Buying and using a car abroad: what you need to know
Need a new car? From setting the right budget to checking the vehicle, ACL expert Frank Maas explains what you need to bear in mind.
Before you start looking for a car, you should set your budget – not just for the purchase, but also for insurance, taxes and maintenance in the long term. ‘These costs are often underestimated,’ explains Frank Maas, responsible for promoting mobility solutions and hybrid vehicles at ACL.
New or used?
A used car is usually cheaper, but Frank Maas warns that older cars often have more problems and incur high repair costs later on. A cheap new car can be worthwhile due to its warranty and longer service life. ACL members who are interested in a used car can have it inspected by ACL for £89.
Private purchase or dealer?
Cars are often more expensive at dealers, but you usually get a warranty and maintenance before purchase. If you are looking for a specific model, you have a better chance here, as dealers usually offer a wider selection. A private purchase is usually cheaper, but Frank Maas advises caution, especially with cheap offers from abroad. Mileage is often falsified and hidden defects can become expensive in the long run.
Important checks before buying:
- Bodywork & windows: look for cracks and stone chips in the field of vision
- Tyres: check tread & age
- Electrics & functions: test mirrors, lights, seat belts, windscreen wipers and air conditioning
- Interior: check for moisture in the rear footwell
- Service & maintenance: Ask for the service log! If there is no service log, a dealer for the brand can retrieve the history using the vehicle number. Alternatively, you can ask the previous owner for invoices for maintenance and inspections.
Don’t forget a test drive!
During a test drive, make sure that the engine runs smoothly, no warning lights come on and the brakes work properly.
Taking your car abroad?
Frank Maas advises you to think carefully about whether this is necessary. In large cities, public transport is often cheaper than maintaining a car. If you only need your car for occasional trips home, it is better not to take it with you. Standing still for weeks on end is bad for your car, and safety is not always guaranteed in a large city.
Important checks before taking your car abroad:
- Low emission zones: There are low emission zones in Germany, Belgium and France. You can obtain information on these from the ACL. Members can order the environmental badge for Germany from the ACL.
- Registration: If you register with a new address abroad, you should re-register your car. This may incur additional costs.
