Buying a car in another EU country
Germany is the most common country to import from: there’s plenty of choice, especially premium brands (BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Porsche) and some electric cars. For brands that are everywhere in Spain, or cars under 3 years old, the price gap is usually small.
Where to look
The big car listing sites in Germany and across Europe. Always compare with what the same car costs in Spain (same year, engine, mileage and equipment), not with the cheapest one you see.
Dealer or private seller
DealerGives you an invoice, sometimes a guarantee, and the car is usually checked. The price is a bit higher. Check whether they invoice with normal VAT or under the used-goods scheme: it changes the taxes in Spain.
Private sellerCheaper, but no guarantee and more risk. Inspect the car in person or pay a local garage to inspect it.
What you need to check
- History by chassis number (VIN): mileage recorded at services and inspections, accidents, whether it was leased.
- Service book and garage invoices.
- German roadworthiness test (TÜV/HU) valid.
- German papers: the Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (registration certificate) and, above all, the Teil II (title). Without the Teil II you can’t register it in Spain.
- COC (European certificate of conformity): if the car has one, the ITV in Spain is much easier.
How to pay without getting scammed
- Never pay in advance for a car you haven’t seen to someone you don’t know, even if they send photos of their ID.
- Be wary of prices far below the market and sellers in a hurry.
- Pay by transfer to a dealer with a real address, or in person when you collect the car and the papers.
- Make a written sales contract with both parties’ details, the VIN, the mileage and the price. If it’s in German, keep a translation.