Buying a car in Germany
Complete guide for 2026 (Costs, Documents, Tips)
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Why buy a car in Germany?
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Where to buy a car in Germany?
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What to check before Buying?
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What to ask about the car’s service?
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Negotiating with German sellers
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Export & transport options
Why buy a car in Germany?
Germany offers one of the best used-car markets in Europe, with a huge selection, well-maintained vehicles, and competitive prices. Germans tend to service their cars regularly, so many vehicles come with full history and clear documentation. Thanks to reliable sellers and strong consumer protection, buying car in Germany is safe, efficient, and ideal for export.
Where to buy a car in Germany?
The best places for buying car in Germany are major online platforms like Mobile.de and AutoScout24, as well as dealer websites and local listings. These car sale platforms in Germany offer the largest selection, from cheap used cars and second-hand family cars to premium brands and export-ready vehicles. With detailed filters for mileage, price, fuel type, transmission, and location, you can quickly narrow down thousands of cars for sale in Germany to the ones that fit your budget and needs. Clear descriptions, photos, and seller ratings provide transparent information, making it easier to compare offers and find the right vehicle fast.
What to check before Buying?
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Before buying car in Germany, always review the vehicle documents, service history, and TÜV inspections carefully. Ask the seller to send clear photos or scans of all paperwork before you travel. This helps you spot inconsistencies early and avoid wasting time on cars with a doubtful past.
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If you don’t speak German, you can email the seller with a short, polite message and a list of clear questions in German. For example, make sure you ask:
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Is the car accident-free and has it never been repainted?
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When was the last service, and is there proof of all service records and the stamped service book?
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How many previous owners has the car had?
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Was the car first registered in Germany?
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Can you provide the VIN, a copy of the registration papers (Fahrzeugbrief and Fahrzeugschein), and the service book?
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When buying car in Germany, you should also understand the key information on a German registration document at a glance:
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📅 (B) First Registration – The date the vehicle was first legally allowed on the road.
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👤 (1) Previous Owners – The total number of previous registered owners.
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🏷️ (E) VIN – The unique Vehicle Identification Number used for official identification.
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📄 (I) Registration Date – The date this vehicle was registered at its current registration location.
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🛢️ (P.1) Engine Size – The engine’s displacement in cubic centimetres (cm³).
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⚡ (P.2) Power Output – The engine’s maximum power in kilowatts (kW).
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⛽ (P.3) Fuel Type – The fuel used (e.g. Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric).
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🎨 (R) Colour – The factory-recorded exterior colour of the vehicle.
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Checking these details carefully before buying car in Germany helps you verify the car’s identity, confirm the story the seller tells you, and avoid unpleasant surprises later when registering or importing the vehicle.
What to ask about the car’s service?
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When buying car in Germany, the service history is one of the most important things to check. It shows how well the vehicle has been maintained and whether the previous owner took proper care of it. A complete, consistent service record is often a better sign than just low mileage.
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Make sure to ask the seller clearly:
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Last Service Date – When was the car last serviced?
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Service Records – Are all services documented in the service book or with invoices/receipts?
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Type of Service Performed – Were major items like oil changes, brake checks, filters and timing belt (if applicable) replaced on time?
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Authorized Workshops – Was the car serviced at certified dealers or trusted independent workshops in Germany?
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Special Repairs or Recalls – Has the car had any major repairs, warranty work or recall campaigns?
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Proof of Maintenance – Can the seller provide copies or photos of invoices, digital service records or online history?
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Carefully checking these points before buying car in Germany helps you spot well-maintained vehicles, avoid hidden problems, and choose a car that will stay reliable for many years.
Negotiating with German Sellers
Negotiating in Germany works best with solid preparation and a professional approach. If you’re buying car in Germany, follow these key tips to secure the best price:
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Research the Market Value
Before buying car in Germany, compare similar vehicles on German marketplaces to understand a fair price range. -
Check the Seller
Identify whether it’s a private seller or a dealer, and see how long the listing has been online – this is crucial when buying car in Germany. -
Spot Imperfections
Document any issues during an on-site inspection or through a pre-check. Visible defects can be powerful arguments when buying car in Germany. -
Use Verified Information
Your strongest arguments are the facts: VIN reports (carVertical, autoDNA, OutVin), and professional on-site inspection results. Reliable data is essential for anyone buying car in Germany. -
Get the Car Professionally Checked
Before buying car in Germany, book an independent pre-check to avoid bad surprises. With our professional car checking service, you receive a detailed report about technical condition, previous damage, and potential risks. This gives you strong arguments for negotiation and helps you decide confidently whether the car is really worth the price.
Export & transport options
You can choose to drive your new car yourself from Germany to any destination within the EU using an export license plate. If you are buying car in Germany, this is a common and flexible option. To obtain this temporary plate (Ausfuhrkennzeichen), you must apply in person at the local German vehicle registration office (Zulassungsstelle) during their business hours.
The required documents typically include the original registration documents Part I and Part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I & II) and a valid TÜV certificate. This export license plate is only issued with basic statutory liability insurance.
For a convenient and secure option when buying car in Germany, transport by a professional driver with all-risk insurance is also available. This service is suitable whether you wish to drive the car yourself or have it delivered to any country in Europe. Please contact us for a personalized quote.
If you prefer to have your vehicle transported by truck after buying car in Germany, delivery typically takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the destination. We invite you to request a quotation for this service.