EU cars are currently more popular than ever before. Reimports from abroad are comparatively cheap. Go about it the right way, and you can save a lot of money by buying in another EU country. Here's how.
The advantages of EU bargains certainly outweigh the disadvantages. However, you should not underestimate the effort involved in buying EU cars abroad.
What actually is an EU import?
An EU import is a new car that is put on the market in another country of the European Union. However, for the actual sale of the EU new cars, a transport of the vehicles to Germany takes place. You can find more information about EU cars here: Buying a new car: what are EU cars?
What are re-imports?
A reimport, on the other hand, is a vehicle that was built in Germany and intended for sale in another country. However, the car is subsequently brought back to Germany. Through a re-import, the respective importer bypasses the price specifications established by the manufacturer. In addition, when a vehicle is reimported within the EU, no customs duties are incurred. As a rule, a reimported vehicle is a new car. Rarer, but also possible, are reimports of used cars.
Financial advantages of EU cars
When looking for a cheap new car, it's well worth considering the price of vehicles in another country. Ideally, the prices can be around 40 percent lower than the prices in this country. The reason is quite simple: vehicles are taxed at a much higher rate abroad. While only 19 percent VAT is charged in Germany, it can be as high as 180 percent in a country in Scandinavia.
As a result, the net sales price for the vehicle is correspondingly lower than the price in Germany. Otherwise, no one would be able to afford a new car. The net prices for the new car - of course always depending on the manufacturer and model - are therefore particularly favorable, which in turn you benefit from if you choose an EU new car. You only have to pay VAT in Germany on top of the low net price of the EU new car. The bottom line is that you can enjoy particularly attractive discounts and thus favorable prices if you opt for a new EU car.
Generally favorable countries for buying cars are Denmark, the Netherlands, Greece, Spain, Portugal, Finland, and occasionally Belgium or France.
Buying EU cars - consider the administrative burden
It is quite possible to import a new passenger car from another country as a private individual. However, the administrative effort involved in buying re-imported cars, which can often be very high, should by no means be underestimated. For the car, for example, you have to apply for a short-term license plate from your insurance company so that you can officially transfer the new EU car from abroad. Registration of the re-imported EU new car with the local vehicle registration authority requires an original proof of purchase. When buying a vehicle on the foreign market - regardless of the brand - the COC plays a crucial role. This is a document that the registration office also requires if you want to register the car in Germany.
In order to avoid problems with the insurance of EU vehicles, when you buy a cheap new EU car, you must establish beyond doubt that it is a new car. This means that the car, imported from another country, must not have a previous owner and the speedometer should not show any mileage. In addition, the car must be no more than one year old. The completed service booklet of the new EU car is crucial for a warranty. In addition to the date of delivery of the model, the chassis number is also important. Only in the case that the paperwork of the EU new car is complete and complies with EU law, all authorized workshops of the respective car manufacturer are obliged to provide warranty services for the EU new car. Be sure to get the original vehicle documents and purchase invoice that are common in the country of purchase, as the local registration offices are not allowed to accept copies.
Another point is the tax office. You have exactly ten days after the introduction of a new EU car to pay the VAT due to the tax office by presenting the original invoice. You can only realize a smooth process if you prepare well for the vehicle purchase and, at best, get support from an expert. Or you can decide directly for a qualified dealer, where you can get personal advice and address all questions concerning the topic of EU new cars.
Buying EU cars from a dealer
There are numerous dealers in the domestic market that specialize in car re-importation of new vehicles. If a customer who is looking for a cheap new car decides to go this route, then above all he saves himself the administrative effort, which can be quite high in some cases. Nevertheless, you should not refrain from visiting several dealers and taking advantage of the personal consultation to find out about EU vehicles. Especially with regard to registration, insurance, defects in new vehicles as well as warranty and full manufacturer warranty.
In the case of a new EU car imported to Germany from abroad, it is common for the manufacturer's warranty to start running some time before the car is handed over to the buyer. Accordingly, a buyer who wishes to purchase a new EU car should definitely address the issue of full manufacturer's warranty before making the purchase.
Differing equipment features of EU vehicles
Different countries, different customs and preferences. The equipment of EU cars is always based on national preferences and often differs from that of a new German car. This can be quite advantageous, but it can also lead to disadvantages. The type designation of the vehicle does not necessarily mean that all equipment details are the same. It is also by no means guaranteed that the EU car will meet the standards of a new German car. Not even if it is a German brand. With regard to equipment features, you must always thoroughly check what the model includes - and what it does not. For example, the electronic immobilizer is not standard across the EU. In Germany, however, this safety standard is required by many insurance companies.
In addition, when buying a new EU car, you should find out about the Euro 6 emissions standard in good time. The Euro 6 emissions standard sets limits for the emission of air pollutants by motor vehicles.
In addition to safety, however, it is also a matter of personal preference. If you do not want to do without air conditioning in your new passenger car, EU cars from the south make sense. Air conditioning systems are usually installed there. The situation is different if you opt for a new car from a manufacturer in Scandinavia. There, on the other hand, you can rely on special winter equipment. The bottom line is that you need to be very careful with regard to the equipment, so that you end up buying the right car at the best price.
Warranty and guarantee
As long as the reimport is a new car from the EU, you do not need to worry about warranty and guarantee claims. The claims are valid in the entire EU area. All authorized dealers in Germany are obliged to process any claims. However, this is only the case if the car's papers are adequately marked. The service booklet is particularly decisive for warranty and guarantee. Make sure that both the date of delivery of the new EU car and the chassis number are recorded there. This guarantees that you will not suffer any disadvantages in terms of warranty claims.
Reimport or car with one-day registration?
Day registrations can also save you a lot of money when buying a car. Day registrations are a legal and very common way for car dealers to circumvent the discount limits set by manufacturers. This allows for even more favorable offers and buyers can save even more money when buying a new car.
If an available new car is registered by a dealer for a single day only, it is a one-day registration. In this way, a new car becomes a young used car. In this case, the car is available either directly from the dealer or in an interim storage facility. The vehicle usually does not leave its location at all in the case of a one-day registration; the mileage accordingly remains at zero. A one-day registration therefore only takes place on paper and brings with it many advantages. For example, the customer receives more favorable discounts, the dealer increases his sales figures and the manufacturer improves his statistics. Since daily registrations are usually stock vehicles that are immediately available to the buyer, there are no long delivery times as with a new car.
Buying a car in a non-EU country
If you buy a car in a non-EU country, you must be particularly careful. In this case, all claims will be handled according to the law applicable there. In case of doubt, this can become a real problem and present you with an insurmountable hurdle. Laypersons should therefore refrain from buying a new car in a non-EU country. Above all, if no knowledge is available. When buying a car, it is essential to rely on an expert.
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