How to buy a car in Germany

Having your own car gives you a lot of freedom and independence to get around Germany - whether that’s for work or for pleasure. If you’re thinking about buying your own car, Thomas Vogelhuber from the online car dealership AutoScout24 smyle explains what you need to know. 

Exploring Germany by bike or public transport is one thing, but if independence and flexibility are what you’re after, then you might want to think about buying your own car. Not only does a car stop you from being reliant on public transport to get around, but it also allows you to travel to neighbouring countries without having to fly or spend extra money on the train. If you want to move again, you might recoup a large part of your expenses by reselling your vehicle. 

But before you start looking for a new or used car in Germany, you should find out more about the process of buying a vehicle here, and whether you meet all the requirements. 

Who is allowed to buy a car in Germany and what documents are required?

Legally, you must be at least 18 years old in order to register a vehicle in your name in Germany. When you buy a car and complete the required formalities like taking out insurance, taxing it and registering it, no matter if it’s new or used, you will need to provide the following documents: 

• Valid ID
• Proof of residence in Germany (e.g. a registration certificate)
• Driving licence recognised in Germany
• Valid bank account details, preferably from a German bank

If you fulfil these criteria and have the necessary documents, you can start looking for your dream car. Let’s get started!

How can I buy a new car in Germany?

Buying a new car is a significant financial outlay for any expat, but you might feel that the extra expense is worth it in exchange for getting the exact make and model you want, additional safety and performance specs, and a comprehensive warranty. On top of that, more and more companies are offering low-rate financing, making a new car purchase more affordable than ever before. 

Almost every large town in Germany will have at least a few dealerships, either specialising in a single car make or covering several brands. The dealership can support you in ordering a new vehicle. 

If you prefer to do things online, a growing number of online platforms are now offering convenient ways of buying cars - even new ones! You can choose between preconfigured or individually assembled models, complete the necessary paperwork online and have your new vehicle delivered directly to your door. 

Besides this remote order process, a big advantage of buying a car online is that these service providers can usually provide you with support in English and take over a lot of the admin for you. Most online platforms will also help you with other formalities like taking out car insurance and registering your vehicle. 

How do I buy a used car in Germany?

Buying a used car, on the other hand, means that your vehicle will be immediately available and comes with a significantly lower price tag. As an expat, you also save yourself the high loss in value that occurs after the first registration - which is especially important to consider if you are planning to resell your car at some point in the future. 

The used car market in Germany is one of the largest in Europe. Whether small cars, SUVs or sports cars, the range of commercial and private sellers is wide and usually there is a car to suit every budget. Used vehicles are normally advertised on online car marketplaces nowadays, but you can also still find advertisements in newspapers. You could also visit a used car dealership.

Another option is an online dealership. Online platforms give you the option of purchasing technically tested vehicles completely remotely - from initial purchase right through to home delivery. Again, online dealerships can provide support in English and also complete necessary administrative tasks for you like taking out insurance and registering your vehicle. You also may receive other benefits like a 14-day right of return, an extended warranty, and optional maintenance packages. 

Buying used cars from private sellers in Germany

The private used car market is also very popular in Germany. It’s not necessarily easier, but it can be cheaper to buy a used car from a private seller. However, there are a few things you should consider before opting for a private seller, as most don’t offer warranties or guarantees, and so you don’t want to end up with a poorly-maintained car that will cost you more in the long run. 

Your first visual impression is very important, so trust it! Does the car look neat inside and out? Are all the relevant details provided? Is there a trustworthy contact option? You should only proceed if the answer to all of these questions is “yes”. 

You should arrange an appointment with the seller for a viewing and a test drive, and find out about possible issues with the vehicle in advance, based on test reports.

The so-called "Scheckheft" (service / maintenance book) and the “Hauptuntersuchungsbericht'' (general inspection report) are two powerful tools when it comes to assessing the vehicle’s condition. The Scheckheft or Wartungsheft should tell you when and how often the used car has been serviced. Special issues, such as the fulfilment of manufacturer recalls, are also noted here.

Every two years, used cars in Germany have to undergo a so-called “Hauptuntersuchung” (general inspection, like an MOT), which is carried out by responsible testing organisations such as TÜV or DEKRA. This main inspection is an intensive technical check of all driving and safety-related components on the vehicle. After the examination, a test report is issued, which is decisive for the further roadworthiness of the vehicle.

If the report does not find any defects, a two-year inspection sticker is issued, which is attached to the rear licence plate. If, on the other hand, defects are found, no inspection sticker will be issued and the damage to the vehicle must be repaired immediately. The seller should allow you to view previous test reports. 

If the used car meets your expectations, the seller has all of the documents mentioned above to hand, and you manage to agree on a price with the seller, then you can proceed with the sale. You’ll need a proper used car sales contract, which you can get from ADAC. 

To be on the safe side, when purchasing a used car, you should make sure that you receive all of the following vehicle documents: 

• Registration certificate part 1 (vehicle registration; must be kept in the car)
• Registration certificate part 2 (vehicle registration document; must be kept in a safe place)
• EC certificate of conformity, also called CoC paper (Certificate of Conformity).
• Scheckheft (maintenance book)
• Valid, defect-free Hauptuntersuchungsbericht (general inspection report, preferably carried out recently)
• Proper sales contract

Getting on the road in Germany

Whether you’re buying a new or a used car in Germany, you’ll need to take care of certain formalities before you can get behind the wheel, including taking out insurance, registering your vehicle with the local authorities, and paying vehicle taxes. When this is taken care of, you can hit the road and get exploring Germany and beyond! 

Still looking for your right set of wheels? At AutoScout24 smyle, you can conveniently order your dream car online and have it delivered right to your front door. AutoScout24 smyle also offers support in English and helps you with additional car-related matters like insurance and registration.