Buying a used car in Riga

Buying a used car in Riga, Latvia is a very difficult process. There are no consumer protection laws in Latvia when it comes to used cars so you are completely on your own and at the mercy of dealers and private sellers. My experience of buying a used car seems to be typical according to all those I have discussed this with here.

First thing to know is that most used cars sold have their odometers turned back. While in most countries this is illegal, in Latvia it is standard practice. So if a used car shows 180,000 km it is probably 300,000 km.

Here is the process: Many of the used cars come from Western Europe. Especially Germany. When a car is no longer good enough for Germans they end up in a wholesale car auction. Dealers from Latvia go to Germany and purchase these lemons by the score. They have them shipped by truck to Latvia. Then they turn back the mileage to what they think they can get away with. Then they ‘fix’ the car so it seems to run perfectly for a while. In my case the dealer filled the transmission with a very thick oil so that the transmission would run for 3000 km perfectly before giving out. Then, in many cases, they fake the technical inspection or pay off the technical inspectors. They also have official seals made that they then stamp on papers to make it look as though everything was done properly and legally. In some cases they change the VIN on the cars to cover a shady past like auto theft or total destruction of the car in a flood or other disaster.

Once the car is ready for sale they put it on a car lot like those on Maskavas iela in Riga. There are hundreds of these cars on lots there just waiting for unsuspecting consumers. They also list these cars on ss.lv, a website for buying and selling anything. The dealers will say with pride that this car came from Germany and that it was only driven in Germany. (A benefit since the roads in Latvia are so bad).

What to do.

My first suggestion is that if you are going to buy a used car, fly to Germany and buy it. Look on various German auto sale websites and find a few in one city that you like. Then fly there, look them over and then buy one. Drive it back. You will know what you are getting for the most part and there are very strict laws in Germany regarding the selling of used cars. Be sure to purchase from a reputable German dealer or private individual. There are now, unfortunately, many horror stories of these same illegal practices being done in Germany by eastern European and Turkish immigrants.

Another option is to bring a trusted mechanic with you. He can bring his analysis equipment with him and you can check the car out with him. If you cannot take the mechanic with you then pay a deposit and take the car to a mechanic you trust before buying it. Be sure you get the deposit paid in writing on an official form so that the dealer cannot disavow the receipt of the money.

Do not buy a car on Maskavas iela! The chances of getting ripped off are very high and there are other options. Used car dealers have a very bad reputation in Latvia for good reasons. My suggestion is to always assume the worst and you will not be disappointed.

Buyer beware is the reminder I leave you with.