Buying a Car in Germany 2026: Complete Guide

Quick answer

Buying a car in Germany can save you €2,000-5,000 compared to Lithuanian prices, but total import costs (transport €300-600, registration €100-200, pollution tax €0-800) reduce the advantage. According to WHEELSTREET data, 46.7% of all imported cars to Lithuania come from Germany — WHEELSTREET handles the entire import process including inspection, transport, and registration.

Germany has been the main source of used car imports to Lithuania for decades – as much as 46.7% of all imported cars come from there. But is it still worth buying a car in Germany in 2026? What documents are needed? How to avoid fraud? This article covers everything you need to know.

Why is Germany Still Popular?

Illustration: Why is Germany Still Popular?

Advantages:

1. Vast Selection

• Largest car market in Europe
• All brands and models
• Various configurations and conditions

2. Better Technical Condition

• Stricter TÜV (vehicle technical inspection)
• Regular servicing
• Better roads (less pothole damage)

3. Complete Documentation

• Service booklets
• Service history
• TÜV reports

4. Reliable Platforms

• mobile.de – largest platform
• autoscout24.de – international
• heycar.de – verified cars

5. Competitive Prices Certain models in Germany can be 10-20% cheaper than in Lithuania, especially:

• Well-maintained petrol cars
• Hybrids
• Specific configurations

Disadvantages and Risks:

1. Not Always Cheaper When accounting for all expenses (travel, transportation, registration), the difference may be minimal.

2. Risk of Buying a Problem Car

• Cannot fully inspect remotely
• Some sellers specialize in "exports"
• Mileage fraud still exists

3. Documentation Issues

• COC certificate not always available
• Registration process can take time
• Language barrier

Import Statistics 2025

According to vehicle registration authority data, in the first half of 2025, imported used M1 class vehicles by country of origin:

How Much Does Import Cost?

Estimated Costs:

Total Additional Costs: 500-1,200 EUR (depending on vehicle and transportation method)

Taxes

When Buying from EU Countries (including Germany):

• NO customs duties
• VAT situation depends on seller

VAT Rules:

• If purchasing from a private individual – you don't pay VAT
• If purchasing from a company with VAT (gross price) – VAT already included
• If purchasing from a company without VAT (net price) – you pay 21% VAT in Lithuania

Important: Check if the price is listed "gross" (with VAT) or "net" (without VAT). For private individuals, the gross price is relevant.

Step by Step: How to Buy

Step 1: Search and Selection

Where to Look:

• mobile.de – largest platform, most listings
• autoscout24.de – convenient search, international
• heycar.de – verified cars only

Search Tips:

• Filter by "Fahrzeughalter: 1-2" (1-2 owners)
• Look for "Scheckheftgepflegt" (with service booklet)
• Avoid "Export" listings
• Pay attention to mileage-to-age ratio

Red Flags:

• Price too good to be true
• "Nur für Export" (export only)
• No interior photos
• Seller avoids questions
• Very little historical information

Step 2: Vehicle Inspection

Remote Inspection:

1. Request VIN number
2. Conduct VIN check (carVertical, autoDNA)
3. Compare with listing information
4. Request additional photos/video

In-Person Inspection (if visiting yourself):

1. Check VIN on vehicle and documents
2. Visual inspection (paint thickness, corrosion)
3. Test drive
4. Diagnostics at service if possible

Inspection Service: Companies in Germany can inspect the car for you:

• TÜV inspection
• DEKRA inspection
• Independent inspectors

Cost: 100-200 EUR, but can save thousands.

Step 3: Negotiation and Purchase

Negotiation Tips:

• Germans are often open to negotiation
• Have an alternative – strengthens your position
• Point out specific issues
• Realistic discount range: 3-10%

Documents You Must Receive:

1. Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I (registration certificate)
2. Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil II (ownership document)
3. TÜV Report (if still valid)
4. Service Booklet (if available)
5. COC Certificate (European Compliance Certificate) – VERY IMPORTANT
6. Purchase-Sale Agreement

COC Certificate:

• Required for vehicle registration in Lithuania
• If seller doesn't have it – order from manufacturer (50-300 EUR)
• Without COC registration is more complex and expensive

Step 4: Transportation

Options:

A) Drive It Yourself:

• Need temporary plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen or export plates)
• Travel insurance
• Cheapest but requires time and effort
• Cost: ~100-200 EUR (plates + insurance)

B) Auto Transport:

• Most reliable and safe
• Cost: 350-700 EUR (depending on distance)
• Time: 3-7 days

C) Truck:

• Suitable if car is non-operational
• Cost: 500-1,000 EUR

Temporary Plates in Germany:

Step 5: Registration in Lithuania

Owner's Declaration Code: From May 2024, obtaining an owner's declaration code from the vehicle registration authority is mandatory before registering an imported vehicle.

1. Log in to the vehicle registration authority online system
2. Declare the acquired vehicle
3. Receive the declaration code
4. Only with the code can you register

Registration Process:

1. Customs Procedures – if car from non-EU country (Germany is EU, so not needed)

2. Vehicle Technical Inspection – mandatory before registration

   • Prepare the vehicle
   • Have all documents
   • Cost: 25-35 EUR

3. Registration with Vehicle Registry:

   • Schedule a visit
   • Submit documents
   • Pay fees
   • Receive license plates

Registration Fee (based on CO2 emissions):

Most Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. "Export Only" Cars

Problem: Such cars often failed TÜV or have serious issues.

Solution: Avoid such listings or inspect very carefully.

2. Missing COC Certificate

Problem: Without COC, registration in Lithuania will be more difficult and expensive.

Solution: Before buying, ensure you'll receive COC, or find out if you can order it from the manufacturer.

3. Unchecked VIN History

Problem: May reveal rolled mileage, accidents, or even stolen vehicle.

Solution: ALWAYS conduct VIN check before buying (carVertical, autoDNA).

4. Underpriced Sale Agreement

Problem: Sellers sometimes ask to list lower price for tax purposes. This can cause problems later.

Solution: Always state the true price. If you sell within 3 years – you'll pay income tax on profit.

5. Leasing or Financing History

Problem: Car may have outstanding leasing in Germany.

Solution: VIN check can show financing history. Also ask seller to confirm no outstanding obligations.

How Much Can You Save?

Illustration: How Much Can You Save?

Real Example: VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI, 2020, 80,000 km

In Lithuania:

• Price: 28,000-32,000 EUR

In Germany:

• Price: 24,000-27,000 EUR
• Transportation: 500 EUR
• Registration and other: 300 EUR
• Total cost: 24,800-27,800 EUR

Potential Savings: 2,000-5,000 EUR

When It's NOT Worth Importing:

• Car costs less than 10,000 EUR (expenses "eat up" savings)
• Difference is less than 2,000 EUR
• You don't have time or experience
• Car has specific issues (e.g., regional configuration)

Alternative: Buying Through Intermediaries

If you don't want to travel or deal with documents yourself, you can use intermediary services.

What Intermediaries Do:

• Find cars according to your criteria
• Check history and condition
• Negotiate with seller
• Organize transportation
• Help with registration

Cost: 500-1,500 EUR above car price

Advantages:

• Save time
• Reduce risk
• Professional inspection

Disadvantages:

• Additional costs
• Less control
• Must trust the intermediary

Most Popular Brands for Import

According to statistics, most commonly imported brands from Germany:

1. Volkswagen – reliability, parts availability
2. BMW – popular but more fraud
3. Mercedes-Benz – premium but high maintenance costs
4. Audi – similar situation to BMW
5. Toyota – hybrids especially popular
6. Skoda – good price/quality ratio
7. Ford – economical option

Who Should Particularly Import from Germany in 2026

1. Young Drivers

Affordable petrol cars (VW Polo, Toyota Yaris) – abundant in Germany, cheaper.

2. Families

Spacious estates (Skoda Octavia, Ford S-Max) – popular in Germany, good condition.

3. City Drivers

Hybrids and electric cars (Toyota Prius, Renault Zoe) – large selection in Germany.

4. Business Clients

Tesla Model 3, VW ID.4 – due to business tax benefits.

Conclusions

Our Expert Recommendation

Buying a car in Germany in 2026 can still be a good solution if you:

• Know what you're looking for
• Carefully verify the vehicle's history
• Calculate all costs
• Are prepared to spend time on the process

Key Tips:

1. Always conduct VIN check
2. Ensure you'll receive COC certificate
3. Don't fall for "too good to be true" offers
4. Calculate all costs in advance
5. If inexperienced – consider intermediary services

Considering buying a car in Germany? WHEELSTREET helps find, verify and deliver cars from Europe. We advise on documents, organize transportation and assist with registration. Save time and risk – contact us for free consultation.

Also Useful:

• 🔍 WHEELSTREET Car Sourcing – we import cars from Germany
• 🏆 Vehicle Registration in Lithuania – after import
• 🚗 Used Cars WHEELSTREET – already verified imported options
• 💰 Leasing Calculator – calculate payment for imported car
• 📚 Car Import — Glossary
• 📚 Emission Tax — Glossary

Buy from Lithuania

Looking to buy a quality used car from Lithuania? WHEELSTREET offers professional car sourcing with full inspection, history check and cross-border delivery across Europe. Browse verified inventory at WHEELSTREET Used Cars or request a custom car search at Car Sourcing Service.

WHEELSTREET ☎ +370 610 33377 | wheelstreet.lt