CAR BUYING CHECKLIST (Swiss 2026 Edition)

SECTION 1: THE BUYER’S INSPECTION (THE SURVIVAL KIT)

☐ The MFK Pulse Check: Is the Motorfahrzeugkontrolle less than 12 months old? In 2026, many Swiss buyers refuse anything older than 6 months to avoid the “maintenance cliff.” ☐ The 13.20A Scan: Verify the Fahrzeugausweis. Does it have the Type Approval (Field 24)? In 2026, cars with a valid eCoC (electronic Certificate of Conformity) are exempt from certain Swiss type approvals—ensure this data is already in the IVZ system. ☐ Service History Audit: Is the Serviceheft complete? Look for the stamps of authorized Swiss technicians. If it’s a 2024+ model, ensure the Digital Service Log is accessible via the infotainment. ☐ Tire Intelligence: Check the DOT code. Are the sets younger than 5 years? In Switzerland, rubber hardening is considered a safety fail before the tread even wears out. ☐ The Test Drive: Listen for the roar. Test the Level 2+ Automated Driving Systems (Highway Pilot) on the A1/A2. Verify that the “Takeover Request” alerts are functioning according to 2026 Swiss safety standards.

SECTION 2: THE SELLER’S EXIT STRATEGY

☐ The Detailing Protocol: Professional interior deep-clean and engine bay steam-clean. Note: A clean engine bay in 2026 must also show no signs of marten (Marder) damage to the high-voltage orange cables. ☐ The Paperwork Fortress: Kaufvertrag drafted. NEW 2026 LAW: Note that while you can exclude a warranty (Garantie wegbedungen), you cannot legally exclude liability for defects hidden with “intent” (Arglist). ☐ Digital Deregulation: Use the 2026 Digital Self-Registration portal to deregister. No more waiting at the Strassenverkehrsamt. ☐ The 2026 Reset: Ensure all digital profiles (Tesla, MyBMW, MercedesMe) are wiped. The buyer shouldn’t have access to your home address or garage door codes.

SECTION 3: FINANCIAL & LEGAL SHIELD

☐ The CO2 Ledger: CRITICAL 2026 RULE. Verify that the CO2 sanction (if a private import) is paid in full. As of Jan 1, 2026, plates will not be issued if there is a pending CO2 balance at the SFOE. ☐ Credit Scan: Obtain a fresh Betreibungsauszug (Debt Registry Extract). In 2026, this is the “Passport of Trust” in Swiss private sales. ☐ Interest Rate Cap: Verify the APR. As of Jan 2026, the legal limit for cash loans has been adjusted downward to 10%. Do not sign anything higher. ☐ Vollkasko Deployment: Ensure Full Casco is active. In 2026, insurers transmit the certificate electronically to the IVZ instantly—verify the “Confirmation of Insurance” is in the system before you click “Register.”

SECTION 4: THE 2026 ESSENTIALS (SWISS SPEC)

☐ The E-Vignette: Ensure the 2026 Digital Vignette is linked to the license plate (valid until Jan 31, 2027). ☐ The CH Sticker: Mandatory if you plan to cross into France, Italy, or Germany. ☐ Safety Kit: Swiss-compliant warning triangle is mandatory. While high-vis vests aren’t strictly required by Swiss law yet, they are mandatory for passengers in all neighboring countries—keep one for every seat. ☐ The 60-Day Window: Remember the 2026 Code of Obligations update: You now have 60 days to report a defect once discovered. Do not let a seller rush you into a “7-day” agreement.

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The Takeaway: “In the Swiss market, detail is the difference between a driver and a commander. Don’t just own the car. Rule the process.”