Buying a used car in Germany is the best option, if you are not prepared to pay a lot and have some experience with cars in general. The well-build German road networks don't cause much wear & tear, and the overall quality standards of the Western European car industry offers some hope that a used car will not cause much trouble for its new owner. 
Germans tend to buy new cars directly from their official dealers, but used cars can also be bought on specialised websites, for example:
 

https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/
https://www.mobile.de/
https://www.autoscout24.de/

 

Buying a car in Germany - What you need to know

 

If you buy a car from a registered company, you get a half-year warranty. You also have the right to return the car or only pay part of its repair if any faults are found that were not specified in the sales contract.  
However, you decide to buy a car from a private person, you should count only on your intuition and good fortune. The owner's words that the car is in perfect condition are not always true. Buying a car from a private person is advisable only if you have an at least decent understanding about how these machines work. It is also necessary to remember that private persons generally do not include a guarantee in the sales contract.


In order to buy a car in Germany, you need the following documents:

 

  • The registration document (Fahrzeugbrief). The VIN code of the vehicle, the date of manufacture and the date of registration can be seen on the data sheet.
  • The sales contract (Kaufvertrag). Make sure that it states "kein Unfallschaden" (i.e. the vehicle is in good condition and the seller guarantees it).
  • German Technical Inspection (TÜV). The TÜV inspection takes place every two years.
  • Certificate of de-registration (Abmeldebescheinigung). 
  • Insurance policy (Doppelkarte). The yellow one is required for obtaining licence plates. The green card is valid within the European Union.

  • The vehicle's environmental certificate (ASU Abgasuntersuchung). This usually only states the mileage of the vehicle.

     

Important!

  • If you buy a car without TÜV and AU, you should expect additional financial investment in repairing the car so that it can pass these inspections in order to receive the TÜV and AU stickers.
  • If the car is paid for in cash, you should ask for a cheque signed by the seller. It is also advisable to arrange in advance with the seller to take you to the local KFZ-Zulassungsstelle to obtain yellow plates.