Conseils Pratiques

Documents, bodywork, engine, test drive, VIN and options check: all the inspection points to check a used car before buying it, complete with a summary checklist.

Air conditioning in the south, heated seats in the north, national packages: a car's standard specification varies depending on the country of sale. What this means for imports and resale value.

Trendline, Comfortline, AMG Line, 'fully loaded'… On an imported car, the advertised trim level and options must be verified using the VIN. A step-by-step method.

Mercedes Datacard, BMW SA option codes, Volkswagen Group PR codes, Renault Dialogys, Peugeot Service Box: every manufacturer has its own coding system. The brand-by-brand guide to identify your trim level.

DIY, broker or manufacturer network: the 3 methods for importing a car from Europe, the real costs and procedures (tax certificate, COC, registration document).

The VIN contains your car's complete identity. 17-character structure, where to find it, and how to get the original trim level and options.

Section D.2 of the vehicle registration document contains a type approval code, not your trim level name. What it actually means, its limitations, and reliable alternatives.

Registration document, VIN, online report: all methods to find the exact trim level of your car using just the license plate number.