The German car market is very attractive, as buyers can find both family cars and sports and luxury cars. When deciding to buy a used car in Germany, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the online range of dealers.
Formalities when buying a car in Germany
After buying a used car in Germany, there are several formalities that need to be completed. The first step is to insure the car, which requires third-party liability insurance. This can be done online, by phone or in person. Once this formality has been completed, it is advisable to call the insurance company to obtain the vehicle registration number, which is required to register the vehicle. In this case, the following documents are required:
- Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil 1 and Teil 2 (i.e. registration certificates that the buyer receives from the seller),
- insurance number, buyer’s identification card,
- confirmation of registration,
- certificate from the Technischer Überwachungs-Verein (proving that the car has passed a technical inspection),
- certificate of a positive result of the exhaust emission test (also known as Abgasuntersuchung),
- previous car license plates.
Once your car is registered, the official will issue you a special card, which you must use to go to the machine and pay the fee. The next step is to purchase new license plates. After that, all you have to do is pick up your vehicle card and registration certificate.
Fees when buying a used car in Germany
Buying a used car in Germany involves several payments. First of all, the new owner must make new license plates (from 30 to 50 euros) and obtain a registration certificate (about 15 to 20 euros). In addition, it is necessary to pay third-party liability insurance and undergo a technical inspection, which costs about 100 euros. It is worth remembering that you also need to pay road tax, the cost of which depends on the pollution class of the car and the engine capacity of the vehicle. The most common annual amount here is from 100 to 200 euros. In Germany, when buying a used car, for example, from a private offer or from a dealer on the Internet, you can use the services of a car expert. You will have to pay about 120 euros for his services. The total cost of buying a used car is usually around 400 euros.
How to buy a used car in Germany – tips
If you decide to buy a used car in Germany, it is worth spending some time searching for different offers. This way, you will be able to find a great ad that meets your personal requirements. It is worth choosing several cars and then inspecting them in person. You can take someone with you who knows cars well and can spot any defects or problems. When buying a vehicle from a private individual, it is worth haggling over the price, as this can save you a little. Most offers state a base price – Verhandlungsbasis – in the ads, i.e. a starting amount, which is usually higher than the transaction amount. If the car is purchased from a dealer rather than a private individual, the buyer usually has less chance of negotiating a price, but receives at least one year of liability for physical defects. In addition, many dealers have the opportunity to inspect the car “from the inside”, as they usually have their own workshops.
The purchase and sale agreement, or Kaufvertrag, is very important and must contain the following information:
- place and date of conclusion of the contract,
- buyer and seller details,
- VIN chassis number,
- car make, year of manufacture, year of first registration, license plate number, mileage, body color and other basic data,
- detailed description of the technical condition of the car,
- a description of any losses or credit costs.
It is worth taking care to have the car inspected by a car expert before buying it. With the seller’s consent, you can also check the car at a technical inspection station. This way, you can protect the money spent on the vehicle. The owner must provide the buyer with the following documents: certificate of ownership, registration certificate, technical passport, service log, certificate of technical inspection and certificate of exhaust gas analysis.