How to buy or sell a car?

The purchase of a new car is generally made from a dealership, which offers cars of a specific brand. The dealer serves as an advisor during the purchase. It is with him that you choose not only the car model, but also its options, according to your needs, your budget and your desires.

It is also possible to buy a new car from an auto agent . This professional offers various cars resulting from negotiations with suppliers who may be located abroad.

The prices are generally attractive compared to dealerships, but there is no offer to trade in your old vehicle or the possibility of trying the car before purchasing. The manufacturer’s warranty begins on the date of first registration of the car , you may have lost part of it if you go through an agent.

Once you have chosen your new car , the procedures are relatively simple because it is the professional, dealer or agent, who takes care of it most of the time. He gives you an invoice including the sales price including tax of the car and the delivery date of the vehicle. Payment is made either by transfer or by bank check.

You have one month to register a new car. Most of the time, the registration process is done directly by the professional who sells you the vehicle. Otherwise, you will need to make a request via the teleservice of the National Agency for Secure Titles ( ANTS ).

As a buyer, you do not have to present any papers when selling a car, unless you are trading in your old car. You just need to worry about your payment method and check that all the documents that must be given to you are in fact given.

In particular, make sure you collect the car’s maintenance booklet, as well as, if possible, the invoices attesting to its latest repairs. For a used vehicle, think about the old registration document , the transfer code as well as the technical inspection , which you will need to register the car in your name.

How to buy a used car?

A new car suffers a significant discount from its first year, during which it loses 20 to 25% of its original value. This is why it makes financial sense to buy a used car . This purchase can be made from a professional or an individual.

Car dealers and agents can also sell used vehicles. From dealers, you will also have the opportunity to purchase a demonstration car: these are vehicles intended for testing by customers.

They have the advantage of sometimes costing several thousand euros less than a truly new car, while sometimes only having a few dozen kilometers on the odometer .

Purchasing a used vehicle from a professional is done according to the same conditions as purchasing a new car. The same documents will be given to you, i.e. an order or delivery form, or an invoice.

However, you will also receive additional documents:

As with a new car, you have one month to obtain a new registration document in your name. If you purchase from a professional, they can take care of the steps for you. Otherwise, you must apply for a registration document from ANTS.

To do this, you will need proof of address less than 6 months old, the car’s old registration document , proof of technical inspection and the transfer code provided by the seller.

How to buy a used car from an individual?

It is also possible to buy a used car from an individual rather than a professional. This can naturally be more risky and it is therefore advisable to research the market in order to buy the car at its fair value, to find out about the vehicle’s history (invoices, maintenance logbook, etc.) and above all to check its condition carefully.

The seller is required to give you several documents which are mandatory:

After the purchase, you will need to take care of the car registration process yourself or go through a professional (garage mechanic, dealer, service provider, etc.). You have one month to change ownership  You will need the old vehicle registration document as well as the mandatory technical inspection report and the transfer code.