Is it worth buying a car without a TÜV inspection in Germany

This article is dated as shown. Laws, fees and prices have changed since then. Check the figures before you rely on them.

For an ordinary passenger car in Germany the first HU is usually due 36 months after first registration, with subsequent inspections every 24 months. For special types of use the intervals may differ. If a car has no valid HU, you need to establish its condition and a lawful way of transporting it, rather than assume the purchase is automatically a good deal.

The inspection and its rules

TÜV is an inspection of a vehicle for safety and environmental compatibility. As part of the examination the car is checked on the following points:

• inspection of the tyres and the underbody;
• check of the lighting equipment;
• inspection of the braking system;
• check of the steering system;
• compliance with road safety requirements.

The HU is carried out by authorised inspection organisations and specialists. Afterwards you need to study the report: the defects found, any restrictions and the specified procedure for re-inspection. The duration of the procedure and the cost of repairs cannot be determined from a general description.

A good deal

On various car websites you can find cars without an inspection. The listing states who is selling the car: the owner or a dealership (intermediary platforms). A bumper, the headlights or the glass may be slightly damaged, and such cars will not be allowed on the road. At the same time the car may be in excellent condition by the standards of the post-Soviet countries.

How to collect a car without a valid HU is decided after checking the documents and its condition. You cannot assume it may be driven under its own power; the terms of transport on a flatbed are agreed separately.

Buying from a company does not in itself guarantee a VAT refund. What matters is the tax regime shown on the invoice, the delivery terms and proof of export. Before paying, agree the final amount, the documents and the procedure for any refund with the seller. Under the margin scheme you cannot count on a refund of a separately itemised 19% of the full price.

Support from a specialist

When buying a car without TÜV, you should examine it carefully to understand whether it is worth buying or whether it will lead to major expenses. Before buying, it is very important to find out whether the car has hidden defects that would be very expensive to repair. That may be exactly why the previous owner wants to sell the car. If you cannot or do not know how to inspect a car properly, you should turn to specialists who are ready to help you find and inspect a vehicle in Germany.

Be careful!