Selling a car in Germany can be easy if you know which route to take. There are a few options from which to choose: sell it to a dealer, an online buyer site or to a private buyer.
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Selling a car at an auction
Auctions have grown in popularity in Germany. These Automarkt websites offer the possibility to present and sell used cars at a fair price. However, a good sale is not always guaranteed – and you are responsible for the appearance and presentation of your car, meaning you have to provide high-quality photos and create an informative description of your car on the platform.
source:popularmechanics.com
A long time can pass by before an acceptable offer comes along, so you should have some patience. If someone presents with an offer, don’t expect the price to be a dream come true: a good deal is not always guaranteed, especially if it’s an old vehicle.
Selling a car to a German dealer
If you plan to sell a car to a dealer, you can expect a fast and easy process. Most dealerships that sell used cars in Germany will buy your car immediately without asking too many questions. But there’s a little catch: although a sale is guaranteed, you should be prepared for price negotiations. You will probably sell your used car for a much lower price.
source:expatica.com
Another possibility offered by many car dealerships is a trade-in, in which you simply exchange your old car for a new one, paying an attractive price. One of the best car dealers in Germany is Autoankauf Ulm.
Car sale with a buying site
The valuations require entering information about your vehicle to determine the current value; you can then book an appointment at a location nearby, where someone inspects the car more thoroughly. After the TUV-certified valuation, you get the chance to sell it at or near value.
The service differs from buying site to buying site. Some offer you a free valuation in advance, and they will also take care of the formalities after the purchase of your car. It is important to check the fine print before committing to any car buying site.
source:expatica.com
Besides the service’s speed, one of the primary benefits of this type of buying site is the lack of paperwork. You simply sign the contract of purchase and everything else is arranged, including the de-registration of your vehicle. In case of the disposal of your car, you will receive the certificate of destruction (Verwertungsnachweis), so you know that the car has been disposed of accordingly.
Sell a car privately
A private sale is a common way of selling used cars in Germany – and there are plenty of ways of doing so. You can pass it on a family member or a friend, place a “for sale” sign on the car or try to sell it by placing an ad on a website. With this approach, the advertisement of your car lies in your hands. Thoroughly cleaning your vehicle and organizing necessary papers is recommended to increase the chances that your ad will be seen among the thousands of other vehicles on the portal. A detailed description and high-quality photos of the interior and exterior also increase the sales opportunity.
A car inspection, though not required can build extra confidence in the buyers. The required HU (Hauptuntersuchung or general inspection), which needs to be done every two years in Germany will ensure that buyers won’t disregard your car – they can trust that the car is in good condition.
Private sales can be more profitable but there’s no guarantee you’ll get a great offer for your car. Time is also a factor – organizing meetings and test drives with interested buyers would be on the agenda. In case of a successful deal, it is highly recommended to protect yourself with a sales contract, which includes all sales details.
source:expatica.com
If documents are missing during the transfer or registration of a vehicle, there is no way to pass another official inspection. Which documents must be submitted is outlined by many licensing authorities on their websites.
At the registration desk (KFZ-Zulassungsstelle) the seller must be in possession of specific documents in order to transfer the car. A passport and the vehicle letter (approval certificate II also called Zulassungsbescheinigung II) are essential for admission to the registration office. For the re-registration or registration of a used vehicle, the old vehicle’s registration document (approval certificate I also called Zulassungsbescheinigung I) and the report of the last inspection must also be submitted.
There are quite a few documents and items that are essential for a successful sale of your car:
- Registration certificate Part I and Part II (Zulassungsbescheinigung I, II)
- Service book
- Further written proof of maintenance and repairs
- The latest TUV report
- Guarantees for built-in accessories
- Existing car keys
- Your ID
The best way to sell a car in Germany depends entirely on the time and effort you are willing to provide. Every method can lead you to a successful sale, provided you stick to the tips and know the true value of your car.
source:popularmechanics.com
