A plan to get started
If you want to get into this, here’s a realistic path to learn without betting all your savings.
1Learn the pricesFor weeks, compare cars in Spain and Germany. Note real differences.
2First for yourselfImport your own car or a relative’s. You learn all the paperwork with little risk.
3Find an agencyHave them handle the papers and explain the tax side.
4First car to sellJust one, cheap, that you know well and with clear numbers.
5RegisterIf you repeat it and it works, make it legal before growing.
How much money you need
- To start with €5,000-10,000 cars, you need that money plus 15-20% for taxes, transport, paperwork and surprises.
- Don’t take out loans to buy cars at the start: if a car doesn’t sell, you’re still paying the loan.
Ideas to start with little
Local tradingCheap cars that need little: a deep clean, small fixes and good photos. It’s where you learn to buy well.
Importing to orderSomeone wants a specific car from Germany and you do the search, the check and the paperwork for a commission. You don’t put up the money for the car.
Pre-purchase inspectionsChecking used cars for people who are about to buy. If you study motor mechanics, it’s your territory.
Working at a car dealerYou learn prices, paperwork and tricks with someone else’s money.
The money in cars is made mainly when you buy: a car bought well sells itself; one bought badly loses you money however much you fix it.