Safety

Buying a car online safely – the checklist for Swiss buyers

With the right checklist, buying a car online in Switzerland is straightforward. We show you how to recognise a reputable dealer, how to avoid fraud and what really matters when you buy a car online.

Buying a car safely online

Swiss HQ
check the commercial register
Fixed price
no hidden costs
24 h
cancellation window
1 year
warranty for defects

How do you recognise a reputable online car dealer?

  1. A Swiss company address with an entry in the commercial register (check the UID number at zefix.ch).
  2. A clear price including the roadworthiness test (MFK), registration and delivery — no „price on request".
  3. Thorough vehicle documentation: plenty of photos, interior, engine bay, service history.
  4. A cancellation option after ordering (at FlexiMoto, free of charge for 24 hours).
  5. Reachability: phone number, e-mail address and location all visible.
  6. A digital purchase contract to check before you pay the deposit.
  7. Reviews on Google & on independent platforms.
Red flags — be careful here
A price far below market value, payment strictly in advance, a dealer with no Swiss address, no company number, contact only through anonymous channels, an ‚escrow service' based abroad. If you see one of these signals: walk away.

Which payment routes are safe?

  • Deposit by bank transfer to a Swiss account — traceable and legally protected.
  • Balance on handover or against the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis).
  • Financing through a Swiss bank or leasing company — the bank vets the dealer as well.

Never: Western Union, crypto payments, handing over cash abroad, or transfers to accounts outside Switzerland or the EU.

What rights do you have as a buyer in Switzerland?

If you buy from a Swiss dealer, the Swiss Code of Obligations applies: the dealer is liable for defects for at least 1 year, has to deliver the properties they warranted and must refund the purchase price if the details were wrong. You only have these rights if your contractual partner is a Swiss dealer — which is why a Swiss company address matters so much.

The FlexiMoto standard
We are entered in the commercial register in Thayngen (SH) as Finsler Customs GmbH, we publish fixed prices including the roadworthiness test (MFK) and registration, and you can cancel your order free of charge within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell whether an online car dealer is reputable?

A reputable online car dealer has a Swiss company address, is entered in the commercial register, works with fixed prices that include all ancillary costs, documents its vehicles thoroughly, states clear cancellation terms and can be reached by phone.

Is the deposit safe?

Yes, provided the dealer is registered in Switzerland. At FlexiMoto the deposit is covered by the purchase contract; if the vehicle is not delivered as described, you get the deposit back.

What should I do if I suspect fraud when buying a car online?

Never pay in advance for offers well below market price, never pay by Western Union or crypto, and never accept an ‚escrow agent' based abroad. Always check the commercial register entry and call the published phone number.

What rights do I have as a buyer?

If you buy from a Swiss dealer you are entitled to a warranty for defects (at least 1 year) and to the properties warranted in the purchase contract. You can also cancel your order free of charge within 24 hours of it reaching us.

Can I view the car first?

We do not offer conventional test drives, but we do offer a detailed video viewing: a member of staff shows you the vehicle live on a video call and answers all your questions.

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