How To Buy A Used Vehicle Near Me [50KM Around Cologne]

Are you looking for a way to buy a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany? If so, you are not alone. Many people from different countries and backgrounds are flocking to this city to find and purchase second-hand cars at affordable prices. But why Cologne? And how can you make the best of this opportunity? 

In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will show you the requirements, options, locations, and tips for how to buy a used vehicle in Cologne and its surroundings. By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of how to buy used cars near me in Cologne, Germany, and save money, time, and hassle.

First, A Brief History Of Cologne

Cologne is a city in North-Rhine Westfalia (NRW), one of Germany’s most densely populated regions. Its history is over 2000 years and has a rich and diverse culture. You can see this in the various open places like carnivals and shopping malls, where people from different nationalities and backgrounds mingle and celebrate.

The city is also home to the famous Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe. The international airport Köln/Bonn Flughafen is near the border to Rösrath, a town near Cologne.

Buying A Used Vehicle Near Me: Why Cologne And Nearby Cities

One of the reasons why Cologne is a popular destination to buy a used vehicle is that it has a booming market for second-hand cars. Many foreigners come to Cologne to buy a vehicle they can use for their stay or export to their home country.

This is especially true for people from the EU and Africa, who can benefit from lower prices, higher quality, and more manageable procedures for buying pre-owned autos. Buying used cars in Germany has been lucrative, with many dealers and platforms offering various vehicles to suit buyers’ different needs and preferences.

These are some of the questions that we will answer in this article. We will guide you through how to buy a used car in Cologne and provide helpful information and tips to help you make the best decision. Whether you are looking for a sedan, a hatchback, an SUV, or a truck, we have you covered. So, let’s get started!

Researching About The Vehicle

You can rarely get it right if you do not know what you want and how to get it when buying used cars in Germany. An auto dealer’s advantage over an inexperienced buyer is that he does it regularly and has equipped himself with enough experience to quickly know if you can press the right button that will make him give you a discount. That is why you should consider preparing yourself with the information we use to buy a used vehicle near us at a cheaper price.

Though you may know which vehicle to buy, the research can give other vital technical details like the engine’s variation, fuel efficiency, number of seats the car must have, transmission, etc. For these reasons alone, before going to a dealership to buy a used vehicle, list the essential features you want to see in the car. Knowing what you want will make you appear confident in the dealership.

Requirements for Buying Used Vehicles in Cologne as a Foreigner

Before you start looking for a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany, you need to know the legal and administrative requirements that apply to your situation. Depending on the country you want to export the car to and whether you are an EU citizen, you may need to follow different procedures and pay additional fees. Here are some of the main aspects that you need to consider:

Registration

If you buy a used vehicle in Germany, register it with the local authorities and get a license plate. You can use a temporary plate (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) valid for five days or a transit plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) suitable for up to one year. The latter is ideal if you export the car to another country. You will need to provide proof of identity, proof of insurance, and proof of ownership to get the plate. You will also need to pay a registration fee and a road tax.

Insurance 

You must have a valid vehicle insurance policy from a German or a foreign company for any car you want to drive on the country’s road. You can choose between a third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) that covers the damage you cause to others or a comprehensive insurance (Vollkaskoversicherung) that also covers the damage to your vehicle. The insurance cost depends on the car’s type, age, and value, as well as your driving record and experience.

Customs

To export the vehicle to a non-EU country like Africa, you must clear it through customs and pay the applicable duties and taxes. You will need to present the vehicle registration, the invoice, the insurance certificate, and the export declaration.

You must also obtain a customs clearance certificate (Zollbescheinigung) proving you have paid the required fees. The fees depend on the destination country, the value, and the age of the vehicle. However, a professional auto broker or shipping agent can cover that.

Taxes

Suppose you want to export the vehicle to an EU country. Depending on the vehicle’s age and mileage, you may need to pay the value-added tax (VAT) in the destination country. If the car is under six months old or has less than 6,000 kilometers on the odometer, you must pay the VAT in the destination country.

If the vehicle is older or has more mileage, you do not need to pay the VAT, as it is already included in the price. You must provide proof of the vehicle’s age and mileage, such as the service book or the technical inspection report.

As you can see, buying a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany, can be complex and primarily costly for people unfamiliar with car purchases in the country. That is why we recommend you get professional help from a reliable and experienced service provider who can assist you with all the steps and details. I offer a free consultation service to help you buy a used vehicle near me.

We can also help you find the best deals and suitable vehicles for your needs and preferences. All you need to do is contact us and let us know what you want. We will take care of the rest.

Options To Buy A Used Vehicle Near Me

Now that you know the requirements for buying a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany, you may wonder where to find them. There are many options and platforms for finding and buying second-hand cars in Cologne, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common and popular ones:

Vogelsanger Str Köln-Ehrenfeld

This is a prominent marketplace where car dealers and auto technicians group themselves. It is located in the district of Köln-Ehrenfeld, near the city center. You can find many used vehicles here, from luxury and sports cars to family and economy cars.

You can also find professional and certified services like repairs, maintenance, and inspections. The prices are usually fixed; you can expect higher quality and a more extended vehicle warranty.

However, the prices may also be higher than other options, and you may have less room for negotiation and bargaining. You also need to be aware of the opening hours and the availability of the sellers.

Mechanic workshops 

You can find cheaper but less reliable vehicles that may need some repairs. You can find them in various locations around Cologne, especially in the industrial areas. Here, you can find used cars sold by the owners or the mechanics who work on them. You can also find some rare and vintage models that may interest you. 

The prices are usually meager, and you can negotiate and bargain with the sellers. However, the quality and condition of the vehicles may need improvement, and you may need to spend more money and time on fixing them. You must also be careful of scams and hidden defects and check the vehicles thoroughly before buying them.

Online platforms

These websites and apps allow you to search and compare thousands of used vehicles by price, model, condition, and location. Some of the most popular ones are AutoScout24, Mobile.de, and Kleinanzeige.

Here, you can find many used vehicles from private and commercial sellers all over Germany and Europe. You can also find reviews, ratings, and feedback from other buyers and sellers on the platform. 

The prices are usually competitive; you can contact and communicate directly with the sellers. However, consider keeping the best practices in mind, like being careful of fake or misleading ads and verifying the sellers’ information and identity.

As you can see, there are many options and platforms for buying a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany. Each has pros and cons; you need to weigh them carefully and choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.

You also need to do your research and homework before buying any vehicle and ensure you follow the process’s rules and regulations. If you need any help or guidance, you can always contact us, and we will assist you with finding and buying your dream car.

Locations for Buying Used Vehicles Near Cologne

If you have decided on the option and platform for how to buy a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany, you should know where to find them. Cologne is a large and diverse city, with many districts, neighborhoods, and suburbs that offer different opportunities and challenges for buying second-hand cars. Here are some of the cities, towns, and suburbs near Cologne that you may want to consider:

Hürth, Frechen, and Leverkusen

Three cities close to Cologne, within a 20-kilometer radius. They have many car dealerships and workshops that offer a wide range of used vehicles, from new and modern models to old and classic ones.

You can find some of the best deals, reputable sellers, and convenient and accessible services here. However, you may also face some competition and higher prices, as these are popular and busy locations for buying used vehicles.

Wesseling, Dormagen, and Bensberg

These are three towns along the Rhine River within a 30-kilometer radius. They have scenic views and attractions like the Wesseling Castle, the Dormagen Abbey, and the Bensberg Palace.

You can find some of the most unique and exciting vehicles here, such as vintage and antique cars, and some of the most friendly and helpful sellers.

However, you may also face difficulties and risks, such as limited availability and selection and potential scams and frauds.

Triosdorf, Bruhl, and Pulheim

Three smaller and quieter places within a 40-kilometer radius. They have less competition, lower prices, and some of the most loyal and trustworthy sellers.

You can find some of the best bargains, the most reliable vehicles here, and some of the most flexible and accommodating services.

However, you may also face challenges and drawbacks, such as longer distances and travel times, lower quality, and warranty.

Bergisch Gladbach, Niederkassel, and Odenthal

These are three places in the Bergisches Land region within a 50-kilometer radius. And the Odenthal Forest. You can find some of the most valuable vehicles here, such as sports and luxury cars, and some of the most professional and experienced sellers.

Nevertheless, you may face some obstacles and costs, such as higher taxes and fees, stricter regulations, and inspections.

Monheim, Rösrath, and Erftstadt are three places near the Köln/Bonn Flughafen, within a 60-kilometer radius. They quickly access transportation and export services like trains, buses, and planes. You can find some of the most convenient and fast vehicles here, such as SUVs and trucks, and some of the most efficient and supportive sellers.

Regardless, you may also face some problems and delays, such as traffic jams and congestion, as well as higher demand and pressure.

What are other cities, towns, and suburbs near Cologne?

As you can see, there are many locations for buying used vehicles near me in Cologne, Germany. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and you must choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.

It would help if you also researched and planned before buying any vehicle and ensured you followed the process’s rules and regulations. If you need any help or guidance, you can always contact us, and we will assist you with finding and buying your dream car.

Checking The Car Properly

Check the features of the auto against yours when arriving at the dealership or elsewhere. See, the engine and transmission work well. Watch the dashboard display for any unusual light showing. It is sometimes not a good sign when the seller starts the vehicle before you arrive.

And it may be because the fault shows when the engine is still cold. Your next step is to test-drive the car. It is time to negotiate if you are satisfied with what you drive and hear.

Buying Cheap Cars: Negotiate And Get A Discount

Getting a discount on the new or used car you want is unnecessary. It depends on your negotiation skills and how far the dealer is ready to go down. Or how quickly he wants to sell the vehicle. But it does not mean when the dealer/seller says that it is a fixed price (Festpreis), you can still have a chance to get a deal.

A good starting point would be to compare what the dealer wrote in the ad description with what you see or hear when test-driving the car. A simple fault may force a dealer to give a discount. However, verify the cost of the fault before paying for the vehicle.

Key Learnings On Buying Used Cars In Cologne

You have reached the end of this article on how to buy a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany. We also hope you have learned the requirements, options, locations, and tips for buying second-hand cars in Cologne and its surroundings. By applying these steps and advice, you will be able to find and buy your dream car in a safe, easy, and enjoyable way.

However, if you still have any questions or doubts or need any help or guidance, you can always contact us, and we will assist you with finding and buying your dream car.

We offer a free consultation service to help you with your vehicle’s registration, insurance, customs, and taxes. We can also help you find the best deals and suitable vehicles for your needs and preferences. 

All you need to do is contact us and let us know what you want. We will take care of the rest. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today and get ready to buy a used vehicle near me in Cologne, Germany. You will not regret it. Thank you for reading this article, and have a great day!