On the Swiss Riviera, used cars are easy to find. Knowing which one deserves your money is harder. Here are the eight points we check ourselves before offering a vehicle, and that you can apply to any purchase.
1. The inspection, and above all its date
In Switzerland, a used car is usually sold with a valid technical inspection from the cantonal vehicle authority.
The date matters more than the word. An inspection from two years ago says nothing about the car today. Always ask when it was carried out, and whether a fresh inspection is included.
2. The service book
A complete, stamped service book with matching invoices beats any reassuring speech. Look at the intervals: a car serviced every 15,000 km by the same garage inspires more confidence than a history scattered across five providers.
On recent models part of the history is digital and can be checked by the brand network. Ask for it, it takes minutes.
3. The real history of the car
Beyond servicing, look for traces: bodywork repairs, replaced panels, declared accidents. A properly repaired car is not disqualified, but the price should reflect it and the seller should mention it without being asked.
A seller who stays vague on this point is already telling you something.
4. Imported cars are neither good nor bad in themselves
A large share of cars on Swiss roads were imported, often from Germany. That is not a flaw. What matters is that the import was done properly: customs cleared, VAT paid, Swiss technical inspection passed, and any required adaptations carried out.
Ask for the paperwork. When it exists, it is handed over without hesitation. Read more about our import process.
5. The warranty, and what it actually covers
"With warranty" means nothing until you know what is covered, for how long, and with what deductible. A twelve-month engine and gearbox warranty is not the same as three months on wear parts.
Ask three questions: how long, which components, what deductible. The answers should be immediate.
6. A real test drive
A lap of the car park proves nothing. Bring the engine to temperature, hold a steady speed, brake firmly once, listen at low speed with the windows down. On the Riviera, the climb towards Chardonne gives a far better picture in ten minutes than a trip around town.
Turn the radio off. Many noises can be heard long before they appear on an invoice.
7. The price, compared with the Swiss market
The Swiss market has its own levels, different from France or Germany. Compare Swiss listings at equivalent mileage, year and equipment.
A car well below market price is not a bargain until you understand why.
8. The paperwork afterwards
Plates, registration, insurance: these steps are simple but time-consuming. A serious garage handles them and hands you a car ready to drive.
Ask whether it is included. It saves half a day of errands.
Seeing cars near Montreux
Our showroom is in Villeneuve, five kilometres from Montreux and about fifteen from Vevey. Every vehicle is checked before being offered, and test drives are by appointment.
Browse our available vehicles, or read more about our garage in Montreux.
