Buying a used car: how to choose with peace of mind
Buying a used car is a great moment, but also an important decision. You want to be sure the mileage is correct, the car is technically sound and there's someone to turn to if something does go wrong. At Exclusive Car Sales, the sales arm of XCS Automotive in Merchtem, Quinten and Jorne help buyers every day. These are the points we believe you should always look out for.
1. The Car-Pass
If you buy a used car registered in Belgium as a private individual, the seller must give you a Car-Pass, whether it's a garage or a private seller. The Car-Pass shows the car's registered mileage readings and may be no more than two months old at the time of sale. If you don't receive one, according to the FPS Economy you can ask the court to dissolve the sale. Always compare the last mileage reading with the odometer.
2. The inspection
A used car sold within Belgium currently has to undergo the used car inspection. The inspection rules change regularly, so if in doubt, check the current information from the Flemish government or GOCA Vlaanderen. As a buyer, always ask for the most recent inspection certificate and take a critical look at the condition of the car yourself. Our article on the vehicle inspection in 2026 tells you all about the new rules.
3. Service history and documents
Ask for the service book and the invoices for servicing and repairs. A car that has been maintained according to the manufacturer's specifications gives you more certainty. Also check that the registration certificate, certificate of conformity (COC), latest inspection certificate and all keys are present.
4. Warranty: at least 1 year from a professional seller
If you buy as a consumer from a professional seller, you're entitled to the legal warranty. For used cars that term may be shortened, but never to less than 1 year, and the seller must inform you clearly about it. The seller should also give you a document describing the condition of the car, stating which parts show wear or need repair. For a purchase between private individuals, this legal warranty doesn't apply.
5. A test drive and an honest conversation
Take your time over a test drive, ideally on different types of road. Pay attention to how the car shifts, brakes and steers, and feel free to ask all your questions.
How we sell our cars
At XCS, every car is first thoroughly checked in our own workshop and inspected before sale. Every car sold to a private buyer comes with a valid Car-Pass and a 1 year legal warranty. Trading in your current car is also possible. And because we're a garage ourselves, you remain welcome after your purchase for servicing, with a 1 year warranty on work carried out.
Now in stock
At the time of writing, these cars are among those ready for you:
- Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet PDK 991.2 from 2016, with 370 hp and a beige leather interior
- Skoda Kodiaq 1.4 TSI 4x4 Style DSG from 2018, a spacious SUV with all-wheel drive and an electrically deploying tow bar
- Opel Mokka 1.2 Turbo Automatic from 2022, with 21,000 km on the clock
- Fiat 500 1.0i MHEV Cult from 2021, economical and nimble in town
See the full, current range on our used cars page.
Interested or fancy a test drive?
Book an appointment, email info@xcsautomotive.be or call Jorne on 0471 46 40 17 or Quinten on 0470 56 61 21. You'll find us at Stoofstraat 43, 1785 Merchtem. We're open Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.