Buying and selling safely
The vast majority of sellers are honest. These tips help you spot the exceptions.
As a buyer
- Never pay in advance — no deposit, "reservation", transport costs or gift cards — without having seen the car and documents.
- See the car in person and take a test drive. Be wary of stories like "I'm abroad, the car will be delivered".
- Ask for the Car-Pass certificate (mandatory when selling a used car in Belgium) and compare the mileage.
- Check that the chassis number (VIN) matches the registration certificate and certificate of conformity.
- A price far below normal is often too good to be true.
- Preferably pay by bank transfer at the moment of handover, or in a safe place such as a bank branch. Don't let yourself be rushed.
- Draw up a written sales contract with date, price, mileage and details of both parties.
As a seller
- Never send copies of your ID card or documents to strangers, and don't click payment links received by text message or WhatsApp.
- Only hand over the car and papers once the money is actually in your account.
- Be careful with buyers who want to buy "unseen" or send a courier.
- Don't forget to take back your number plate and deregister the car with the DIV.
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