🚗 How to buy a vehicle in Germany

1. 🤔 Decide: new or used

New car

• Higher price
• Full warranty
• Bought from dealership
• Financing often available

Used car

• Much cheaper
• Very common
• Can buy from dealer or private seller

In Germany, many people buy used cars.

2. 🔍 Where to search

Common platforms:

• Mobile.de
• Autoscout24.de
• Local dealerships
• Private sellers

Dealers are safer but more expensive. Private sellers are cheaper but riskier.

3. ✅ Check the vehicle carefully

Before buying:

• Inspect the car in person
• Check for rust and damage
• Test drive
• Review service history

Ask for:

• Registration certificate Part I and II (Fahrzeugschein & Fahrzeugbrief)
• TÜV certificate

4. 🔧 TÜV (vehicle inspection)

Every car must pass regular technical inspection (TÜV).

Check:

• When the next TÜV is due
• If repairs are needed soon

If TÜV expires soon, expect additional costs.

5. ✍️ Purchase contract

Always use a written contract.

The contract should include:

• Buyer and seller details
• Vehicle identification number (VIN)
• Purchase price
• Mileage
• Known defects

Dealers provide contracts. For private sales, use a standard template.

6. 🛡️ Insurance before registration

Before registering the car, you must:

• Choose car insurance
• Get an eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation)

Without insurance, you cannot register the vehicle.

7. 📋 Register the car (Zulassung)

You must register the vehicle at the local registration office (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle).

You need:

• ID or passport
• Proof of address (Anmeldung)
• Vehicle documents
• eVB insurance number
• SEPA mandate for vehicle tax

After registration, you receive license plates. You can often choose your plate number for an extra fee.

8. 💰 Costs to expect

Typical upfront costs

• Purchase price
• Registration fee (€30–€60)
• License plates (€20–€40)
• Insurance
• Vehicle tax

Ongoing costs

• Fuel
• Maintenance
• Insurance
• Annual vehicle tax
• Parking (in cities)

Cars are expensive in large cities.

9. 🛡️ Types of car insurance

Liability insurance (mandatory)

Covers damage you cause to others.

Partial coverage (Teilkasko)

Covers theft, weather damage, broken glass.

Full coverage (Vollkasko)

Covers damage to your own vehicle, even if you caused it.

Financed or new cars usually require full coverage.

10. 🌿 Environmental sticker (Umweltplakette)

Most cities require a green environmental sticker. Without it, you cannot enter certain areas.

11. 🪪 Driver's license

If you are new to Germany:

• EU licenses are usually valid
• Non-EU licenses may be valid for 6 months
• After that, you may need to convert it

Check your specific country rules.

12. 💵 Selling later

When selling:

• Create written contract
• Deregister vehicle or transfer properly
• Inform insurance

Do not leave the vehicle registered in your name.

✅ Summary

To buy a vehicle in Germany:

1. Choose new or used
2. Check condition and TÜV
3. Sign written contract
4. Get insurance
5. Register at Zulassungsstelle
6. Pay taxes and maintain insurance

In large cities, a car is often unnecessary due to public transport. In rural areas, it can be essential.