Buying a car is a major investment, whether through a private seller or a dealership. Unfortunately, disputes sometimes arise after the purchase. Here are 100 common questions and answers about your legal rights when buying a car in Sweden.
1. What is a car purchase dispute?
A legal conflict between the buyer and seller of a car.
2. When does a car purchase dispute arise?
When the parties disagree about the car’s condition, payment, delivery, or other terms.
3. What law applies when buying a car from a private seller?
The Swedish Sale of Goods Act (Köplagen).
4. What law applies when buying a car from a dealer as a private person?
The Swedish Consumer Sales Act (Konsumentköplagen).
5. What is the difference between the Sale of Goods Act and the Consumer Sales Act?
The Consumer Sales Act protects consumers and cannot be waived, while the Sale of Goods Act can be negotiated away.
6. What is the buyer’s duty to inspect the car?
The buyer must check the car’s condition before purchase.
7. What is the seller’s duty to inform?
The seller must disclose any known faults that could affect the buyer’s decision.
8. What is a hidden defect when buying a car?
A defect that existed at the time of purchase but could not reasonably have been discovered by the buyer.
9. Can a hidden defect entitle the buyer to compensation?
Yes, such as a price reduction or cancellation of the purchase.
10. What is cancellation of a car purchase?
Reversing the purchase, with both parties returning what they provided.
11. What is a price reduction?
Financial compensation for keeping the car despite the defect.
12. What is replacement?
The seller provides another car of the same type and quality.
13. Is replacement always an option?
No, it requires that the seller can supply an equivalent car.
14. What is repair?
The seller fixes the defect at no cost to the buyer.
15. Must the buyer allow the seller to repair the defect?
Yes, the law requires giving the seller the opportunity to fix the problem.
16. How long does the buyer have to complain about a defect?
Within a reasonable time after discovering the defect.
17. What is a reasonable time to complain?
Usually within two months of discovering the defect.
18. What is the complaint period under the Consumer Sales Act?
Three years from the date of purchase.
19. Can the complaint period be waived?
No, not when a consumer buys from a dealer.
20. What applies when buying a car privately?
The buyer carries more responsibility and has less legal protection.
21. What is a car purchase agreement?
A written confirmation of the terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller.
22. Must the agreement be in writing?
No, but it is highly recommended.
23. What should a car purchase agreement include?
Details about the car, price, delivery, and any warranties.
24. What should be checked before buying?
The car’s condition, mileage, service history, and outstanding loans.
25. What is mileage fraud?
When the odometer has been tampered with.
26. Is mileage fraud a hidden defect?
Yes, if the seller failed to disclose it.
27. What is an outstanding car loan?
When the car has not been fully paid off and is still used as loan security.
28. Who is responsible for the loan if the car is sold with debt?
The buyer risks losing the car if the seller does not settle the loan.
29. How do you check if a car has debts?
Through the Swedish Transport Agency or financial institutions.
30. What is a condition report (varudeklaration)?
A dealer’s written description of the car’s condition.
31. Is the dealer responsible for the car’s condition?
Yes, under the Consumer Sales Act.
32. What is a warranty?
A voluntary promise by the seller to fix certain issues.
33. Is warranty the same as the right to complain?
No, the complaint right is legal, while a warranty is an additional protection.
34. What is warranty on a used car?
It varies but is sometimes offered by dealers.
35. Can a private seller exclude liability?
Yes, with clauses like “sold as is”.
36. Is exclusion of liability valid against hidden defects?
No, not if the seller provided misleading information.
37. What is a breach of contract?
When a party fails to fulfill their contractual obligations.
38. Can the buyer withhold payment?
Yes, in case of serious breach by the seller.
39. What is a down payment?
An initial payment made when the deal is signed.
40. Is the down payment refundable?
It depends on the agreement and the reason for canceling.
41. What if the car is not delivered?
The buyer can demand delivery, damages, or cancel the purchase.
42. What if the buyer does not pay?
The seller can demand payment or cancel the purchase.
43. What is compensation for delay?
Reimbursement for losses caused by delayed delivery.
44. What is transport damage?
Damage that occurs while transporting the car to the buyer.
45. Who is responsible for transport damage?
The party responsible for transportation unless otherwise agreed.
46. Can a car purchase be canceled?
Yes, if bought remotely or outside the seller’s premises.
47. How long is the cooling-off period for distance sales?
14 days under the Distance Contracts Act.
48. Does the cooling-off period apply to dealership purchases?
No, only for distance or off-premises sales.
49. What is an open purchase?
A seller’s voluntary offer to accept returns within a specified period.
50. Must an open purchase agreement be in writing?
Yes, for it to be valid.
51. What is installment purchase?
Buying a car by paying in installments.
52. What is a repossession clause?
The seller’s right to reclaim the car if the buyer fails to pay.
53. What is leasing?
Renting the car for a longer period instead of buying.
54. Who is responsible for service during leasing?
It depends on the leasing contract.
55. Can leasing lead to disputes?
Yes, especially about the car’s condition at the end of the lease.
56. What is a car inspection?
A check of the car’s roadworthiness and environmental compliance.
57. Who is responsible for the inspection before purchase?
Usually the buyer, unless otherwise agreed.
58. Can an uninspected car be sold?
Yes, but the buyer must be aware of the condition.
59. What is a warranty inspection?
An additional check that may be included in a warranty agreement.
60. What are engine or gearbox defects?
Expensive faults that may entitle the buyer to remedy or compensation.
61. Is rust a hidden defect?
Only if it is hidden and significant.
62. Can paint damage entitle the buyer to a price reduction?
Yes, if it differs from what was agreed.
63. What are electrical faults in a car?
Issues with lights, sensors, or onboard systems.
64. What is a timing belt replacement?
A maintenance task that buyers should check has been done.
65. What are winter tires?
Tires required by law in Sweden during winter road conditions.
66. Are tires included when buying a car?
Only if stated in the agreement or normally expected.
67. What is lease-to-own?
Buying a leased car at the end of the lease period.
68. What is private leasing?
Leasing a car for personal use without buying it.
69. What is business leasing?
Leasing a car for company use.
70. What is a resale value estimate?
An assessment of the car’s value after a period of use.
71. What is a car valuation?
An assessment of the car’s market value.
72. What is mileage?
The number of kilometers driven.
73. Can incorrect mileage justify cancellation?
Yes, if the difference is significant.
74. What is a vehicle identification number (VIN)?
The car’s unique serial number.
75. How do you check if a car is stolen?
Through the police or the Swedish Transport Agency.
76. What is an export car?
A car intended for sale outside Sweden.
77. Do Swedish consumer rules apply to export sales?
No, it depends on the buyer’s country and the agreement.
78. What is an imported car?
A car brought into Sweden from another country.
79. Do Swedish laws apply to imported cars?
Yes, if the buyer is a consumer buying in Sweden.
80. What is VAT on car purchases?
Value-added tax included in the price if the seller is VAT registered.
81. Does the right to complain apply to VAT-free purchases?
Yes, regardless of VAT.
82. What is installment payment?
Paying for the car in several installments.
83. What happens if the buyer misses a payment?
The seller can demand full payment or repossess the car.
84. What is a credit check?
An assessment of the buyer’s ability to pay.
85. Is a credit check mandatory?
Yes, for installment sales.
86. What is the buyer’s liability for damages?
The buyer is responsible for any damage caused before full payment.
87. What is the seller’s liability for damages?
The seller is liable for providing false information or breaching the contract.
88. Can car disputes be resolved in district court?
Yes, especially for larger claims.
89. Can consumers file a complaint with the National Board for Consumer Disputes (ARN)?
Yes, if the dispute is with a business.
90. What is ARN?
A Swedish government agency that resolves consumer disputes.
91. Are ARN’s decisions binding?
No, but reputable companies usually follow them.
92. What is mediation in a dispute?
A voluntary settlement process with a neutral third party.
93. Can you hire a lawyer in a car purchase dispute?
Yes, especially for court proceedings.
94. Does insurance cover legal costs?
Yes, legal expenses insurance is often included in home or car insurance.
95. Who pays legal costs if the case is lost?
Usually the losing party.
96. What is a default judgment?
A court decision made when one party fails to respond.
97. What is the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden)?
A government agency that helps enforce claims and collect debts.
98. What is enforcement of a judgment?
Using the Enforcement Authority to carry out a court ruling.
99. What is a written settlement agreement?
A documented agreement resolving the dispute without going to court.
100. Why should you seek legal advice in car purchase disputes?
To protect your rights and avoid unnecessary costs.
