Important or not? Test drive and test drive contract!

Thomas Wachsmuth June 2, 2022 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 6 Min.

When selling a used vehicle, you have to expect that prospective buyers will test drive want to do, because nobody likes to buy a pig in a poke. However, such a test drive can be problematic. In this article you will find out what you need to look out for and whether a contract is necessary for the test drive. A private buyer as well as a car dealership would like to be convinced of the roadworthiness of the vehicle before buying it and check it carefully before a purchase contract is concluded. With an expense as big as buying a car, you can understand that, and a test drive is the ideal way to do that. For the seller, however, such a test drive is a risk, because even small things can tempt the interested party to want to lower the price. You should therefore ensure that your vehicle is in good condition, consistent with its age. The best way is to put yourself in the shoes of a potential buyer and take a test drive yourself.

The following is a summary of the most important points:

Are the seats and the steering wheel easy to adjust?
Is the interior in good condition considering the age of the vehicle?
Do the brakes, clutch, steering and acceleration work without problems?

Are the heated seats and air conditioning working?
Does the engine have a normal sound?
Are the functions of all instruments, the infotainment system and the on-board computer OK?

Is the vehicle losing fluid at any point?
Are the doors or panels making rattling noises?
Do all the lights, wipers and windows work?

Are all assistance systems functional?

If all of these points can be answered positively during your own test drive, a buyer can usually no longer find any glaring defects. If, on the other hand, you notice problems, you should perhaps have the car checked again briefly by professionals.

procedure of a test drive

The test drive should go smoothly on the agreed date. Have all the documents that are important for the vehicle sale ready in advance. Be prepared for any questions prospects may have. Answer honestly and reliably. Before the test drive you should make an agreement that will be signed by you and the potential buyer. It is one test drive contract, which contains all possibilities. A test drive contract is important because you, as the vehicle owner, are liable for any damage that may occur during the test drive. In order for your insurance to pay for any damage that may occur during the test drive, make sure beforehand that the person who will be doing the test drive driver's license and ID card has with it.

The test drive contract should include the following points:

Vehicle data (number plate, manufacturer, previous damage or scratches, etc.).

Insurance details (how is the vehicle insured).
Duration of the test drive and mileage (start time, end time and maximum kilometers).
Deposit or deposit (what/how much is deposited before the trip).

Liability Agreement.

If you have insurance with a deductible, the amount of this deductible should be paid by the test driver in the event of a claim. One shows what a test drive contract should look like Model agreement of the ADAC.

Plan enough time for test drives and tests.

Anyone who arranges a test drive naturally wants to drive the car. But a prior inspection and a few tests should also be scheduled. You should allow about an hour for the entire appointment. In most cases, an inspection takes place in advance, during which the vehicle is examined carefully from the inside and outside. The light and some setting options are tested and mostly a look under the hood is thrown. Then comes the test drive. Half an hour is enough for this. Think ahead of time of a suitable route that includes driving on a country road, a highway, and in city traffic. We strongly advise you to ride. This way you can keep an eye on the test driver and avoid possible theft of the vehicle. For this your insurance would namely do not pay. It would be advisable to use a large parking lot or other suitable area for braking and steering exercises during the test drive without endangering others.

Enable a check by experts.

There is also the possibility that the buyer would like to have the vehicle checked at a workshop nearby. This should be clarified in advance so that an appropriate appointment can be made. It makes a good impression on the potential buyer if you agree to such a check - it gives them confidence that you don't want to hide anything. Of course, the potential buyer bears the costs for such a check.

accident during the test drive

No matter how careful the driver is, an accident can always happen. Deer could run in front of the vehicle, a stop sign could be overlooked, or a rear-end collision could occur. Whatever the cause of an accident, it's the worst thing that can happen during a test drive. After all, it could be a lot of money. In principle, a test drive can only be made if the vehicle is still in good condition logged in is. And that's it at this point on the seller. Now it matters what the insurance coverage for the vehicle looks like.

Liability insurance: In this case, only the damage caused to third parties will be paid by the insurance company. The vehicle owner is responsible for damage to their own vehicle. Losses resulting from the downgrading of the insurance class and a depreciation are to be borne by the test drive person.
Partial coverage insurance: If the vehicle is stolen during the test drive, this is covered by partially comprehensive insurance. Only the deductible has to be paid. In the event of an accident, the individual insurance conditions determine what damage is paid.

Comprehensive insurance: In this case, the fully comprehensive insurance pays for damage to your own vehicle.

It should always be checked in advance whether damage was excluded during the test drive, whether there are special conditions, such as an age limit for other people and the amount of the deductible.

Advantage of a test drive contract

A test drive contract is absolutely necessary if you, as the vehicle owner, do not want to be left with the cost of any damage that may occur during the test drive. In the worst case, points that have been recorded in writing in advance and for which both parties have signed can prevent later quarrels. If the test drive and the vehicle check went well and the interested party wants to buy your vehicle, it is important for you to achieve the best possible selling price. But you can always be prepared to trade. Best to inquire before the sale about the value of your vehicle and create one for yourself room for negotiation Celebration. Once the price has been clarified, it should be clarified before completing the purchase who will be responsible for deregistering the vehicle. This should be stated in the purchase contract. Ps. If you want to sell a vehicle without an MOT, a test drive can only take place on your own or another private property. You will then also have to reckon with a lower selling price.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it.

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