Buying a used car in the Netherlands can be a great decision financially — but only if you know what to look for. The Dutch used car market is active and competitive, but hidden defects and inflated pricing are genuinely common. Here's the essential checklist every buyer should go through before signing anything.
1. Check the Vehicle Registration (Kentekenbewijs)
The Dutch registration document (kentekenbewijs) is split into two parts. Always verify that the name on Part 1 matches the seller's identity — do not buy from someone who cannot show you the matching ID. Check the VIN number on the document against the chassis plate in the car.
2. Run an RDW Check
The RDW (Rijksdienst voor het Wegverkeer) is the Dutch vehicle authority. Visit rdw.nl and enter the licence plate to see the car's official technical data — mileage during APK (MOT) inspections, ownership history, and any registered modifications. A dramatic mileage drop between inspections is a serious red flag indicating odometer tampering.
3. Verify the APK (MOT) Status
Every car registered in the Netherlands requires an APK inspection — similar to the MOT in the UK. Check when the current APK expires via the RDW website. A car with a freshly passed APK is a positive sign, but an APK does not cover all defects. It only confirms the car was road-legal at the time of inspection.
4. Check for Outstanding Finance or Debt
In the Netherlands, cars can be sold even if they have outstanding finance on them. Before buying privately, check that the car has no financial claims registered against it. Ask the seller directly and consider using a history check service like CarVertical or Dekra Vehiclecheck.
5. Inspect the Bodywork for Accident Damage
Stand back and look along the side of the car from a low angle in good light. Look for:
- Uneven panel gaps (doors, bonnet, boot)
- Mismatched paint shades between panels
- Overspray on rubber seals or plastic trim
- Fresh paint on just one or two panels
- Rippling or waviness under the paint surface
Any of these signs point to previous accident repair — which may or may not have been properly done.
6. Check for Rust — Especially the Underside
The Netherlands has a wet climate and roads treated with salt in winter. Rust is very common on older vehicles. Key areas to check:
- Wheel arches (inside and outside)
- Sills (the metal along the bottom of the doors)
- The underside of the car — look underneath with a torch
- Around the boot floor and spare wheel well
- Inside the engine bay along the edges
Surface rust can be cosmetic. Structural rust is a dealbreaker — it can affect the car's safety and is expensive to repair.
7. Test All Electronics and Comfort Features
Don't skip this step. On your test visit, check every single switch and button:
- All windows up and down
- Central locking (with the key and remote)
- Air conditioning (both heating and cooling)
- All lights — interior, exterior, fog, reversing
- Infotainment system and navigation
- Heated seats, parking sensors, cameras
Electronic repairs on modern cars can be surprisingly expensive.
8. Take It for a Proper Test Drive
A short spin around the block is not enough. Insist on a test drive of at least 20–30 minutes that includes:
- Motorway speeds (to feel for vibration, pulling, or steering issues)
- Hard braking (in a safe spot — check for pulling to one side)
- Cold start if possible (start the engine from cold)
- Gear changes at different speeds (for manual and automatic)
Listen for unusual noises — rattles, knocking, squealing brakes, or a rough idle are all warning signs.
9. Check the Engine and Service History
Open the bonnet and look for:
- Oil level and colour (dark black oil isn't always bad, but milky oil is serious — it can indicate a blown head gasket)
- Coolant level and condition
- Any fresh repairs or new parts that look out of place
- Rubber hoses in good condition
Ask for the service book or service history records. A car serviced regularly at a garage or dealer is significantly lower risk than one with no documented history.
10. Book an Independent Pre-Purchase Inspection
Even if everything looks good, a professional pre-purchase inspection from an independent inspector (ANWB, BOVAG-certified garage, or an independent specialist) can uncover issues invisible to the untrained eye — from brake wear to suspension problems to hidden structural damage.
This service costs between €100–€200 and is widely used in the Netherlands. It is one of the smartest investments you can make when buying a used car. If the seller refuses to allow a professional inspection — walk away.
💡 Tip
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