Questions and answers

Find out on what basis the person is selling the car and ask for documents that confirm it. It is safest when the contract is signed by the owner named in the documents. If that is not possible, do not rush, and consult a lawyer if in doubt.

It is a serious reason to stop the deal. The VIN must match in all documents and on the body markings. The cause of the discrepancy should be explained by the official authorities, not the seller, and it is best not to hand over money until it is resolved.

It is an important check, but not the only one. The service on the official website shows registration history, wanted status and restrictions, while pledges are checked in the Federal Notary Chamber register. Technical condition is assessed by a specialist during an inspection.

A car sales contract is concluded in simple written form. It states the parties, the car's details including the VIN, the document details and the price. Check every line before signing and keep your copy.

Not necessarily. Some parts are compatible with aftermarket equivalents, some can be found at salvage yards, and owner communities share options that have worked. The easiest way to search is by a part number checked against the VIN.

An original part is sold under the car manufacturer's brand; an aftermarket part is made by a third-party manufacturer. It may fit perfectly, but compatibility is checked by number, dimensions and specifications, not by appearance.

Ask whether they have worked on similar cars, how the mechanic sources parts and whether they fit parts supplied by the owner. Ask what warranty they give on the work. The answers matter more than a smart sign.

Ask for the list of work and parts in advance, for any changes to be agreed before they are made and for a work order. The document will be useful both for the warranty and for your own service records.

In Russia, yes. Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance has applied since 1 July 2003 under Federal Law No. 40-FZ. Check the terms of a specific policy with your insurer.

After the purchase, the new owner registers the car with the State Traffic Inspectorate. Check the official website in advance for the documents you will need, and do not put registration off. At the same time, arrange insurance and start your records.

Records of work, receipts and work orders help you remember what was done to the car and when, search for parts using numbers you have already found, and show the history to a buyer when you sell. Keep the papers in a folder and photos of them in a file.

The car's documents, all sets of keys, the signed sales contract and, if you kept them, the service records with part numbers. Keep your own copy of the contract.