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How and where to buy a car in Germany for US/South African/Canadian citizens for a planned period of use of 6–24 months

Brief strategy (for 0,5–2 years)

  1. Buy a popular small/mid-range model (easier to resell) that is 1–3 years old and still under factory warranty. Such cars are often sold by leasing companies in packages with a full description of their technical condition at market prices, often at a discount.
  2. Buy from an official dealer (Gebrauchtwagen-Händler). If you buy from a private seller, request a complete service history and mileage check; this will make it easier to sell later.
  3. When reselling, use large online platforms and local dealers (trade-in) — combine channels to sell quickly and minimize losses.

Where to look and buy (channels)

  1. Large online platforms (private and dealer ads):
    1. autoscout24.de
    2. mobile.de
  2. Official dealers and certified used cars (with warranty):
    1. mercedes-benz.de
    2. audi.de
    3. volkswagen.de
  3. Private ads (faster to find a price below market value, but higher risks):
    1. autoScout24.de
    2. mobile.de
    3. ebay-kleinanzeigen.de
  4. Auctions (bank/dealer) — cheaper, but requires experience and cars are often sold “as is”:
    1. autobid.de
    2. bca.com

(The myEUcar team is authorized to participate in auctions and is ready to assist in the purchase or sale of cars on these trading platforms.)

Documents and registration (what you need to buy/register)

  1. You will need your passport and residence permit or proof of address (Anmeldung) for registration at the government authority,  at a department of motor vehicles (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle), if necessary. This is not relevant if you use the myEUcar service.
  2. Owner registration cards (Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I and Teil II ) and purchase agreement (Kaufvertrag).
  3. Insurance eVB number (electronic insurance confirmation) — without it, registration will not be possible.
  4. Technical inspection (TÜV) — if necessary when purchasing/re-registering.
  5. If you are purchasing as a non-resident and plan to export the car outside the EU — you will need export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) and customs formalities (VAT/НДС — see below).

Important: without proof of residence in Germany (Meldebescheinigung), registration at the department of motor vehicles (DMV) may be difficult — there are workarounds (using a legal holder/company or services such as myEUcar).

Which models to choose to minimize losses

  1. Popular mass-market models (compact/mid-range) are easier to sell: economical hatchbacks and station wagons, small crossovers.
  2. Avoid highly specialized or premium models with a high initial cost — their relative loss in value is often higher, and the buyer market is smaller.
  3. Choose cars with a full service history (Scheckheft), without modifications and with standard options.
  4. A good option is an almost new car (1–3 years old) with the remaining factory warranty: the initial depreciation has already passed, but the car is still attractive to the next buyer.

How to buy “right” (step-by-step checklist)

  1. Determine your budget and acceptable loss on resale (e.g., 10–20%).
  2. Select 2–3 models and study market prices (online platforms).
  3. Look for a car from a certified/guaranteed dealer or a private seller — only with a full set of documents.
  4. Order a vehicle inspection (VIN check, history, no liens) and, if possible, a DEKRA inspection or an inspection by an independent mechanic.
  5. Ask for a current TÜV and service book.
  6. Agree on a price and draw up a Kaufvertrag (purchase agreement).
  7. The myEUcar team will arrange an eVB number through an insurance company (a policy with coverage for travel within the EU).
  8. The myEUcar team will register the car at the regional  department of motor vehicles DMV  (Zulassungsstelle).
  9. Keep all receipts and documents — they increase trust when selling.

Insurance — what to consider

Selling with minimal losses — tactics

  1. Keep the car in good condition, both cosmetically and technically (regular washing, minor repairs).
  2. Collect all documentation (service book, TÜV, repair invoices) — this increases the price.
  3. Sell at the right time of year (demand is usually higher in spring/early summer).
  4. Combine channels: dealers (trade-in) + online ads (mobile.de, AutoScout24) + local car dealerships. You can get a higher price on a marketplace, but you can sell faster at a dealer.
  5. Offer potential buyers a transparent ownership history and willingness to be inspected — this speeds up the transaction and reduces the need for a significant discount.
  6. Consider selling to a private individual through popular platforms — this usually gives you a better price, but takes more time.

Alternatives (recommended)

Risks and tax issues (what to look out for)

Approximate budget breakdown (guideline)

*- for details please check our calculator

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