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Buying a car in Europe

Original Post
steven sadler · · SLC, UT · Joined May 2010 · Points: 35

A few friends and I are doing a trip to Europe this summer and realized a car will be much easier to bounce around in than the trains. Renting is expensive and we're wondering if anyone has any experience in buying a car over there to use for a few months then selling it. One of the kids that's going lived in Germany for a few years and knows quit a few people that we could use for registration purposes (if registration is a big deal).
Please let us know if you know any info that might be helpful. (Where to buy? How to buy? ect.)

Thanks,

sanz · · Pisgah Forest, NC · Joined Nov 2011 · Points: 210

I bought a car in Spain for 9 months once. If you have someone willing to register, the process is fairly easy but not a cakewalk. Buying insurance is also pretty straightforward, with just a visit or two to the office and the standard paperwork.

I bought a cheap car which required repair several times. The local shop fixed it reasonably fast and cost was around the same as in the US. Going long distances in a cheap car could put you in a nasty spot, though. I also had to get the car inspected once, which was a pain in the ass, but you probably won't have to for just a summer.

Selling the car was by far the biggest issue. My car was so cheap that there wasn't much demand, so I couldn't sell it before leaving. The dealer who promised to buy it back reneged and my friend who put it in his name ended up having to deal with a heap of bullshit just to get rid of it and get his money back.

If you bought a more expensive car, you'd probably have an easier time of selling it and not as much risk taking it on long road trips.

In general, though, I'd probably not recommend it for just a summer. Although the process is fairly straightforward, you'll still spend a few days just dealing with car shit that you could otherwise use to climb. Plus if something goes wrong it could throw a wrench in the whole trip - think major breakdown on the road, accident, can't sell it in time, etc.

I'd say you're best off moving long distances by train and renting a car for short spans as you go. Say you've been climbing in Ceuse and want to check out the crags in Catalunya. Drive back to Lyon where you rented the car, return it, and take a train to Barcelona. Check out the city for a couple days then rent a car and start road tripping to the local crags.

Yes, renting a car is expensive, and yes, buying and selling one instead could end up cheaper. But it could also end up a lot more expensive and a WHOLE lot more of a pain in the ass.

Brian in SLC · · Sandy, Utah · Joined Oct 2003 · Points: 21,711
steven sadler wrote:A few friends and I are doing a trip to Europe this summer and realized a car will be much easier to bounce around in than the trains. Renting is expensive and we're wondering if anyone has any experience in buying a car over there to use for a few months then selling it. One of the kids that's going lived in Germany for a few years and knows quit a few people that we could use for registration purposes (if registration is a big deal). Please let us know if you know any info that might be helpful. (Where to buy? How to buy? ect.) Thanks,
Maybe look at leasing a car? Or, check different locations in Europe as rentals in some countries are way cheaper than others. Some of the off airport rental agencies do long term rental contracts that seem pretty reasonable.

Summer is the spendy time for tourist car rental, though...
steven sadler · · SLC, UT · Joined May 2010 · Points: 35

So we have decided to rent. seems easier. Anyone have any recommendations on places they have personaly used for a good price?

MDimitri . · · Colorado · Joined Apr 2010 · Points: 0
autoeurope.com/buyback_home…

I've used a couple of buy back companies, they come insured etc .
Renault last time....way cheaper then rental if for months not just a couple weeks.
They won't however have highway stickers ie Swiss highway etc ....
Dead easy, look around most euro automakers do this.
Fan Y · · Bishop · Joined Jun 2011 · Points: 830

France and Germany have been the cheapest for me - I've paid on average 15-20 dollars a day, not including insurance because my visa credit card covers any rental for up to 30 days. I use skyscanner's rental search function.

steven sadler · · SLC, UT · Joined May 2010 · Points: 35

So we leased a car from Peugeot and are wondering if we need to clean it before we return it. Any of you guys that have leased a car over here know? Also there is some chipped paint on the door. We have full, non deductible insurance so I don't think we'll be charged for it but would like to hear from some people with experience. We could just call Peugeot but that costs momey. Thanks

Tzilla Rapdrilla · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 955

I used Economy Car Hire for 3 week trips in both Spain and Italy. They seemed to have competitive pricing and the insurance was included in the rental price.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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