Buying classic cars and the legal intricacies in Germany

Buying Classic Cars in Germany: What to Consider? Dr. Thomas Schulte, a lawyer from Berlin, and Patrick Kordes from OM Classics GbR Lastrup discuss the legal intricacies that every classic car enthusiast should be aware of. A must-listen for every future owner of a vintage automobile!

Dr. Thomas Schulte: Welcome! Today, we’re talking with Patrick Cordes from OM Classics about a topic that concerns many classic car enthusiasts: the essential aspects of buying a vintage car. Mr. Kordes, it’s great to have you with us today.

Patrick Kordes: Good day, Dr. Schulte! Thank you for the invitation. I’m delighted to discuss this fascinating topic.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: As an expert in classic vehicles, you surely have insight into numerous sales transactions. What are the legal stumbling blocks when purchasing a classic car?

Patrick Kordes: A significant problem often arises when vehicles are sold on behalf of customers, and the dealer does not provide warranties or liabilities for defects. Many dealers operate in legal gray areas to evade responsibility, which can lead to difficulties for the buyer.

Hidden Pitfalls in Classic Car Purchases

Dr. Thomas Schulte: What steps should interested parties take when they come across an attractive vehicle that may be offered on behalf of a customer?

Patrick Kordes: It’s essential to inquire directly with the dealer whether the sale is indeed on behalf of a customer. If so, I advise caution and recommend continuing the conversation carefully, as the legal risks can be considerable.

Important Tips for Risk Reduction When Acquiring Classics

Dr. Thomas Schulte: If a buyer wants to scrutinize the vintage car more closely, what steps do you recommend?

Patrick Kordes: It’s always advisable to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. Laypersons should definitely enlist an independent appraiser, who can conduct a comprehensive inspection for around 250 to 300 euros and identify hidden defects.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: How reliable is checking the vehicle’s history?

Patrick Kordes: Thanks to platforms like Carfax.eu, it’s now possible to check the history of a vehicle across Europe. Such a check can reveal significant discrepancies such as mileage discrepancies or previous damages.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: What risks do you see in importing vintage cars from abroad?

Patrick Kordes: Particularly with vehicles from countries like the USA or South Africa, caution is advised. The quality of restorations is often poor, and without a personal pre-inspection, the risks can be significant.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: Finally, Mr. Kordes, what are the worst tricks you’ve encountered in classic car purchases?

Patrick Kordes: Unfortunately, there are cases where vehicles are offered with forged documents or manipulated history. Extreme caution is advised when importing from certain countries, and when in doubt, I advise against making a purchase.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: Thank you very much, Mr. Kordes, for these important insights.

Patrick Kordes: Thank you, Dr. Schulte. It was a pleasure to be here. I hope our discussion will help many make informed decisions.

Dr. Thomas Schulte: That was our interview with Patrick Kordes from OM Classics on the topic of buying classic cars and the legal aspects. Thank you for your attention, and until next time.

OM-Classics GbR
Im Eichengrund 5
49688 Lastrup
https://om-classics.de

Excursus:

As a buyer, thoroughly check the vehicle data and history as much as possible and do not rely solely on the seller’s information. In a so-called agency contract, the car dealer wants to „sell on behalf of the customer“ and thus avoid liability for defects. There are essentially car dealers who want to act trickily in this way. This is, of course, impermissible but not generally prohibited. For the dealers to be liable, they must fulfill further requirements according to the case law (abuse of legal form). In the case of a used car purchase, the dealer is generally liable for defects in the car for two years. He may limit liability to one year by a provision in the contract. In the case of a private purchase, the warranty can be excluded.

Contact:

Law firm Dr. Thomas Schulte
Malteserstraße 170
12277 Berlin

Phone: +49 30 221922020
Email: dr.schulte@dr-schulte.de

Since 1995, the law firm Dr. Schulte Rechtsanwälte has been successfully active in civil law with a focus on Internet, reputation, and competition law. It represents the interests of individual investors nationwide. Supplementary sender information with the law firm’s location can be found in the imprint on the website www.dr-schulte.de.