Clic Auto operates as a platform connecting buyers with a network of automotive suppliers. Before placing an order, the first check concerns the exact legal status of the intermediary: an agent acting on behalf of the buyer, or a professional reseller invoicing in their own name. This distinction conditions the entire process, from the applicable warranty regime to recourse in case of disputes.
Legal status of the automotive agent and consequences on the contract
An automotive agent receives a search mandate signed by the buyer. This document must specify the entrusted mission, the fees charged, the identity of the final seller, and the payment circuit. If any of these details are missing, the mandate is incomplete, and the buyer exposes themselves to confusion regarding their contractual interlocutor in case of a problem.
The nuance is technical but has significant consequences. When the agent strictly acts as an intermediary, the warranty claim targets the seller indicated on the order form, not the agent themselves. Conversely, if the platform directly invoices the vehicle as a professional, the legal warranty of conformity is their responsibility.
We recommend systematically checking the order form before signing: the name of the final seller, the associated SIRET number, and the explicit mention of each party’s role. Exploring the Clic Auto website in detail allows you to identify the contractual pages and the general sales conditions that specify this status.
Legal warranty of conformity on a used vehicle via Clic Auto
The legal warranty of conformity covers any vehicle sold by a professional for two years from the date of delivery. For a used vehicle, the presumption of prior defects is limited to twelve months. After this period, it is up to the buyer to prove that the problem existed at the time of the vehicle’s handover.
This shift in the burden of proof after twelve months radically changes the game for a used purchase. A mechanical defect detected in the thirteenth month will require a contradictory expertise, which can be costly, to be covered.
Manufacturer’s warranty and commercial warranty
For a new or recent vehicle still covered by the manufacturer’s warranty, the official brand network remains the contact for repairs. The commercial warranty potentially offered by the agent is supplementary, not a replacement. Always check the start date of the manufacturer’s warranty: it runs from the first registration, not from the delivery to the final buyer.
A vehicle listed as “new 0 km” but already registered for several months will have a shortened manufacturer coverage accordingly. This point is rarely highlighted in advertisements.
Total cost of a car purchase via an agent: hidden costs
The catalog price displayed on a vehicle sales platform almost never reflects the final cost borne by the buyer. Several items are added:
- Agent’s fees: these can be flat-rate or proportional to the vehicle’s price. Their amount must be stated in the search mandate before any order.
- Transport costs: delivery from a supplier located at the other end of the country, or from a European country, incurs sometimes significant logistical costs.
- Registration and title fees: some platforms include them in the price, others do not. The regional tax varies according to the buyer’s place of residence.
- Possible compliance adjustments: for a vehicle imported from another member state, a visit to the mines (individual reception) may be necessary if the European conformity certificate is absent.
Adding these items before comparing with the price of a traditional dealer avoids unpleasant surprises. The displayed discount sometimes loses half its value once all fees are included.
Vehicle search and ad filters on the platform
The purchasing journey on an agent-type site relies on a catalog filterable by brand, model, engine type, mileage, and budget. The quality of the data displayed in the ads determines the reliability of the search. We observe that serious platforms consistently display the VIN number, available maintenance history, and the technical inspection report for used vehicles.
Checks before booking
A vehicle spotted online deserves a series of checks before any deposit payment:
- Request the certificate of administrative situation (no lien, no opposition) via the ANTS website.
- Compare the displayed mileage with the maintenance history and the last technical inspection.
- Require a dated photo of the odometer and the stamped maintenance booklet.
- Check that the price explicitly includes or excludes VAT, especially for vehicles imported under margin scheme.
A deposit paid without a signed order form offers no legal protection. The order form must mention the total price, delivery times, and cancellation conditions.
Specific points of vigilance for online purchases
Buying a vehicle without seeing it physically amplifies certain risks. The fourteen-day withdrawal right applies to distance sales concluded with a professional, but its practical exercise on a vehicle already registered in the buyer’s name becomes complex. Return costs are generally borne by the consumer, and for a vehicle, they are not negligible.
Viewing the vehicle on screen does not replace an inspection. If the platform does not offer a trial period or a visit to a partner deposit, negotiate an extended withdrawal clause or plan a trip before final delivery.
The payment circuit also deserves special attention. A transfer to a professional account identified in the name of the agent company is the norm. Any payment requested to a personal account or via an untraceable transfer service is a warning sign not to be ignored.
