Buying advice
Buying a used car from a dealer – what to look out for
Buying a used car from a dealer means security, transparency and legal protection. But not every dealer works to the same standard. Here is what to check when you buy from a professional car dealer, and what you gain compared with a private sale.
Why buy from a dealer?
When you buy a used car from a dealer you get several things a private sale cannot give you: a statutory warranty, professional preparation of the vehicle, clear contract terms and someone you can hold liable if something goes wrong. Reputable dealers such as FlexiMoto also take care of the MFK roadworthiness test and the registration in your canton.
- Statutory warranty of at least one year
- Professional preparation and documented condition
- Clear contract terms without hidden clauses
- MFK test and Swiss registration included
- Delivery to your door on request
What should you check at the dealer?
- Registered office and reputation: Check whether the dealer has a permanent address in Switzerland and whether reviews are publicly readable.
- Vehicle history: Reputable dealers show accident history, service book and mileage openly.
- Statutory warranty and guarantee: Clarify which guarantee services are included in the price and what the statutory warranty covers.
- MFK and registration: Ask whether the car has already passed the MFK test and been registered, or whether the dealer handles that.
- Right of return: Some dealers grant a voluntary right of return — ideal for an online purchase.
Statutory warranty vs. guarantee – what is the difference?
The statutory warranty is laid down by law and applies to every commercial car sale. It covers defects that were already present at the time of purchase. A guarantee is voluntary and is offered by the dealer or a third party. Guarantees can go further, but often cover only certain components.
Reputable dealers offer both: the statutory warranty as a basis plus an optional used-car guarantee for extra cover.
FlexiMoto: a used car from a dealer, entirely online
At FlexiMoto you buy your used car online, directly from a Swiss dealer. Every vehicle passes the MFK test and is registered in Switzerland. You get transparent fixed prices, a digital purchase process and delivery to your door. You can cancel your order free of charge within 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a dealer trustworthy?
A trustworthy dealer provides a transparent vehicle history, a statutory warranty, written contracts and a permanent registered office in Switzerland. Look at the reviews and check whether the dealer handles the MFK test beforehand as well as the registration.
Are used cars from a dealer more expensive than from a private seller?
The price at a dealer is often somewhat higher, but you get the statutory warranty, the confidence that comes with a registered office, professional preparation and often a guarantee on top. In a private sale a hidden defect leaves you with no recourse.
How long does the statutory warranty last at a dealer?
In Switzerland a commercial car sale carries a statutory warranty of at least one year. Many dealers voluntarily offer longer guarantees or dedicated used-car guarantees.
Related guides
- Mileage on a used car – What counts as normal mileage for a used car?
- Used car or new car – Is a new car or a used car the better buy?
- Buying a car online safely – What to watch out for when you buy a car online.
- To the vehicle marketplace – See every car currently available.