Test Drives and Haggling: Buying a Used Car in France
Phrases to answer a used-car ad, inspect and test-drive the car, haggle and do the paperwork with a private seller.
Most second-hand cars in France are sold privately on Leboncoin or La Centrale. For a car over four years old the seller must provide a contrôle technique less than six months old, plus a certificat de situation administrative (proving it isn't pledged or stolen); you both sign a certificat de cession, the seller hands over the crossed-out carte grise, and you register the car in your name on the ANTS website within a month. You also need insurance before you drive away, and the car's Crit'Air sticker decides which low-emission city zones it can enter.
- 1
J'appelle pour la voiture sur Leboncoin.
I'm calling about the car on Leboncoin.
- 2
Elle est toujours disponible ?
Is it still available?
- 3
Elle a combien de kilomètres ?
How many kilometres has it done?
- 4
Elle a déjà eu un accident ?
Has it ever been in an accident?
- 5
Je peux faire un essai ?
Can I take it for a test drive?
- 6
Le contrôle technique est à jour ?
Is the roadworthiness test up to date?
- 7
Il doit dater de moins de six mois.
It has to be less than six months old.
- 8
Vous avez le carnet d'entretien ?
Do you have the service record?
- 9
Essence ou diesel ?
Petrol or diesel?
- 10
Elle a quelle vignette Crit'Air ?
Which Crit'Air sticker does it have?
- 11
Les pneus sont usés.
The tyres are worn.
- 12
Il y a un bruit bizarre quand je freine.
There's a weird noise when I brake.
- 13
Le prix est négociable ?
Is the price negotiable?
- 14
Vous pouvez faire un petit geste ?
Could you knock a bit off the price?
- 15
Ma dernière offre, c'est 6 500 euros.
My final offer is 6,500 euros.
- 16
Je vais payer par virement.
I'll pay by bank transfer.
- 17
Il faut remplir le certificat de cession.
We have to fill in the transfer of ownership form.
- 18
Vous pouvez me donner la carte grise ?
Can you give me the registration document?
- 19
Je dois l'assurer avant de la conduire.
I have to insure it before I drive it.
- 20
Marché conclu !
It's a deal!