How to choose a used car?

No driver can escape the electrification of the car fleet. In Flanders, for instance, from 1 January 2029 new cars will only be allowed on the road if they run on electricity. For used cars, the cut-off date has not yet been set.

Is it a good idea to buy a used car now, or should you wait?
And if so, what type of car should you buy?

Our blogger Alain Dierckx gives us some answers.

Buying a used petrol or diesel car

For new vehicles, Europe will require carmakers to sell exclusively electric cars from 2035. That's why most manufacturers are investing little or nothing in new fossil-fuel models anymore. Of course, current models will keep being available on the used car market, at least until they reach the end of their useful life.

The supply of used petrol cars is also limited for another reason. Many people are putting off their decision and continuing to use their "old cars" because they find electric cars too expensive, or because charging capacity isn't yet sufficiently developed. You can find more information on this in the results of our mobility survey.

In terms of price, it will therefore be hard to find a great bargain today. Your chances will improve once the mass shift to electric vehicles really gets under way, probably towards the end of this decade.

The increasingly strict emission standards for fossil-fuel cars (petrol and diesel) are also, in the long run, an argument against buying a used petrol car (see our article on the topic).

Pros and cons of buying a petrol or diesel car

Pros:
- lower cost compared with most electric cars;
- the supply of used cars will continue in the coming years;
- more expensive maintenance.

Cons:
- not as eco-friendly as electric cars;
- in the long run: banned from urban low-emission zones.

Buying a used electric or hybrid car

Out of all the electric car models built over the past 15 years, 107 models are no longer in production and are now found on the used car market. You'll find every price range among them.

If you have a generous budget for buying a used electric car, it's possible to find a good deal provided you shop around a bit. Here we're thinking of brands like Tesla. These offer the advantage of retaining a long range, even second-hand. The battery in this type of car keeps its capacity for a long time.

If your budget is more modest, buying a small electric car model, such as a Renault Zoe, isn't always a good idea, because battery capacity decreases over time. If a very limited range is enough for you (around 100 kilometres, for city driving for example), it's still a good option. The batteries in these cars need to be replaced sooner, which means an extra cost.

Buying a used hybrid car can be compared to buying a used petrol or diesel car, simply because they also run on petrol or diesel. In the long run, hybrid vehicles will see their access to city centres heavily restricted or banned, once the electrification of the car fleet becomes the norm.

Pros and cons of buying electric cars

Pros:
- a wide range of used electric cars already exists;
- better for the environment;
- use of new technology;
- lower maintenance costs;

Cons:
- higher prices, especially for larger models;
- shorter range;
- battery replacement (extra cost);
- charging infrastructure isn't yet fully developed.

A few tips for buying a used car

• Work out which type of car suits you best (size, range, etc.).
• For better peace of mind, buy from a professional seller.
• Always ask for the Car Pass, even if you're buying online.
• Compare the purchase price to the car's list price.
• Check that all the necessary documents are present (inspection certificate, certificate of conformity, etc.).
• Carefully check the vehicle, both outside and inside.
• Bring along someone who "knows their stuff".
• Take it for a test drive.
• Calculate the road tax you'll need to pay.
• Don't jump at a supposedly attractive offer straight away; give yourself time to think it over.