Buying A Car In Austria: A Step-By-Step Guide

If you're planning to buy a car in Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, car ownership is popular in Austria, especially for those living outside Vienna, as it makes getting around much easier. You can buy a car in Austria at the age of 18, but you must have a valid driver's license and proof of residency. The process of buying a car in Austria is similar to that of other countries, and you can choose to buy through a dealer or a private seller. Dealerships are a popular option, as they offer a wide range of new and used cars, as well as payment plans and after-sales support. However, be aware of potential hidden fees and unnecessary insurance add-ons. When buying privately, it's recommended to have the vehicle inspected by an independent expert to ensure it's in good condition and hasn't been stolen. Additionally, keep in mind that importing a car into Austria can be expensive due to import taxes and roadworthy certificate requirements.

Buying from a dealership vs. private seller

There are several factors to consider when deciding between buying a car from a dealership or a private seller in Austria. One key difference is the level of trust and security associated with each option. Dealerships are generally considered more trustworthy as they are established businesses with a reputation to uphold. They can also offer follow-up support, maintenance, and warranties for the cars they sell. This provides buyers with some peace of mind and a point of contact if any issues arise after the purchase. Additionally, dealerships often have a wider selection of both new and used cars, giving buyers more options to choose from. The transfer of funds is also more secure when dealing with a dealership.

On the other hand, private sellers may offer lower prices as they do not have the same overhead expenses as dealerships. When buying from a private seller, you may have more room to negotiate on the price and potentially score extra bonuses, such as winter tires or specialized mats. However, it is important to note that private sales are typically made without a guarantee, and there may be unknown factors or risks associated with the transaction. For example, you may not know the full history of the car, including any accidents or unfixed safety recalls, unless you obtain a vehicle history report separately. This can be time-consuming and incur additional costs.

The process of purchasing a car from a dealership is generally more streamlined and may offer one-stop shopping, where you can test drive, secure financing, and complete the necessary paperwork all in one place. Dealerships often provide payment plans and can handle the registration process on your behalf. In contrast, private sellers usually require full payment upfront, and you may need to arrange financing through a bank or credit union before finalizing the deal.

It is worth noting that, in Austria, dealerships are not obliged to perform a technical inspection of the vehicle before selling it. However, it is recommended to have an independent inspection done, especially for used cars. This can help identify any potential issues and provide peace of mind.

Ultimately, the decision between buying from a dealership or a private seller depends on your personal preferences, level of comfort with the process, and the specific circumstances of the purchase. It is always a good idea to do your research, compare prices and options, and, if possible, have the car inspected by a trusted mechanic before finalizing the deal.

Paperwork and payments

The process of buying a car in Austria is similar to that of other countries. However, there are some specific documents you will need to present when purchasing a car. This includes your ID and proof of local residency and address. You will also need to have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old.

When buying a car in Austria, you can choose to purchase from a dealer or a private seller. Dealerships are a popular option as they offer a wide range of new and used cars, and you can often access payment plans and negotiate better deals. The dealer will also handle the necessary paperwork, such as registration, and provide follow-up support and maintenance. If you buy through a dealer, you will usually put down a deposit on the car first.

If you choose to buy from a private seller, it is important to be cautious and do your research. It is recommended to have the car inspected by an independent Austrian motorists' association or an independent expert before purchase. This is especially important for used cars, as you want to ensure there are no hidden issues or problems. You will also need to handle the paperwork and payments yourself when buying from a private seller.

After you have selected a car, you will need to sort out the paperwork and payments. Make sure you have the sale invoice, registration certificates, and a European Certificate of Conformity. You will also need to pay the seller and obtain the necessary documentation, including proof of ownership and roadworthiness. With these documents, you can then go to an insurer to pay the tax and insurance and obtain licence plates for your car.

It is worth noting that importing a car into Austria can be expensive due to the import tax and the cost of obtaining a roadworthy certificate. Additionally, it can be challenging to find reasonable quality petrol cars, and the system appears to favour diesel or CNG vehicles. Therefore, it is generally cheaper to buy a car in Austria than to import one.

Registration and insurance

Registering a car in Austria is relatively easy if you buy a new car or a used car from an Austrian car dealer. If you buy from a dealer, they will handle all the necessary paperwork, such as registration, and offer follow-up support and maintenance. However, if you buy from a private seller, you will need to sort out the paperwork yourself. In either case, you will need to provide proof of residency and a local address.

When you buy a car, you should receive a sale invoice, registration certificates, and a European Certificate of Conformity. If you are importing a car, you will need to make an appointment with your car brand's Austrian main importer, who will pre-register the car. You will then need to contact the Austrian tax authorities and pay any additional taxes. A tax confirmation will be provided, which you will need to bring to the registration office.

To register a vehicle in Austria, you must go to a registration office in your political municipality. The registration office will charge around €188 for registering the car. They will provide you with licence plates and a safety check sticker, which must be attached to the car's windshield. You can find a list of all registration offices from Insurance Austria.

Before registering an imported vehicle, you must calculate the amount of standardised consumption tax (NoVA) and pay this tax to the tax office. Once the tax office has confirmed receipt of the NoVA and the 20% purchase tax (for new vehicles), the vehicle will be registered.

To register a vehicle with an insurance company registration office, it must be covered by third-party liability insurance that is valid in Austria. The insurance must be purchased from a company entitled to provide third-party liability insurance services in Austria. If the insurance company does not have a registration office in your district, registration must be performed by another insurer's office in your district.

Importing a car

To import a car, you will need to apply for green Austrian transit plates ("Überstellungskennzeichen"). You will also need a Meldetzettle, which means you are registered as a resident within the district where you live and you get a certificate with your name and address from the district office. You will need an Austrian address to gain insurance in Austria.

When purchasing a car, it is recommended to have the vehicle inspected by an independent Austrian motorists' association or an independent expert, with the agreement of the dealer. This is especially important for used cars. The buyer must usually bear the costs of such inspections.

After purchasing the car, you will need to take the documentation and service history, proof of ownership, and Pickerl (proof of roadworthiness) to an insurer, where you will pay tax and insurance in return for obtaining license plates for the car.

Used car checks

One way to do this is to use the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) to check the vehicle's history. This can be done via sites like autoDNA.com, which offers a free VIN lookup service. Using the VIN, you can check the vehicle's history, including any accidents, damage, inspections, and mileage. This will help you verify the seller's claims and ensure that you are getting a car in good condition.

It is also recommended to have the vehicle inspected by an independent expert or Austrian motorist association, such as ÖAMTC, before purchase. This will cost around 40-50 Euros, but it is worth it to have peace of mind and ensure you are aware of any potential issues.

In addition to these checks, it is important to carefully review the paperwork associated with the vehicle. When buying a used car in Austria, you will need documents such as the European Certificate of Conformity (COC) and a sales invoice from the seller. Make sure that the VIN on the paperwork matches the VIN on the car, and be aware of any additional documents required if you plan to register the vehicle in another EU country.

Finally, when dealing with a private seller, it is a good idea to pay attention to their home and garage. A well-kept property may indicate that they take good care of their car as well.

Frequently asked questions