Pre-sale inspection: what to arrange before selling your car in Belgium

When is the pre-sale inspection mandatory?

When selling a passenger car to a private person, the seller has the car inspected at an approved inspection station, even if the regular periodic inspection is still valid. If you sell to a licensed dealer, the dealer usually takes over that obligation. The pre-sale inspection certificate is valid for two months; if you have not sold by then, you have to go back.

What is checked?

The second-hand inspection is the same technical check as the periodic one: brakes, suspension, lights, emissions, tyres and bodywork. On top of that you receive the Car-Pass with the mileage history. Minor defects result in a green certificate with remarks; serious defects in a red one, which means repairing and re-inspecting first.

Which documents does the buyer receive?

Besides the keys and the service book, the buyer should receive a fixed set of documents. If one is missing, registering the car in the buyer's name can be delayed.

• The pre-sale inspection certificate (at most two months old).
• The Car-Pass.
• The certificate of conformity (COC).
• The registration certificate, the part that stays with the vehicle.
• A completed and signed sales contract in two copies.

Tips for a smooth sale

Book the inspection once your listing is ready, so you can sell within the two months. Fix minor remarks beforehand: buyers read the inspection report and use every defect to negotiate. Mention in your Cars4you listing that the car has been inspected for sale; it builds trust and brings more responses.