Used cars: do they come with a warranty?

What kinds of warranties are available on used cars?

When it comes to second-hand vehicles, a distinction is made between two types of warranty: statutory and commercial (in German, French and Italian only). A statutory warranty is prescribed by law. It requires the seller to supply a vehicle of satisfactory quality with no defects. Think of it as a “minimum legally enforceable warranty”. However, the seller can extend or limit statutory warranty rights under the terms of a contractually agreed commercial warranty.

The law prescribes a two-year warranty period for new cars. This cannot be reduced. The warranty period for used vehicles may be limited to one year. Remember: the warranty period starts when the vehicle is delivered to the customer. You should therefore check the warranty details carefully. Sellers are normally responsible for rectifying any defects in the vehicles they supply.

Although the warranty periods cannot be changed, other terms and conditions can. A commercial warranty may state, for example, that a damaged or faulty vehicle will be repaired rather than replaced. The dealer fixes the contractual terms for both new and used cars.

This is why the term and scope of dealer warranties can vary. Read the terms carefully when buying a used vehicle because certain parts of the vehicle are frequently excluded from the warranty. These typically include electronic components and parts subject to wear and tear such as brake pads and tyres.

You can also take out a separate used car warranty from a specialist insurer such as Quality1 (in German, French, Italian only). These warranties are useful when buying from private individuals or independent garages. If you buy a used vehicle from one of the larger car importers, they will often provide you with their own warranty.

What should I look for in a used car warranty?

Some used cars come with a factory warranty

Many used car ads mention a factory or manufacturer's warranty. This concept isn't legally regulated in Switzerland. Usually, however, it means that the warranty is provided by the manufacturer rather than the seller. The type of warranty you are offered can depend on the age of the vehicle. Newer used vehicles are often still protected by the manufacturer's warranty. This is usually valid for three years or 100,000 km. Ask your seller whether there's a manufacturer's warranty and what restrictions apply.

Remember: even if you have a manufacturer's warranty, you need to contact the seller if there are problems with the vehicle. The seller should always be your first port of call for claims.

Private sellers don't usually offer warranties

If you buy from a garage, you should expect to receive a one-year or two-year warranty. Some dealers offer longer warranties for an additional cost. The situation is different when you buy a car privately. Most private sellers don't offer any guarantee at all. Not only that, but they can also exclude the statutory warranty in their purchase agreement. Make sure that this is not the case before signing.

The all-important purchase agreement: although not a legal requirement, for your own protection, you should always insist on a written contract.

Not all faults are covered

Always check the terms and conditions of a vehicle warranty. Also, remember that not all defects are covered by the warranty – even if they're not your fault. With longer warranties in particular, certain components or fault conditions – usually parts subject to wear and tear such as brake pads, spark plugs or tyres in the case of used cars – are excluded.

Warranty packages come with terms and conditions

If you buy a used car from a manufacturer's authorized dealer, they often include a special warranty package. The warranty requires you to have all repairs carried out at the dealer's own workshop, however, and to have the vehicle serviced by the dealer at the usual service intervals.

What should I do if there's a problem with my used car?

As a rule, the older the car you buy, the more signs of use you should expect. Examine the vehicle closely before agreeing to buy. An inspection in daylight will make it easier to spot faults. The condition of the interior can give you a clue as to the overall condition of the vehicle. A clean and tidy car is a good sign. The same goes for the paintwork, engine compartment and underbody. Unfortunately, these things are difficult for the average buyer to evaluate. The Comparis checklist tells you what you should be looking for.

If you discover a problem with your car after you've bought it, contact the seller in writing as soon as possible describing the issue. This is the first necessary step to getting the vehicle fixed or obtaining compensation. To be on the safe side, you could arrange to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified engineer while it is still under guarantee. You can arrange for a technical inspection through TCS (in German, French and Italian only) or your local independent inspection service provider.

Good to know: the exclusion of statutory warranty protection does not apply in the case of fraudulently concealed defects or if the vehicle is not as described.

Read more tips for used car buyers.

And finally: how to spot a reputable dealer

Finding a good dealer is an important part of buying a used car. A reputable used car dealer attaches great importance to customer satisfaction. When you make an appointment, the vehicle should be available. The seller should offer a test drive without you having to ask. The vehicle should also have a valid vehicle inspection certificate – preferably a recent one. Another good sign is if the car has just been serviced. This provides you with some assurance that the vehicle is in good condition. If you are also offered a contractual warranty, you can't go far wrong.

Tip: franchised dealerships of manufacturers like Audi, for example, work with checklists showing the condition of all the important parts of the car.