Buying a car in Germany - new or used

So, I think we're in the market for a car. Getting back and forth to the big grocery store or the gym is getting to be a hassle.

Are there any unusual aspects to car buying in Germany? I'm looking for a used car that I can pay cash for and not have to worry about financing. I've bought a number of cars back home and it's always been pretty straightforward: call the owner, test drive, get it checked out by a mechanic, buy it if everything checks out and I like it.

Can I expect the same here?

Does a current TUV guarantee anything?

Anyhoo, thanks for any comments, help, suggestions.

kit

TÜV states that the car is safe, or at least it was when it was examined there. Doesn't of course protect you from having a blown engine a week later…
While in the US the mileage is stated in the Title, it isn't in the German equivalent (Fahrzeugbrief)… you'll have to rely on the odometer and make double sure it hasn't been forged.
Mind that running costs vary strongly depending on the type of car: tax goes by engine size and is considerably higher for a diesel than for a gasoline car, and w/ a gasoline it also depends on the type of catalyst converter the car is equipped with.

This article may be interesting for you. Additionally, if you look hard enough, some good deals can be found in Italy; where some dealers purchase company fleet cars from Germany VAT free, and sell them back at significant savings to the consumer.

Buying a car in Germany...

Whats the best way to do it ?
Lease or purchase?
New or 2 year old?
Want the best deal but don’t wan to pay for loads of repairs
Want it to be reliable

Topics merged by admin

For Munich residents, some of this was discussed: buying used a car in Munich - some tips

And here

A mate of mine recently acquired a one year old BMW X5 on a part lease deal. He claims that it saved him a lot on the list price as he is able to offset some of the lease cost against tax.

I'm currently looking for a two to three year old vehicle myself and am primarily using mobile.de and autoscout24.de to source one. Could be either through a dealer or private, I'm not really bothered.

As to what you do and where you look really depends a lot on what you want from a car. Do you have a specific make & model in mind? For example, BMW offer some great lease deals which might not be available here for the likes of Mitsubishi.

A good approach would be to give a better idea of what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. Ok, you've said you want something no older than two years, fine, but what else? You will find plenty of advice using the search link above and I'm sure others will add more info here, but to get the best return out of your request you should put as much extra info in as possible.

Does anyone know the procedure for transferring a U.S. military, privately owned, vehicle into a German registered auto?

Can anyone give me some advice on buying a car in Germany, do I need to be working for a number of months before I can get a loan or finance? Are there any regulations?? What about insurance what is the normal cost -say for a 1.8 petrol??
Any tips at all would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks a mil
SL

Topics merged by admin

Obviously a bit like asking 'how long is a piece of string'. I've got an Audi 80 estate, 1.6 (yes, it's fucking slow) and the insurance costs about 700 euro for basic cover, not comprehensive, because I was dumb enough to crash my previous car and lose my discount. Finance I don't know about, there's no law AFAIK, just if you can find anyone brave enough to give you the money. Be aware that if you have finance on the car you must pay for the comprehensive insurance which can be expensive.

Thanks HellsAngel-
As I will be moving to Germany, and have never had insurance there, I will probably go for fully comp- believe you me it has to be cheaper than Ireland! Everything is! I will still be getting paid in Ireland so I dont know if I will be able to get a German loan...also loans seem cheaper in Germany...
So much to do and so little time..so be prepared for lots of questions...and your "how long is a piece of string" will deffo be very apt!
SL

if you have no proof of income in Germany it will be very difficult to get a loan from a German bank.

I was thinking that would be a problem but maybe my company can help with that...I suppose I just have to see what other people have done in the same situation- it seems silly to bring a car over as they are so much cheaper in Germany- literally half the price...also will need a left hand drive obviously!

You'll be surprised by German insurance companies. I had British insurance some seven years earlier and this was my most current personal insurance as I had company and rental cars for a few years. No British insurance company would consider this as valid for giving a discount (they have a two year max) but the German insurers took the crappy slip of paper I had as confirmation from my old insurer and gave me the years discount. It's worth a try.

Also German insurance companies calculate the premium based on accident stats for the car, not the driver. Weird, I know but that's how it goes. It would be cheaper for me to insure a 30K euro Audi TT turbo than my 1.6 Audi 80. Fine if you're a girl or Hugh Grant and want a TT. Another surprise.

Germans are very fickle about their cars, it's some kind of penis replacement, and there are some bargains in the second hand market. Shop around. A thousand euro gets you a decent car.

where?