🚗 How to Buy and Import a Car from Germany to Spain – Everything You Need to Know Before You Start 🇩🇪➡️🇪🇸

If you’ve ever considered importing a car from Germany, you’ve probably asked yourself:

✔️ Is it really worth it?

✔️ How much does the whole process cost?

✔️ How can I avoid problems and unexpected issues?

After importing my own car and saving thousands of euros, I want to share the key points you should consider before getting started.

1️⃣ Why Buy a Car in Germany? The Key Advantages

Buying a car in Germany is still a cheaper and safer option compared to purchasing one in Spain. Here’s why:

🔹 Lower Prices – You can save between €2,000 and €10,000 compared to Spanish dealership prices.

🔹 More Transparency – German dealerships are usually more honest about a vehicle’s real condition.

🔹 Greater Variety – Germany offers better-equipped cars, plug-in hybrids, and models that aren’t even available in Spain.

🔹 Lower Taxes – Germany has a 19% VAT, while Spain has 21%, which already provides savings.

💡 Tip: If you’re looking for an ECO or zero-emission vehicle, German plug-in hybrids can be an excellent option.

2️⃣ First Steps Before Traveling to Germany ✈️

If you decide to buy a car in Germany, proper planning is crucial.

✅ Define what kind of car you need:

Think about the model, engine type, mileage, fuel type, and your total budget (including taxes, ITV, and registration).

💡 Remember that if you have a set price in mind, you may need to compromise on a different brand or model.

✅ Use different search platforms, not just Mobile.de:

There are less competitive and safer sources, such as official dealerships, where it’s easier to find inspected cars with no hidden issues.

✅ Verify the car’s documents:

Before making any decisions, ask the dealer for:

✔️ Service history book with recorded maintenance.

✔️ TÜV certificate – mandatory German inspection.

✔️ Accident and vehicle history report (Carfax or Dekra).

✅ Negotiate the price:

Many dealerships in Germany are open to negotiation, especially if you’re paying in cash.

3️⃣ How to Organize the Trip and Transport Your Car? 🚗💨

🔹 Book a flight – Cheap options to Munich, Berlin, or Düsseldorf.

🔹 Schedule an appointment with the dealership – Don’t arrive unannounced; ensure the car is still available.

🔹 Speak to multiple dealers before making a decision – Don’t settle on the first dealer you talk to; compare prices and offers to make an informed choice.

🔹 Choose how to bring the car to Spain:

✔️ Option 1: Drive it back – You’ll need temporary German plates. Avoid 5-day plates (risk of fines in France); 30-day plates are the safest option.

✔️ Option 2: Have it shipped – Transport companies can deliver your car to Spain for €500 - €1,000, depending on the distance.

4️⃣ Costs & Documents Needed for Registration in Spain 📑💰

💰 Approximate Import Costs:

✔️ Car price in Germany – Depends on the model.

✔️ Temporary plates & insurance: €300.

✔️ Registration tax in Spain: Depends on CO₂ emissions.

✔️ ITV inspection (Spanish technical test): €120-200.

✔️ DGT traffic registration fees: €100-200.

✔️ Gestoría (administrative assistance): €90-200 (optional but highly recommended).

📌 Documents Required for Registration in Spain:

✅ Purchase invoice.

✅ Certificate of Conformity (CoC).

✅ German registration papers.

✅ Proof of payment for the registration tax.

✅ Temporary or full insurance.

💡 Tip: Doing all the paperwork yourself can be complicated. A gestoría can help you save time and avoid mistakes.

5️⃣ Is It Really Worth It? My Personal Experience

After importing my Audi A3 40 TFSI-e from Germany, I saved €3,500 compared to buying it in Spain.

🔹 Germany price: €24,000

🔹 Import & tax costs: €2,500

🔹 Total cost: €26,500

🔹 Price in Spain: €30,000

📌 Total savings: €3,500

💡 Conclusion: Should You Import a Car from Germany?

If you’re looking for a second-hand car in Spain, before overpaying at a dealership, check out the options in Germany.

With proper planning, you can save thousands of euros and get a better-equipped car.

If you have any questions – send me a message, and I’ll help you understand the process!

📩 Full guide to importing a car from Germany:

 https://www.condux.es/en