving of previous owners.
Dashboard: Take the time to inspect the dashboard and test all switches and commodos.
Air conditioning, heated seats... If the vehicle is equipped with them, make sure they work.
The mechanics
Leaks: if the engine has fresh traces of oil, especially in the lower part of the engine, this will generally require the replacement of a gasket (a repair that can be expensive).
The battery: oxidation on the terminals is indicative of a lack of maintenance or advanced wear of the battery. Corrosion of the plates that support the battery is generally a good indicator of the state of corrosion of the vehicle.
Hoses: They should be free of leaks, bulges or cracks.
Oil: Always check the level and consistency of the oil. When cold, open the oil cap and make sure there are no traces of creamy oil. This yellowish foam is indicative of an internal leak: the coolant is mixing with the engine oil.
Cooling system: check the coolant level and the absence of leaks in the system, especially under the radiator.
Brake fluid: As with other fluids, it is wise to check the level of the brake fluid, especially if you plan to drive the vehicle.
Brake disc: a visual check of the discs will give an idea of its state of wear. A disc should be replaced when it has lost between 10 and 15% of its thickness.
Brake pad: even if the replacement of brake pads is a common operation, it is preferable to check the wear.
The Road Test
Idling: Start the engine, ideally cold, and listen to the noise. Abnormal noises, rattling, knocking are all future problems. Engine speed should be steady. Exhaust fumes are an indicator of the internal condition of the engine.
Engine running: On the road, there should be no gaps in acceleration or suspicious noises. When hot, accelerate to the red zone on the tachometer and check the engine's behavior as it revs up.
The clutch: Put the handbrake on, shift into second or third gear, and engage the clutch. If the engine does not stall, you will have to change the clutch, which is an expensive operation.
The gearbox: on the road, shift into all gears, including reverse. Gears should not jump, crack or pop. A gear that has trouble engaging is an indication of gearbox wear.
Handling: On a straight road, allow the vehicle to take its natural course by releasing the steering wheel slightly. Ideally, the vehicle should remain in line with the road. In France, the mandatory technical control requires a deviation of less than 8m for every 100m driven.
Braking: in a straight line, after making sure that there is no vehicle behind, brake while leaving the steering slightly floating. The vehicle should not pull to the right or left.
Steering: There should be no hard spots or play in the steering. Too much play can be a reason to refuse the technical inspection.
When buying a used vehicle in France, there are several points to check.
Administrative documents and maintenance
Registration certificate: check that the certificate is in order and in the name of the owner.
Technical inspection: In France, a technical inspection less than six months old is mandatory for the sale of a used vehicle. The report of the technical control gives a first overview of the condition of the vehicle. Check that the technical control is valid and without any counter-check.
Histovec: ask the seller to send you the histovec of the vehicle. This is an official French government site that allows you to trace the history of a vehicle. You will be able to check the history and the mileage of the vehicle.
Serial number: check that the serial number on the registration certificate matches the vehicle's.
Maintenance booklet: all the maintenance visits should ideally be present on the booklet. Check that the maintenance carried out corresponds to the maintenance plan recommended by the manufacturer and that there are no long periods during which the maintenance would not have been done.
Invoices: Invoices give you an idea of the repairs that have been done. You will know if the vehicle was repaired in the brand's network or at an independent garage.
Static examination
Paint: differences in color are generally the reflection of repairs following shocks or accidents. An orange peel is also an indication of a repainted element.
Bodywork: the alignment of body parts is an indicator of changed or repaired parts. There are small portable and inexpensive tools that measure the thickness of paint. These devices are very effective in detecting over-thicknesses, usually due to an excess of filler or several layers of paint.
Openers: doors, hatches, trunks, hoods, fuel doors, etc. must open and close without play or difficulty.
Windows: check the windows for cracks, crazing and impacts.
Gaskets: check the condition and tightness of the gaskets (door, windows, tailgate ...).
Chassis: check that the chassis does not have any traces of rust or shocks.
Tires: inspect the wear of the tires and check that there is no wear imbalance. It is mandatory that they are of the same brand and size on the same axle.
Rims: Rims are the first witnesses of impacts with the curbs. Their wear reflects the driving of previous owners.
Dashboard: Take the time to inspect the dashboard and test all switches and commodos.
Air conditioning, heated seats... If the vehicle is equipped with them, make sure they work.
The mechanics
Leaks: if the engine has fresh traces of oil, especially in the lower part of the engine, this will generally require the replacement of a gasket (a repair that can be expensive).
The battery: oxidation on the terminals is indicative of a lack of maintenance or advanced wear of the battery. Corrosion of the plates that support the battery is generally a good indicator of the state of corrosion of the vehicle.
Hoses: They should be free of leaks, bulges or cracks.
Oil: Always check the level and consistency of the oil. When cold, open the oil cap and make sure there are no traces of creamy oil. This yellowish foam is indicative of an internal leak: the coolant is mixing with the engine oil.
Cooling system: check the coolant level and the absence of leaks in the system, especially under the radiator.
Brake fluid: As with other fluids, it is wise to check the level of the brake fluid, especially if you plan to drive the vehicle.
Brake disc: a visual check of the discs will give an idea of its state of wear. A disc should be replaced when it has lost between 10 and 15% of its thickness.
Brake pad: even if the replacement of brake pads is a common operation, it is preferable to check the wear.
The Road Test
Idling: Start the engine, ideally cold, and listen to the noise. Abnormal noises, rattling, knocking are all future problems. Engine speed should be steady. Exhaust fumes are an indicator of the internal condition of the engine.
Engine running: On the road, there should be no gaps in acceleration or suspicious noises. When hot, accelerate to the red zone on the tachometer and check the engine's behavior as it revs up.
The clutch: Put the handbrake on, shift into second or third gear, and engage the clutch. If the engine does not stall, you will have to change the clutch, which is an expensive operation.
The gearbox: on the road, shift into all gears, including reverse. Gears should not jump, crack or pop. A gear that has trouble engaging is an indication of gearbox wear.
Handling: On a straight road, allow the vehicle to take its natural course by releasing the steering wheel slightly. Ideally, the vehicle should remain in line with the road. In France, the mandatory technical control requires a deviation of less than 8m for every 100m driven.
Braking: in a straight line, after making sure that there is no vehicle behind, brake while leaving the steering slightly floating. The vehicle should not pull to the right or left.
Steering: There should be no hard spots or play in the steering. Too much play can be a reason to refuse the technical inspection.
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