The desire for one's own four wheels remains unbroken in Switzerland. Current mobility data shows that around 80 per cent of Swiss households own their own car. A large share of the market is made up of used cars.

When buying a second-hand car, buyers hope to find a technically flawless vehicle at a fair price. However, the market carries risks. Here, you will find valuable tips for buying a used car, what you need to look out for regarding the statutory warranty, and how to avoid expensive defects.

The Swiss second-hand car market and its pitfalls

A used car always has an individual history. How the previous owners treated the car, whether there are hidden damages, or when the next official vehicle inspection (MFK) is due, is often unclear.

In economic theory, the used car market is therefore often referred to as a "lemon market". Since buyers find it difficult to assess the actual quality in advance, they are effectively buying a pig in a poke. This makes thorough preparation all the more important.

What to look out for when buying a second-hand car?

Whether buying privately or from a dealership, you should never let yourself be put under time pressure. A thorough exterior inspection in daylight and an extensive test drive are absolute musts.

Pay close attention to inconsistencies in the service logbook, unevenly worn tyres (an indication of wheel alignment issues), and fresh paint marks that could point to a covered-up accident. If you are unsure, it is worth getting a second-hand car check from an expert, such as the Touring Club Switzerland (TCS).

Comprehensive second-hand car checklist

To ensure your new vehicle doesn't turn into a nightmare on wheels, you should go through the key points systematically. Use our field-tested checklist for buying a second-hand car:

• Previous owners: How many people have driven the car before you? The fewer, the easier it is to track the vehicle's history.

• Documents: Are the service logbook (fully maintained), the original vehicle registration certificate, and the current MFK report available?

• Accident-free status: Is the car guaranteed to be accident-free? Have this confirmed in writing in the sales contract.

• Tyres: Are both summer and winter tyres included? What is the tread depth? The legal minimum in Switzerland is 1.6 mm. At least 3 mm is recommended for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres.

• Equipment: Do the air conditioning, infotainment system, driving assistants, and heated seats work perfectly?

• Room for negotiation: Are there logical arguments, such as an upcoming service, worn tyres, or scratches, to fairly negotiate the purchase price?

Defects when buying a second-hand car: What about the warranty?

A critical point when buying a car is the Swiss Code of Obligations (OR). When buying a second-hand car, the statutory warranty (liability for material defects) is legally set at two years, but it can be completely excluded in the sales contract.

Beware of contract clauses

Many sellers use phrases like "as seen" or "bought as seen and driven". Legally speaking, these clauses exclude liability for defects that were identifiable during a proper inspection or test drive. However, they do not automatically exclude hidden defects entirely.

To legally waive all liability, sellers usually use the precise phrasing: "Any warranty is waived to the extent permitted by law".

For you, this means: If a serious, undetected defect appears shortly after the purchase, you are left completely stranded with the repair costs. The only exception is if you can prove that the seller maliciously concealed the defect.

Purchase recommendation

• From a private seller: Only buy privately if the low price justifies the financial risk of a write-off.

• From a dealership: When buying from a commercial dealer, insist on a genuine used car warranty (e.g. 12 or 24 months via specialised providers like Quality1 or NSA Garantie). This covers unexpected damage to the engine and gearbox.

The risk-free alternative: The car subscription

If the risks of the used car market are too high for you and you want to avoid unpredictable garage costs, a modern alternative is becoming increasingly popular: the car subscription.

With a car subscription from providers like Carvolution, you enjoy absolute cost transparency. Instead of a high upfront investment when buying a second-hand car, you pay a fixed monthly subscription price. Everything is included: insurance, taxes, cantonal registration, servicing, maintenance, and even the tyres. You always drive a modern car and never have to worry about hidden defects or depreciation.

The perfect combination: Create your own second-hand car!

What many people don't know: A car subscription by no means rules out owning the vehicle later on. With Carvolution, you have the unique opportunity to buy your subscribed car directly after the subscription period ends.

Why this is the safest way to buy a second-hand car

By taking over your own subscription car, you bypass all the classic risks of the used car market. You effectively create your own second-hand car! This gives you unbeatable advantages:

• No hidden defects: You have already driven the car yourself in everyday life for months or years. You know every mile, its handling, and the exact condition of the vehicle.

• Seamless history: You don't have to wonder how previous owners treated the car – because the only previous owner was you, within the framework of your car subscription model.

• Transparent purchase price: You receive a fair, market-rate purchase offer for a top-maintained vehicle with a 100% transparent history.

This option combines risk-free testing and driving in an all-inclusive subscription with the long-term security of a traditional car purchase. You start flexibly and only decide at the end whether the vehicle will become your faithful companion for life.

Premium used cars in the Carvolution Outlet

In the Carvolution Outlet, you will find premium used cars that were previously on the road in our car subscription scheme. These vehicles stand out due to their excellent quality and top condition, as they were impeccably maintained and cared for during the subscription term. Since not all car subscription customers take over their car after the subscription ends, you will always find a great selection of vehicles in our Outlet.

Do you have any questions about buying a second-hand car or would you like to learn more about the purchase option after the subscription? Our team is always here for you! Simply arrange a personal consultation or call us directly on: +41 62 531 25 25

🚗 And you can find our current vehicle selection here if you would first like to browse for your future dream car in a car subscription.