B2B auctions or classified ads? Check eligibility, vehicle records, total costs and contractual terms before committing.
Before checking the vehicle, establish how you can buy it. OPENLANE and AUTO1.com serve professionals; mobile.de hosts sellers' listings. Auction paperwork does not automatically provide the same terms as a consumer sale.
Identity History evidence Where to find the VINStart with the vehicle number
Start with available technical details for free. The OBDAuto decoder does not provide accident, mileage, theft or service history.
Free checks and what a paid report may addHow to read a history reportRead the evidence, not just a verdict
Public carVertical demonstration screenshots, not reports purchased or cases investigated by OBDAuto. An example does not guarantee the same data for your car and does not replace an inspection.
carVertical · demonstration exampleRead the event type, date and estimate range. An assessment is not a paid invoice, and amounts should not automatically be added together.
Screenshot source: carVertical ↗ carVertical · demonstration exampleCompare the specifications with the documents and the actual car. This screenshot shows technical details, not a mileage timeline.
Screenshot source: carVertical ↗ Buying guide Editorial review: 22 October 2026Resolve any difference between vehicle markings, documents and the report before paying a deposit. An empty report does not confirm that the car has never been damaged.
Request a clear photo of the VIN on the car and the relevant documents, then arrange dates and mileage readings in order. Keep a budget for an independent inspection.
Do not bid or pay until you have read the vehicle file, total costs and terms applying to the actual contractual buyer.
Your first check at the car
Illustrative windscreen photos from different vehicles. The exact position depends on make, model and market; these images are not model-specific instructions for every car in the guide.
Look from outside at the base of the windscreenWesha · Public domain · Resized and compressed as WebP; cropped for display.
GM example: the plate seen through the windscreenHans Haase · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and compressed as WebP; cropped for display.
Some models show the VIN through the windscreen. A door-frame label or a stamped marking may be elsewhere; check the manufacturer’s manual for your model.
Compare the marking with the vehicle documents and report. Do not confuse an engine code or a part number with the VIN.
Do not scrape or alter markings. If a number is missing, hard to read or does not match, ask a specialist to verify the vehicle’s identity.
On a phone, scroll the table to see all columns.
1. Three services with different conditions| Service | Access / transaction | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| OPENLANE | B2B platform for automotive professionals; does not sell to private individuals. | Eligibility, contracting entity and lot conditions. |
| AUTO1.com | Purchasing for registered vehicle dealers. | The actual buyer, documents and purchase terms. |
| mobile.de | Classified marketplace; you agree the sale with the seller. | Seller identity; the platform does not guarantee the deal. |
Request a breakdown of vehicle price, VAT or applicable scheme, fees, administration, transport, storage and documents. Check current payment and collection deadlines for that lot. Fees can vary with country, account and vehicle.
If using an intermediary as a private buyer, establish whether they buy and resell or represent you. Obtain the contract, fee, document responsibilities and procedure for disputed condition. Do not assume you directly hold the B2B account's rights.
Sources: OPENLANE — buyer termsYour Europe — VAT on carsVerify the payment recipient in the official platform account or through independently obtained contact details. For mobile.de listings, scrutinise claims of platform escrow or shippers demanding advance payment; a matching logo does not authenticate a payment site.
On delivery, photograph the car, VIN, odometer, keys and documents before using it. Compare with the saved listing and report discrepancies through the contractual procedure within its deadline. Check time, mileage and defect exclusions before bidding; do not assume every issue is claimable.
Sources: Polizei — Vorkasse / advance-payment fraudmobile.de — security adviceOPENLANE — buyer termsTick off completed checks. The list resets when you reload the page.
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I checked whether I am eligible to buy directly. I identified the contractual entity. I saved the complete lot file. I calculated all costs and applicable taxes. I read delivery and claims conditions. I verified the payee through an official channel.No. With mobile.de listings, verify the seller and agree terms with them.
Can I buy on OPENLANE as a private individual?OPENLANE states that it serves automotive professionals and does not sell to private individuals. Investigate offers claiming otherwise.
Does the lot report replace VIN history?No. One describes assessor findings; the other may add available historical events. Compare them and clarify discrepancies.
Do you offer vehicle inspections, history reports or transport?
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