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Updated April 2026

Check a Car from AutoScout24 Before Buying

To check a car from AutoScout24, request the 17-character VIN from the seller and enter it at Carlytics (carlytics.eu). The full report (EUR 8.90) cross-references the VIN against 900+ databases across 47+ countries, uncovering mileage fraud, hidden accidents, theft records, and spec mismatches before you travel to see the car.

Found a car on AutoScout24? Enter the VIN to check it:

How to find the VIN in an AutoScout24 listing

Unlike some platforms, AutoScout24 does not always display the VIN publicly. Here is how to get it:

  1. Check the listing details. Some dealer listings include the VIN in the “Vehicle Data” or “Technical Details” section. Scroll down past the photos and description.
  2. Message the seller. Use AutoScout24's built-in messaging to request the full 17-character VIN. A sample message: “I am interested in this vehicle. Could you please share the full VIN so I can run a history check before travelling to view it?”
  3. Check the registration documents. If you visit the car in person, the VIN is printed on the registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I in Germany, Carte Grise in France, Libretto in Italy).
  4. Look at the car itself. The VIN is stamped on a metal plate visible through the windscreen on the driver's side, and on a sticker inside the driver's door frame.

What should you verify before travelling to see the car?

What are the cross-border buying tips for AutoScout24?

AutoScout24 operates across 18 European countries, making cross-border purchases common. Each country has different rules, risks, and documentation requirements.

Germany (de.autoscout24.com)

The largest AutoScout24 market. Dealers must offer a minimum 1-year warranty on used cars. Ask to see the last HU/TUV inspection report. Private sales are “as-is” unless fraud is involved. Cars need valid HU to be driven on German roads.

Italy (autoscout24.it)

Italian cars can have high mileage that is rolled back before export. Check the “Revisione” (MOT equivalent) history. Be aware that Italian registration documents (Libretto) use a different format than German ones. Import tax may apply depending on your country.

Netherlands (autoscout24.nl)

Dutch cars benefit from rigorous APK inspections. The RDW (Netherlands Vehicle Authority) maintains detailed records. Carlytics integrates RDW data directly, giving you Dutch inspection and registration history for any VIN previously registered in the Netherlands.

Belgium, France, Austria, Spain

Each country has its own inspection regime and registration process. Pay attention to language on the documents. For any cross-border purchase, ensure you understand the re-registration process and costs in your home country before buying.

What red flags should you watch for on AutoScout24?

Buying from AutoScout24 FAQ

Common questions about checking and buying cars from AutoScout24

Where do I find the VIN on an AutoScout24 listing?
AutoScout24 does not display the VIN directly in most listings. You need to contact the seller through the platform's messaging system and request the full 17-character VIN. Dealer listings sometimes include it in the vehicle details section. If a private seller refuses to provide the VIN, that is a red flag. Never travel to view a car without first verifying the VIN.
Is AutoScout24 safe for cross-border car purchases?
AutoScout24 is a legitimate marketplace operating across 18 European countries. However, cross-border transactions carry inherent risks including language barriers, different consumer protection laws, and difficulty returning for warranty claims. Always run a VIN check (EUR 8.90 at Carlytics) before travelling, inspect the car in person or hire a local inspector, and never send money before seeing the vehicle.
What is the most common scam on AutoScout24?
Odometer rollback is the most common fraud. Cars are often exported from one country to another specifically to reset the mileage history. A car registered in Italy with 200,000 km might appear on AutoScout24 in Germany with 120,000 km. Carlytics cross-references mileage from 47+ countries, including 52 million Czech inspections and 830 million UK MOT records, to detect these discrepancies.
Should I buy a car from a dealer or private seller on AutoScout24?
Both have trade-offs. Dealers offer legal warranty in the EU (minimum 1 year for used cars) but prices are higher. Private sellers offer lower prices but sell 'as-is' in most countries. Regardless of the seller type, always run a VIN check. The vehicle history does not change based on who is selling it. A dealer selling a car with rolled-back mileage is just as problematic as a private seller doing the same.
Can I check a car on AutoScout24 from a different country than where it is listed?
Yes. Carlytics checks work regardless of where the car is currently listed or where you are located. Enter the VIN and the report pulls data from 47+ countries. This is especially valuable for cross-border purchases on AutoScout24, where a car listed in one country may have been previously registered in several others. The report reveals the full cross-border history.

Found a car on AutoScout24? Check it before you buy.

Check a Car from AutoScout24 Before Buying | Carlytics