Frequently asked questions
And our answers to the most important questions about selling your car.
Sales process
You start online with just a few details. After that, specialists inspect your vehicle, we jointly determine the best selling price, and we take care of the listing, inquiries, test drives, negotiations, and the entire process right through to payment.
That depends on the starting price. With a market-based price, the sale usually takes place within around 75 days. If you want to sell faster, you can choose a more active pricing strategy that generates more inquiries.
High starting price: maximizes target price, but takes longer.
Mid starting price: best balance of time and proceeds.
Fast sale: lower starting price, more inquiries, faster close.
We’ll recommend the right strategy for you.
After successful handover, you’ll receive your money directly from us – safe and reliable.
No. If your car is with Autobuster, we handle the test drives completely. This is more convenient, increases the closing rate, and often even the price. Alternatively, we can accompany you to appointments.
Only if you want to. Normally, we handle all communication. Direct contact would only happen during a test drive if you choose to be there.
At our partner locations or at TCS sites in German-speaking Switzerland. On site, we perform a quick intake check (about 15 minutes) and jointly decide on the best sales approach. We take care of the rest.
We’ll contact you about a possible price adjustment. If the sale still doesn’t go through, the sales order simply expires at no cost to you. Only additional services you specifically requested will be charged.
Car, both keys, vehicle registration, service book; if available, the additional set of wheels/tires. This lets us fully inspect your car and value it accurately.
An independent specialist (e.g., TCS) checks roadworthiness and records any defects. On site, we jointly decide what should be repaired for the sale. If the defects are too significant, you can withdraw at no cost.
Costs
Usually a 5% service fee of the sale price—charged only if the sale is successful. If desired, we offer value-adding extras (e.g., MFK preparation, warranty) that typically pay off through a higher price or a better chance of selling.
No—except if you explicitly order additional services in advance. For a withdrawal before the contract expires, a flat fee of CHF 500 applies.
Added Value & Comparison
Because it simply couldn’t be easier: you have no hassle, no annoying phone calls, and you usually get more than with a garage trade-in. We handle the entire process—free of charge until the sale is successful.
Because Autobuster waives its own margin and transparently brokers your vehicle—professionally prepared, marketed, and managed. The full market price stays with you rather than with middlemen.
Eurotax/auto-i provide statistical dealer values. Autobuster shows you the real market value for a private sale—based on actual listings, demand trends, and real achieved prices—and turns that into a successful sale for you.
We draw on the expertise of independent specialists while also bringing extensive experience in direct customer interaction, and we work with selected partners in the sales process. This ensures that the best expertise is applied at every step of the process.
On AutoScout24, the valuation is manual and sales usually go to dealers. Autobuster, on the other hand, waives any margin and brokers directly at market price. At the same time, we use AutoScout as an additional sales channel—a strong platform that perfectly complements our process.
Because we combine digital data with personal experience. Thanks to numerous customer interactions and inquiries, we know the market in detail, can realistically assess prices, and sell your car securely—simple and transparent.
Technology & Vehicle
Our valuation uses a proprietary algorithm with market data from the past 12 months plus our expertise. That already delivers a very accurate online price estimate in over 95% of cases. Before the sale, an additional independent inspection is carried out.
The forecast is usually very accurate. Uncertainties can occur with very new models, large supply, or rapid market shifts (e.g., in parts of the EV segment). If needed, we’ll discuss adjustments with you directly.
Model year, make/model, mileage, equipment, and condition. Positive factors: complete service history, accident-free status, and sought-after extras. Supply, demand, and market trends also matter.
A well-maintained condition, recent service or MFK boosts price and demand. Damage/defects reduce value or deter buyers. We know what really matters and build trust through transparent presentation—which has a positive effect.
As long as it’s roadworthy, the sale is possible. We document any defects and jointly decide whether a price reduction makes more sense than a repair. Often, that’s the more efficient solution.
We assess these individually—the key is legality and roadworthiness. Properly documented, such extras can positively influence the price or demand.
We only sell roadworthy cars. Every vehicle is inspected, defects are documented with photos, and everything is communicated transparently. The better the condition, the faster and more successful the sale.
Everything from a single source: service/repairs, detailing/cleaning, bodywork/paint, and glass repairs or replacement. We’ll arrange it for you—only when it makes sense and by prior agreement.
That rarely happens and isn’t a problem. We’ll carefully inspect your car and discuss what truly makes sense for the sale—without unnecessary repairs.
Only vehicle data—no personal data. The lookup returns no customer data, and we’re not allowed to link anything to the registered keeper.