Buying and selling a car: guide

About this draft

This guide helps you step by step when buying and selling a car. Rules on transfer of ownership, inspection and insurance can change: always check them on the RDW website.

Draft and not professional or legal advice. No contract template is included. A purchase contract must be reviewed by a lawyer before it is used.

Buying: preparation

1. Set your total budget: purchase plus insurance, road tax, maintenance, fuel or electricity and possible repairs.
2. Decide what you need: seats, luggage space, yearly distance and longest trip.
3. Compare several cars of the same type on price, mileage and year.
4. Look up the plate at the RDW and compare the data with the advertisement.

Buying: inspection and test drive

• Ask for the service book and invoices and check they fit the mileage.
• Check the mileage through an official source, such as the odometer judgement via the RDW.
• Check that the car has a valid inspection and whether there is an open recall.
• Take a test drive on different roads and pay attention to noises, vibrations and warning lights.
• If in doubt, have an independent inspection done before you pay.

Buying: closing the deal

1. Check that the seller is the owner and that the name on the registration papers matches.
2. Put the agreements in writing: price, condition, mileage and what is included.
3. Pay in a traceable way and keep the proof.
4. Arrange insurance before you drive on the road.
5. Make sure the car is registered in your name following the RDW procedure.

Be careful with a price that is far too low, pressure to pay quickly or a seller who does not want you to have the car inspected.

Selling: preparation

1. Collect the papers: registration papers, service book, invoices and inspection reports.
2. Clean the car and take clear photos, also of damage.
3. Look at advertisements of comparable cars to set a price. There is no fixed value.
4. Describe the condition honestly. Concealed defects can lead to problems later.

Selling: closing the deal

1. Let a buyer take a test drive with a copy of their licence and with you present.
2. Hand over the car only when the payment has really arrived. Be careful with proof of payment that is only a screenshot.
3. Make a written agreement with both signatures.
4. Report the sale to the RDW following the current procedure, so the car no longer stays in your name.
5. Cancel the insurance or have it transferred.

See the official RDW information for the current rules on transferring a vehicle.