It’s no secret that a new car loses about a third of its value just by being driven off the forecourt, so used cars can offer a good bargain – especially in Germany, where a well-maintained car is not only a matter of pride but the law. Check www.mobile.de to find the right car for sale near you. An owner may have kept the car’s service record along with receipts for any work done – this can give you a good idea of its dependability. Such owners also can demand a higher price because they can document the car’s history. Once you’re convinced it’s the one you want, work out an arrangement with the owner to have it checked by the German automobile club, known as the ADAC (030 86860, Bundesallee 29). It will tell you any potential problems with the car and also suggest a sale price. If an owner is uncooperative, walk away.

If you buy from a dealer, it may offer to have the car checked out by Dekra, an independent automotive evaluation company (www.dekra.de). The check is thorough and will list any problems such as worn brakes or tyres and protects the dealer from any future claims. You can also use it to negotiate a lower price if you understand cars and can tell what repairs may soon be needed – you can have the ADAC look at the Dekra report too before buying.