Buying and Selling a Car

Details on the vehicle registration documents and paperwork needed to buy or sell a car in Germany...

New cars and used cars can be bought in Germany. Cars are sold through dealerships, or privately, with a transfer from one owner to another.

This section features information on buying a new car in Germany, as well as details on how to go about the private sale or purchase of a second-hand used car.

Purchase Assistance

ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e. V.) is the national German car club, which offers many vehicle services:

  • Pre-purchase vehicle inspections, price guides, purchase contracts and preparation of a bill of sale
  • Advice when buying a used car motorbike or camper van
  • Information on selecting a car which uses an alternative fuel
  • Advice on everyday issues such as using snow chains correctly or installing child seats
  • Provides a breakdown and recovery service
  • ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club e. V.) 
    Tel    : 0180 5 10 11 12

VCD (Verkehrsclub Deutschland) is the German transport association and, while more environmentally aware than ADAC, it offers similar services.