How to choose and buy a car in Germany

This article is dated as shown. Laws, fees and prices have changed since then. Check the figures before you rely on them.

Thinking about buying a car from Germany but not sure where to start? Looking for reliable ways to find the right vehicle? In this article we explain how to make the purchase properly, avoid spending money you did not need to and be happy with the result.

Where to look for a car

It happens that someone relies on an unverified source and travels to a city in Germany because they were told about a site where cars are sold. Going in blind is a thoroughly bad idea.

What does it mean to go looking for a car at random? First, it takes more time. Second, it costs extra energy and nerves. And third, it requires more money, because all that time you need to live and eat in a foreign country. And there is no guarantee that, after spending time, effort and money, the information will turn out to be true and you will be able to buy a car in Germany on your own.

Buying a vehicle requires careful preparation. We recommend that you first study the offers on the websites, get a feel for the prices, choose the make and model, decide on the specification you want and only then plan the trip.

Note that when buying a vehicle in Germany, the city does not matter much. Prices will not vary greatly, whether it is a large city or a suburb. At most within 3-5%.

How much money to have ready

Before the trip, agree the currency, the method and the timing of payment with the seller. A bank transfer in euros can be made via SEPA if it suits the parties and their banks. Do not exchange the whole amount into cash without an agreed payment plan; if you carry cash, the applicable requirements need to be checked separately.

A budget of 8-10 thousand euros was the author's guideline as of 22.02.2018, not today's minimum budget for a good car. From the article of 22.02.2018: “Frankly, you should plan on a reserve of 8-10 thousand euros if you want to buy a good vehicle.”

Knowing the language

You can buy cars without knowing German, but it is risky. There is a danger of missing some of the details, especially the legal ones. The contract you will sign with the selling company is drawn up in German. It covers many points and often contains “pitfalls”.

What you need to know to search and buy

To make the purchase properly, without spending money you did not need to, you need to:

• Shortlist options online in advance.
• Have a sufficient amount of money available.
• Understand the language.
• Understand the legal details or find a trusted lawyer.

Buying a car in Germany can cause euphoria, cloud your judgement and lead to rash decisions. Do not give in to the temptation of a cheap option, which may have unwelcome consequences. Only a specialist with a cool analytical head during the transaction can help you pick a worthy model and get the contract right.

With Destacar you can discuss the search, the vehicle inspection and support with the documents. The scope of work, timing and cost are agreed before we start; whether handover on a particular date is possible depends on the specific transaction.

If you do not yet know how to order a car from Germany with us, send your question by email to info@destacar.de, call a member of our team on +4917623771650, or submit a car search request on our website here. The cost of our services is listed in the price list.