Frequently asked questions

A certified technician checks the vehicle at up to 270 checkpoints. The inspection covers paint-thickness measurement (detecting accident repairs), exterior and interior checks, an inspection on a lift (chassis, brakes, suspension), ECU diagnostics (error codes, emissions, electronics), a test drive (engine, gearbox, steering, brakes) and verification in European databases (history, odometer rollback, legal defects). See everything we inspect →

CarAudit is a standardised, independent audit focused on uncovering hidden defects and risks. Unlike a regular workshop check, it includes paint measurement, a history check in European databases, ECU diagnostics and a clear purchase recommendation. The technician follows a strict procedure, so nothing gets missed.

Certified technicians with years of experience in the automotive industry. Every technician goes through training and works to the same standardised CarAudit procedure.

The inspection at the vehicle takes around 2–3 hours, depending on the vehicle type and its equipment.

Yes. For EVs and plug-in hybrids we additionally offer traction-battery diagnostics: we check the current capacity (SoH), the charge-cycle count and any error codes. The add-on costs 179 €.

Make sure of three things: the vehicle is still for sale, the seller agrees to an independent inspection, and you have the basic vehicle details: make, model, year and ideally the VIN or a link to the listing.

You’ll receive the report by email within 48 hours of the inspection (weekends and holidays excluded). In most cases it’s ready within one working day.

Yes, the seller has to give access to the vehicle. We recommend letting them know in advance. An honest seller won’t have a problem with an independent inspection. Quite the opposite: refusing one can be a warning sign.

You don’t have to be present, but you’re welcome to be. The technician works independently, following the standardised CarAudit procedure.

The inspection costs 239 €. The price is fixed and includes the technician’s travel to the vehicle, wherever the car is in Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia or Poland. No hidden surcharges. EV battery diagnostics are a 179 € add-on.

We accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard), bank transfer and Google Pay.

Yes. Orders can be cancelled. You’ll find the exact conditions in the CarAudit Terms.

You’ll get a detailed CarAudit certificate, a clear PDF rating the vehicle’s condition in each area (body, interior, technology, history), with photo documentation of detected faults and a clear recommendation: recommended, worth considering or not recommended. See a sample report →

Yes, the report is yours to use in price negotiations. Thanks to the findings, many customers negotiate a discount that exceeds the cost of the inspection.

Everything gets documented in the report, with photos. A serious finding (a hidden accident, a rolled-back odometer, a dangerous fault) means the vehicle is rated “not recommended”, with a detailed explanation of why.

CarAudit operates in Germany, Austria, Czechia, Slovakia and Poland. We send the technician straight to the seller or the dealer.

We understand used cars sell fast, so we aim to carry out the inspection as soon as possible. If the vehicle is no longer available, we’ll contact you and find a solution. We recommend confirming with the seller that the car is still available before ordering.