Our professional consultant on car selection and ordering from Germany, Denis Rem, helps us prepare the materials. Denis has 5 years of experience with used cars and hundreds of thoroughly inspected models under his belt, and his YouTube channel has almost 350 thousand subscribers.
In the first article, we will focus on the stage of preliminary selection of a suitable car in Germany.
Which cars can be cleared through customs cheaper
Let us remind you that according to law No. 3251, a car not older than 2010, which meets Euro-5 eco standards and is not produced in Russia, can be cleared through customs at preferential rates.
It should be remembered that the new reduced excise tax rates are not entirely proportional to engine size. The lowest excise tax is currently set for cars with petrol engines from 1 to 1.5 liters – 0.063 euros per 1 cm³ (previously 1.367), while for engines less than 1 liter the tax is already slightly higher – 0.102 euros (previously 1.094).
Between the categories of 1.5-2.2 liters and 2.2-3 liters, the difference is now minimal – 0.267 and 0.276 euros respectively. For diesel cars with engines up to one and a half liters, the excise rate is 0.103 euros (previously 1.367), and up to 2.5 liters – 0.327 euros (previously 1.923). Excise rates for larger engines are no longer so attractive. For a petrol engine over three liters, you will have to pay 2.209 euros (previously 3.329), and a diesel over 2.5 liters will cost 2.209 euros (previously 2.779).
As a result, it turns out that it is most profitable to buy cars with engines from one to one and a half liters, the excise tax on which is lower than, for example, on the compact car Smart ForTwo with engines of 898 cm³ or 999 cm³.
Who is better to buy from
Having chosen a suitable car, be sure to contact the seller to make sure that the car has not been sold yet. In addition, pay attention to who exactly is selling the car – a car dealership (legal entity) or the owner himself (individual). This is important because when buying a car from a legal entity, you can get a VAT refund if the previous owner was also a legal entity. At the same time, with a legal entity, you need to clarify whether this company works with foreign clients – some offices do not want to deal with exports to avoid VAT refunds.
It is highly desirable to make a prepayment, since no verbal promises guarantee you that upon arrival at the place, the chosen model will not turn out to be already sold to another client. The amount of the prepayment depends on the cost of the car, but sellers usually require at least 500 euros. In case of your refusal of the car, it will be almost impossible to get the money back. Also, be sure to conclude a preliminary contract, which will detail all the obligations of the parties, including the amount of the prepayment and the guarantee of VAT refund.
To avoid unnecessary problems when processing documents and not to fall for unscrupulous dealers, it is better to entrust the selection of a suitable model to a company or a car selection specialist who are directly in Europe. This service has recently become increasingly popular among our compatriots, because this method is much more reliable and safer than selecting a car from photos on websites.
If you have already decided on the final option, taking into account all the above points, then you can go for your car. We will tell you in detail about what awaits you upon arrival in Germany in our next article.
If you want to use Denis's services for selecting and ordering a car from Germany, contact him by phone +4917623771650 or write by email [email protected]
