Buying a used car often means doing research on the current model’s common faults and shortcomings.
Checking the bodywork for damage and rust, as well as checking that the mechanics are in order and that the tires are not worn out, is also part of the routine.
However, there is one thing that many people forget to check before the purchase, which can lead to the car being unusable or even impounded.
Important checks when buying a car
What many people forget to check when buying a used car is whether the car they intend to buy has any unpaid vehicle related debts.
It can be about congestion taxes, vehicle taxes, incorrect parking fees and infrastructure fees. Also any penalty fees or fees to the Enforcement Officer related to these debts are also covered by the rules, according to The Swedish Transport Agency.
Normally, it is the person who is listed as the owner of the vehicle in the road traffic register when a tax or charge is decided who is liable for payment. But even if you don’t take over the payment obligation when you buy the car, the debts can become a problem.
It’s not just the mechanics you have to check when buying a car – Photo: Leo Sellén/TT The car can be impounded
The problems arise if, after the purchase, the car still has unpaid vehicle-related debts.
Namely, these can lead to the car being banned from use, even if the payment obligation for the debts lies with the previous owner. Prohibition of use means that the vehicle may not be used. If the vehicle is still used, the police have the right to stop it and confiscate its registration plates.
There is even a risk that the car will be seized by the Kronofogden.
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Does the car have debts? That’s how you check
The advice from the Swedish Transport Agency is that you should first discuss whether there are any unpaid debts on the car you are considering buying with the seller.
You can also use the Swedish Transport Agency’s service Debts of the vehiclewhere the seller can log in and view an overview of whether there are any debts attached to the vehicle.
If you want to carry out the check without involving the seller, you can also call the Swedish Transport Agency’s customer service for vehicle issues. You can also call Kronofogden’s customer service to check whether any debts have fallen due there.
However, it must be remembered that it may take time before certain debts are registered on the vehicle. Neither the Swedish Transport Agency nor the Kronofogden can therefore guarantee that you can give a completely updated picture of the vehicle’s debts.
You can check whether a car has a ban on its use by searching the registration number in the app My vehiclesor in the service of the Swedish Transport Agency Vehicle details.
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