CAR SELLING CHECKLIST (Swiss 2026 Edition)

Phase 1: Preparation & Market Dominance

• ☐ The “Swiss Standard” Detail: Interior deep-cleaned, leather conditioned, and engine bay degreased. Note: In 2026, ensure the underbody is steam-cleaned to prove no “salt-rot” from Alpine winters.
• ☐ Wheel & Tire Audit: Curb rash repaired. Verify DOT codes (manufacture date). Swiss buyers in 2026 reject rubber older than 5 years regardless of tread. Aim for 4mm (Summer) / 5mm (Winter) for premium pricing.
• ☐ The MFK Certification (Ab MFK): If your last inspection was >12 months ago, book a fresh one. In 2026, “Freshly Inspected” is the single biggest price anchor in the private market.
• ☐ The Documentation Vault: Gather the Fahrzeugausweis (Grey Card), physical/digital service records, and Field 24 (Type Approval) data. If it’s a 2024+ model, ensure you have the eCoC (electronic Certificate of Conformity) ready for digital verification.

Phase 2: Digital Merchandising & Asset Exposure

• ☐ High-Velocity Media: Minimum of 20 4K photos. Include the dashboard (running, zero warning lights), the VIN plate, and a shot of the Digital Service Log screen.
• ☐ SOH Verification (EVs/Hybrids): For electrified vehicles, a screenshot of the State of Health (SOH) battery report is mandatory for 2026 buyers to justify your asking price.
• ☐ The Specification Narrative: Explicitly list Swiss-specific high-value options: Matrix LEDs, 4WD (4×4), Heat Pump (for EVs), and the 2026 E-Vignette status.
• ☐ Market Pulse-Check: Use 2026 data from AutoScout24 or Comparis to set an “Anchor Price” that allows for a 5% “Tactical Negotiation” buffer.

Phase 3: The Legal Shield (The Execution)

• ☐ 2026-Compliant Kaufvertrag: Download a template updated for the January 1, 2026, Code of Obligations revision.
• ☐ The Warranty Disclaimer: While “Ab Platz und ohne Garantie” is standard, be aware that as of 2026, you cannot legally exclude liability for hidden defects known to you. Transparency is now your best legal defense.
• ☐ CO2 Clearance: Verify that no outstanding CO2 sanctions are linked to the VIN (relevant for private imports). In 2026, the buyer cannot register the car if these are unpaid.
• ☐ Secure Payment Protocol: Verify the transfer via a Swiss bank (Instant QR-Bill) before releasing the asset. Cash is increasingly scrutinized; digital is the 2026 standard for high-value exits.

Phase 4: The Handover & Digital Exit

• ☐ Plate Removal (MANDATORY): Remove your plates. In Switzerland, the insurance and liability stay with the plates, not the car.
• ☐ Digital Self-Deregistration: Use the 2026 Digital Portal of your cantonal Strassenverkehrsamt to cancel the Fahrzeugausweis instantly. This stops your insurance and road tax billing in real-time.
• ☐ Data Sanitization: Perform a “Deep Factory Reset.” Unpair your SwissID, delete saved home addresses in the GPS, and wipe your phone’s Bluetooth profile.
• ☐ The Key Exchange: Hand over all fobs (minimum two) and the physical owner’s manual.

Pro-tip for the swiss market:

“In 2026, the Swiss buyer doesn’t just buy a car; they buy a history. If a service is due in 1,500km or a sensor is moody, disclose it in the contract. By owning the flaws, you eliminate the buyer’s leverage to low-ball you on the price.”