Are you looking for cheap used cars in Germany for export? Do you want to know how to buy a car in Germany as a foreigner? And the requirements and procedures involved? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this guide, we will show you everything you need to know about buying and exporting affordable used cars in Germany, whether you are a resident of the EU or not.
We will also share valuable tips and tricks for securing the best deals while avoiding scams and common pitfalls. Whether you’re searching for a personal car or a business vehicle, we’ve got you covered. Explore the best websites for buying cars across Europe and discover how to get your dream car from Germany confidently in no time.
Key Takeaways: Buying Used Cars For Sale In Germany
Guide On How To Buy A Car In Germany As A Foreigner
A foreigner can buy a car in Germany for export. However, there are specific procedures and requirements the buyer needs to meet.
Imagine you found a vehicle on a German website and followed it with great interest. Excellent! But the question, “Can a foreigner buy a car in Germany to export to a desired country?” popped into your mind. You begin to look for a way to purchase the motor vehicle, export it to the land you choose, and hope for a successful process.
Buying a car in Germany requires the buyer and the seller to be present for contractual agreement purposes. Both parties need to bring either their national ID card or passport document. If not, a buyer can hire a car broker to play an intermediary role.
Most foreigners purchasing cars in Germany for export have asked a similar question. And as you can see, there is a way for foreigners to buy a vehicle online with a service.
Let us go a little deeper to explain and clarify the things surrounding car-buying in Germany for non-residents.
The Requirement
First, the foreign buyer must provide proof of identity, such as a passport or national ID card. Additionally, they must have a valid residence permit or visa if they are not residents of an EU country.
Once the car is purchased, the foreign buyer must arrange for export registration and obtain an export license plate. This process typically involves registering the vehicle with the German authorities and getting a temporary export license plate. If the foreigner wants to drive the car on its wheels, you may also consider shipping your vehicle outside the EU with the help of an agency (Freight Forwarder).
It is important to note that additional requirements and restrictions may vary depending on the specific country of import. So, checking with the relevant authorities in the buyer’s home country is advisable to ensure they are fully aware of all requirements.
Below is a quick recap of how to buy a car in Germany as a foreigner for export.
You may also consider reading → How to Know the Best Car Reviews.
Step-By-Step: Buying A Car In Germany For Export
- Find a car online or offline: The first step is to search for a car online in Germany from your location. If you are already in the country, check local auto dealers.
- Check and test-drive the car: Once you find the vehicle you want, check its condition and features and test-drive it.
- Making payment: Negotiate vehicle prices and control the car purchase contract before payment.
- Collect vehicle documents, including contracts: They are crucial for car export.
- You are transporting your car within Germany. The cost of transporting a vehicle within Germany ranges from 1.20 Euro to 2.00 Euro, depending on the type, condition, and distance.
- Take it to the shipping agency: The car export process starts here.
- Give vehicle documents (only copies) to the agency: The shipping agent cannot book your car for export without the details on the papers.
- Sign a contract with the agency: Be sure to sign an agreement with the agent confirming the handover of your vehicle for shipment.
- Give the agent details for shipment: The agent needs the details to determine the consignment’s consignee and the export’s destination.
- Customs clearance service: Look for a customs clearance agent in the destination country.
- When to get your bill of lading: Ask the shipper for the bill of lading between 1 and 3 weeks.
Consider This Before Buying A Used Car In Germany
Be where the deals take place on time if you want to buy a car at an affordable price.
Keep in mind you are not alone. You have buyers competing over the exact vehicle with you.
A car dealer may sell the vehicle they promised you to someone if you do not have a proper arrangement with them.
If you are not there, you have a slim chance of buying a car in Germany alone.
Doing it yourself may save you some cost but could expose you to a fraudster who preys on your hard-earned money.
This might interest you. → Save More When Buying A Vehicle Online With The New Broker Service Cost Calculator.
Used Car Prices In Germany
The price of a car in Germany varies widely depending on several factors such as the make and model, whether it is new or used, and features and specifications. On average, a new car in Germany starts from around 20,000 euros and can go up to over 100,000 euros for luxury and high-performance models. Additionally, used cars can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros, depending on the vehicle’s condition, age, and mileage.
Please note that prices fluctuate, and checking multiple sources for the most accurate information is always a good idea.
Let us examine the factors that directly influence the cost of a car in Germany. When you search for a car for export, ask yourself the following question: How much will your desired motor vehicle ultimately cost?
- Car Condition
- Brand and Type
- Vehicle’s Mileage
- Seller’s Location
- Features in the car
- Transportation Cost
- Shipping Destination
- Car Price Negotiation Skill
- Buyer’s Know-how about the car
Negotiating Car Price
The most common way to buy a used car is through negotiation. But do Germans negotiate car prices? Bargaining for Germans depends on what the ad description says. There are non-negotiable (FP = Festpreis) and negotiable (VB = Verhandlungsbasis). However, in the case of non-negotiable, a buyer can apply specific skills to make a car price negotiable.
In the used motor vehicle market, you don’t get what you deserve but what you negotiate!
Tax-Free In Germany For Export Vehicles
Tax-free shopping in Germany on used cars. A non-EU resident who buys a vehicle in the country from an auto dealer pays a 19% value-added tax, which the buyer can claim when the car arrives in the destination country.
Do German Car Prices Include VAT?
Here, it is to be distinguished between a private car seller and a company like a dealership. You do not pay VAT if you buy from a private seller, but VAT is mainly added when buying from an auto dealer. Be sure the dealership states the actual amount of VAT on the invoice issued to you to enable you to claim your VAT after exporting the vehicle out of the EU.
Claiming Your VAT From Germany
Further, claiming your VAT is somehow complicated for a non-expert to handle because the procedure involves you, the dealership, the shipping agent, and the customs. So, if you want a tax refund, know how to get it before buying the vehicle.
Are you a United Kingdom (UK) resident? → Check our exceptional service for Buying second-hand cars in Germany and exporting to Africa. We remain your partner in Germany for vehicle purchases.
Vehicle buying in Germany (Do It Yourself)
Car buying in Germany is easy when you follow the proper steps and meet specific requirements that enable the export of the vehicles without issue. You must keep your eyes on the essentials, from finding the right vehicle through price negotiation to exporting to a country of your choice. You may need a car broker service to help you manage the entire process or anyone you can trust to handle the export procedures.
Where To Buy A Car In Germany
To get started, you need to know where to find a vehicle online in Germany. The most popular websites for car buying in Germany are mobile.de, autoscout24.de, and eBay-kleinanzeigen.de, where private sellers and dealerships market their vehicles. The platforms mainly sell used cars. If you have tried the above and could not find your desired vehicle, I recommend the other sites listed below.
Go here to check → Other Sites For Buying A Car In Germany.
Which Car Is Suitable For You?
Deciding on the right car can be daunting because there are many options. The best way to start is by determining which type of car you want to buy. Do you want a small, compact vehicle? Or do you want an SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle) or CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), perfect for rough terrains? If you are the type that finds comfort in the wilderness or is looking for a powerful and heightened SUV ambulance for humanitarian aid in a rural area in Africa,
How Do I Find Suitable Used Cars For Business?
When looking for a car suitable for business use, here are some factors to consider:
Space and Comfort: If you use the car for work and driving clients or colleagues around, you will want a car with plenty of legroom and a comfortable ride.
Fuel Efficiency: A car with good fuel efficiency will help reduce operating costs and save you money in the long run.
Technology: For work-related needs, consider a car with advanced safety features, an infotainment system, and connectivity options.
Buying Price: Set a budget for the car and choose one that fits within that budget and provides the best value for the money.
Reliability: To minimize the disruption to your work, choose a car with a good reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs.
Image Projection: A car that projects a professional image can be essential for making a good impression on clients or business partners.
Some popular business car models include the Toyota Corolla (Uber), Toyota Sienna (personal transport), Nissan Navada, VW T4 to T7, and Mercedes Sprinter.
However, the best car for you will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Vehicle Purpose Of Usage Chart
Finding the best type of vehicle for your needs depends on the purpose of use. Which category is closest to your plan for buying a car? The chart below helps you find the right vehicle.
| COMMERCIAL (STARTUP OR ESTABLISHED BUSINESS) | PRIVATE (PERSONAL OR FAMILY USE) | OTHERS |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile technical service | Family van | Education |
| Vehicle rescue service | Car for Work | Humanitarian |
| Security sector | Offroad vehicle | Health service |
| Transportation | Motorhome | Tourism |
| Refuse collection service | – | – |
| Cleaning | – | – |
Still not sure? → Ask us – we can help!
Simple Way To Help A Foreigner Buy A Car In Germany
We provide you with the best car-buying tricks in Germany. You will also know how to buy a car in the Netherlands or Belgium, which will help you avoid potential pitfalls and get the vehicle you want.
How To Get Car-buying Service In Germany For Non-Residents
- Request your car right here!
- We follow your request.
- Then, get details about the vehicle for you.
- We focus on your wish and budget to send you a quote.
- You transfer the money, and we purchase your car.
- We will ship the car to you.
- Once the bill of lading is out, we will send it to you.
German Auto-buying Service For Africa
A used car buying service for auto buyers in Africa. Would you like to buy a used car in Germany? Quality and carefully used vehicle for sale to Africa? Doing it alone takes considerable time, research, and energy. You have to bargain independently against professional sales teams and miss out on the best prices and vehicles with no one on your side.
With car buying services from professional brokers, you get top-quality used cars for sale in Germany and other EU countries at affordable prices. In bargaining, we always take extra steps to see you get the best deals.
We know first and second offers can’t be the only options you have for a better deal on car buying. Let our experts negotiate on your behalf. Choose our used car buying service, and you are one step away from experiencing easy and smooth importation of vehicles from Germany to Africa.
Comparing Vehicles Online At Dealerships
Buying a car is one of the most critical investments in one’s life. It’s natural to want to make the best decision for your money, but it can feel overwhelming with so many choices in front of you, which raises several questions:
- How do you buy a car online safely?
- How do you negotiate a car price with German dealerships?
- How do you compare cars online?
- Which websites are best for buying a car in Germany?
We answer these questions in one of the sessions with our client. By the end of our meeting, clients will know how to buy a car online and which websites to search for cars on in Germany.
Is Buying A German Car A Smart Idea In The Long Run?
Whether buying a German car is a bright idea, in the long run, depends on various factors like personal preference, budget, driving habits, and the model in question. German cars are generally known for their quality, engineering, and reliability but may have higher upfront costs and maintenance expenses than other brands. It’s essential to research, compare prices and features, and choose a model that fits your needs and budget. Ultimately, buying a German car or any other brand should be based on what works best for you.
For instance, if you are in the market to buy a car, you may be debating whether to buy an American-made vehicle or a German-European spec vehicle. Every spec has advantages, but Germany pays greater attention to slim-fit and economical fuel consumption.
Besides, the designs of their cars have improved in recent years, making it easier for most buyers to find their desired car. In contrast, American vehicles are designed to be larger and have well-furnished interiors.
We published an article related to this topic. Please check here -> How to buy used American spec cars in Germany.
Why Do You Need A Car Pre-purchase Inspection Service Before Buying?
Car Pre-purchase Inspection Service
Before buying a car, you need to know its condition, mainly if it is used. Indeed, no one knows it all. Even top mechatronics and automotive experts depend on special tools to give accurate information about a vehicle’s condition. But why is a pre-purchase inspection needed, and what are we talking about?
I am going over it briefly. A pre-purchase inspection lets you know if the used car is worth buying or if the value equals the amount the seller intended to sell. It gives you better information about the motor vehicle and a deeper insight into its history and condition.
Reputable German companies specialize in checking and analyzing a car and then giving in-depth details of its condition, which helps buyers make a better car-buying decision. You can find a car purchase inspection service in any country and look for a viable one for a more accurate result.
Is An Inspection Possible For Every Car You Wish To Buy?
There are undeniable faults that may not require an inspection service. Likewise, a service provider could reject your request because of the car’s condition. When such a thing happens, do not get it wrong.
It may be to your advantage or the company’s service policy. On the other hand, the car’s damage could make it impossible to get the desired result in the testing.
Do not hesitate to contact us below if you want such a service.
Buying A Car From a Private Seller In Germany
There is not much paperwork to buy a used car from a private seller. But in any condition, a private seller must give a car buyer at least a document (contract) showing that they are the legitimate owner of the car. The following vehicle registration documents (Fahrzeugbrief + Fahrzeugschein) must be handed over to the buyer after the vehicle’s payment.
If any of the vehicles’ documents are unavailable, demand that the seller write the document’s whereabouts and when to provide it in the contract. However, buying any vehicle with incomplete records is not advisable, especially when the car is for export.
Note: Never pay for a car without the private seller showing you their ID card or passport. And make sure they sign the contract.
Final Thought
Buying and exporting a car from Germany can be a rewarding experience if you know what you are doing and follow the rules and regulations. Germany has a large and diverse market of used cars that suit any budget and preference.
You can find cheap and reliable vehicles from private sellers or dealerships and export them to your desired country with the help of an export license plate or a shipping agency. However, you must also know the potential challenges and risks involved, such as taxes, fees, paperwork, inspections, and scams.
That is why we recommend using a car-buying service that can handle all the details and hassles for you and ensure a smooth and safe transaction. A car-buying service can also help you find the best deals and negotiate the best prices. If you want to buy and export a car from Germany, contact us today, and let us help you get your dream car.
