What should you think about when buying a used car in Sweden?
A checklist based on Konsumentverket and Transportstyrelsen.
Short answer
Before buying a used car, check for unpaid vehicle debts, examine the car thoroughly and get a written contract, according to Konsumentverket. From a dealer you can complain about faults for three years, while a private sale gives weaker protection. Transportstyrelsen's SMS services show the owner and the latest odometer reading.
Why
- Konsumentverket's checklist says to check for debts, to read the agreement and the varudeklaration carefully when buying from a dealer, and to write a purchase contract when buying from a private person.
- Konsumentverket says that when you buy from a dealer you can complain about faults for three years, but you must complain within two months of discovering the fault.
- Konsumentverket says that with a private seller your protection is weaker, and you cannot complain about faults you knew of or should have found by examining the car carefully.
Details
For a used car from a dealer that is a member of MRF, Konsumentverket says all used cars sold by the dealer must come with a varudeklaration, and that anything the seller promised orally should be confirmed in writing. For the debt check, the seller logs in to Transportstyrelsen's Fordonets skulder with the vehicle's behörighetskod or an e-ID. See car dealerships in Stockholm and driving and traffic rules in Sweden.
Tip
Ask the seller to show the result in Fordonets skulder, and send the registration number to 71640 to see the owner, or bes. plus the number for the latest inspection and odometer reading.
What may differ
If a dealer sells a private person's car on their behalf (förmedlingsköp), the Consumer Sales Act still applies and you can choose whether to complain to the company or to the actual seller, according to Konsumentverket.
Common misconception
You have the same rights buying a used car from a private seller as from a dealer.
What actually happens
Konsumentverket says a dealer sale is covered by a mandatory law with three years to complain, while a private sale gives you weaker protection and you cannot complain about faults you should have found.
People also ask
- What should I check when buying a used car in Sweden?
- How do I buy a car from a private seller in Sweden?
Sources
- Konsumentverket: Our best tips when buying a carChecked at:
- Konsumentverket: Buying a car from a dealerChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: Vehicle-related debtsChecked at:
- Transportstyrelsen: SMS service for inspection dataChecked at:
This answer is for reference only. Rules can change, so check Konsumentverket before you buy.
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