provkörningsgaranti

Provkörningsgaranti is a term used in the Swedish car trade to describe a voluntary guarantee offered by some dealers that a prospective buyer can test-drive a vehicle under certain defined conditions. It is not a statutory right, but a dealer-specific arrangement intended to reduce purchase risk and help the buyer evaluate the car before making a commitment.

Typical terms of a provkörningsgaranti vary by dealer. Common elements include a limited trial period, for example 24 to 72 hours, or a maximum number of test kilometers. The buyer may be required to meet conditions such as presenting valid driving documents, obtaining temporary insurance, and returning the car with the same fuel level and cleanliness. Some offers allow cancellation of the purchase without penalty if the buyer is not satisfied, while others provide the possibility to exchange the vehicle for another model within the same program. The guarantee may also cover minor pre-arranged services or inspections during the trial, but terms are highly variable and often exclude high-mileage or vehicles with certain defects.

Legal status and limitations: a provkörningsgaranti is voluntary and supplements, but does not replace, consumer rights under Swedish law. The terms should be documented in writing, including start and end times, mileage limits, obligations on both parties, and what happens if the buyer keeps the car after the trial. It does not authorize continuing use beyond agreed limits or absolve the seller of responsibility for latent defects beyond what is covered by normal warranties.

Practical tips: read the written terms carefully, confirm the exact duration and mileage, note the car’s condition before and after the test, and clarify who bears costs if problems arise or the vehicle is returned.

See also: test drive, automobile warranty, consumer rights in Sweden.