How To Identify If A Used Car Meets COC Specifications 

Many people opt to buy used cars because of how cost-friendly and economical they can be. When buying a used car, there are many things you should be on the lookout for. These include the suitability of the vehicle for use, its mileage, and how long it will be possible for you to use it comfortably without worrying about repairs and breakdowns.  

Getting a COC from such vendors is always a straightforward process. The only issue is that not all vehicles are eligible for certification. Learning to identify if a used car meets the COC specifications can save you a great deal of worry in the future. That is what we are here to help you with.  

But first, let’s learn what Certificates of Conformity are and why you should bother with them. 

 

Understanding COCs 

Law enforcement authorities and the European Union strictly regulate ownership of vehicles in Europe. While this may initially be a burden for you, all these consumer-oriented regulations are for your own good.  

The EU officials use the Certificate of Conformity or the COC to confirm that your car complies with all the set standards of vehicles operating in the region. That means that all manufacturers are supposed to provide a valid COC to their dealers and customers for all new cars.  

But what happens if your vehicle was sold to you as a second-hand purchase from a used car dealer? Likely, the original vendor did not preserve the original COC. In such situations, you must buy a COC from an authorized provider. 

For example, If you are looking to buy a used Volkswagen in any country within the EU zone, you should get a Certificate of Conformity from a reputable COC VW vendor like COC Online. That can help you be sure that you can use the car without attracting trouble from the sharp-eyed authorities.  

Terms Of Determining Eligibility For COC Certification 

For your vehicle to be issued with a COC, the provider must ensure it meets the standards the law provides for car owners. The following are the most important specifications you should confirm from your used car to be eligible for a COC. 

1. Year Of Manufacture 

What year was your car manufactured?  

That year of manufacture can determine whether your car can receive a COC. Generally, all cars made after 1995 are eligible for COCs.  

While vehicles made between 1995 and 2000 can get COCs, the COC lacks the watermark security features introduced later on.  

2. Country Of Origin 

COCs are generally issued to vehicles that were manufactured for the European market or were made in a European country.  

That means that the country of origin can affect whether the car meets the COC specifications within the region. Cars that were manufactured outside Europe might not meet this criteria since they are not fit for use within the EU.  

3. Environmental Considerations 

Environmental considerations come into play when looking for a COC among many countries within the EU. That is because the EU monitors the vehicles within the market and whether they have the right configurations for the emission of hazardous chemicals.  

The regulations within the region cover a Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) either when the car is running or during its disposal. Thus, for your car to get a COC for use within the EU, it has to be compliant with these standards. 

You can confirm the specifications of your car from your manufacturer just to be sure. 

4. Safety Standards Within The Car 

COC expectations for safety also play a critical role in determining whether the car meets COC specifications. Ideally, cars must have the most basic standards of safety expected under the law, including elements like seatbelts, lighting, crash safety, braking systems, airbags, and more.  

Most cars manufactured after 1995 meet these standards. You can ask for a physical examination of the used car just to be confident that the car meets these standards. 

5. The Vehicle’s History 

Vehicles that have been through accidents and other physical damage issues might not be compliant with COC specifications.  

That is why confirming the history of a vehicle is always a good idea. The vehicle’s history can tell you what the vehicle has been through over the years and whether it will be safe for your use afterward. 

6. Warranty 

The final aspect of consideration many COC suppliers check before verifying that the vehicle meets COC specifications is whether the manufacturer provides a warranty for the vehicle. Warranties always serve as a guarantee that the manufacturer affirms the quality and suitability of the car for its users. 

The manufacturer should also provide a mechanism for recalling the mass-produced units in case subsequent safety issues are noted after the vehicle enters the market. 

Bottom Line 

COC specifications are crucial in determining issues for people buying used cars. These specifications decide whether you can use the used car in the EU or will it be just a waste of money.  

The standards we have shared above are beneficial for anyone looking for a used car to buy within the EU. So you should always check them when buying a car just to be safe.  

Once you are sure, you can send your vehicle VIN number to the COC provider and get a valid certificate.