Car models for Carlife. How to Find the perfect used car and inspect it properly.

November 11, 2024.

I was up until almost 2 a.m. last night because I spent a long time looking for good cars for Carlife. Accordingly, I slept late.

A look in the mirror: the hair on the head somehow doesn't seem to be getting any longer. After 19 days of not washing, the hair looks perfectly fine. I didn't expect that. I thought it would start to itch after such a long time or there would be a red rash. The opposite is the case! The beard, however, has grown considerably. I'm starting to look like a prehistoric man (which I think is kind of cool).

I am very glad that I am only 172 cm (and slim). This means I can sleep full-length in a smaller car. If I were even shorter, around 160 cm, it would be even more practical to live in a car.

There are so many cars on the market. As a beginner who knows nothing about Carlife, camping or cars, I'm overwhelmed trying to find a suitable vehicle. Since yesterday, I have watched countless videos of carlifers and what cars they have: Renault Kango, Ford Focus, Skoda Octavia, Fiat Panda, Sear Alhambra, Skoda Fabia, Renault Laguna, Citroen C4 Grand Picasso, Mazda 2 and so on.

Unfortunately, researching suitable cars didn't really help me. There are still thousands of the above models on the market. Which one should I choose?

After hours of research, I added countless cars to the favorites list, but only on pure instinct. I don't know whether they actually suit me. So I defined other criteria that are important to me:

• The car costs a maximum of 4000 euros.
• The transmission is automatic.
• The car is ready to drive (no defects that I have to repair before I can drive it).
• MOT still runs for at least 12 months.
• All-weather tires. I don't want to have to change the tires depending on the season.
• After folding down the rear seat, you have a flat surface to lie on.

How do I know I'm not being ripped off when I buy the car? I've researched what I need to look out for during the inspection:

• Commercial car sellers have a statutory warranty obligation of at least one year in Germany. This means that the seller is liable for defects that were present before the purchase but which the buyer was unaware of. The seller is therefore obliged to sell the buyer a used car that is free of defects.
• First of all, you should go to viewings in pairs if possible. That way the seller puts me under less pressure, along the lines of: “I've seen enough, buy now”. Four eyes see more than two.
• The viewing should take at least half an hour. I should tell the seller this so that they allow enough time.
• Note all defects and use them during negotiations.
• Viewing in good light and the car should also be washed, otherwise I easily overlook the visual defects.
• Check the vehicle documents thoroughly. A service schedule should be available in which all car repairs and services are listed.
• Check the gap dimensions on the doors, the trunk and the front of the hood to see if they are even. If not, this indicates accident damage. Did the seller specify this?
• Look at the rims. Do they have kerb bumps? I can use all these visual defects when negotiating to lower the purchase price.
• Read the tire age and check the tread depth. The two rear tires and the two front tires should be from the same manufacturer. Are the tires damaged? Are there any differences in tread on one tire (indicates that the suspension geometry might be out of alignment)?
• The windshield should not have any cracks or tears, otherwise the car will not pass the main inspection (MOT) if the damage is too extensive.
• Are the exterior mirrors intact?
• Under the hood: The engine should not have been washed. If the seller has washed the engine, it could indicate that he is trying to hide oil leaks. Check all oil levels. When was the last oil change?
• Take a mat with you to look under the car. Look for abnormalities with a flashlight. There should be no holes in the exhaust. Is there any rust or oil? Are the cuffs on the wheels cracked? Then they need to be replaced.
• Don't forget to look in the trunk. Warning triangle, high-visibility vest and unexpired first aid kit.
• Look at the interior. Is anything wobbly? Any stains or damage not mentioned by the seller? What is the smell like? Operate all switches and buttons to see if they work. Check mirrors, fans, seat belt buckles, seats and so on for damage.
• Start the car. It should start immediately. Otherwise, a delayed start indicates problems with the battery. All lights should be off in the cockpit after starting. What is the mileage? Does it look suspiciously low? Does the horn work? Are the heating and air conditioning working? The air coming out should not smell. Do the windshield wipers, turn signals and lights work? Do the engine noises show any abnormalities? Does the car sound strange when started?
• Take a test drive. How is the steering? How are the brakes? How is the acceleration? Does it stay on track when driving? Are there any (acoustic) abnormalities?
• In Germany, the basis for negotiation with reputable dealers is typically 10%. This means that with a price of 4000 euros, I could reduce the price to 3600 euros with skillful negotiation.
• After the purchase, the seller must give me the registration certificate part 1 and part 2, two pairs of keys, radio code (if available) and rim locks. The purchase contract is then processed.
• The purchase contract should include the following: Address, name, date of birth and ID number of the buyer and seller. Vehicle data (manufacturer, type, registration number, vehicle identification number, first registration and any accessories being sold). Purchase price. Possible defects and accident damage. Warranty and guarantee commitments of the seller (if available).
• The car still needs to be registered. So make an appointment at the registration office. Bring the registration certificate part 1 and part 2 with you. ID and the evb number from the insurance agent. And report on the last main inspection (TÜV, MOT).

Ann-Kathrin, who I contacted yesterday about the mini-camper, got back to me and suggested a phone call. I have agreed. I hope that I can take the vehicle with me straight away after a successful inspection. The Skoda Fabia is in Witten. The town is 270 kilometers away from Hildesheim. It would be a shame if I had to drive there for nothing.

I am grateful today:

• For learning how to inspect a car before I buy it.
• For the fact that I got to know various car models that are eligible for Carlife.
• For Julia calling me and infecting me with good humor.
• For Ann-Kathrin getting in touch about the Skoda, which convinced me to join Carlife.

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