Car Import from Germany vs Buying in Lithuania: What Pays Off?

Quick answer

According to WHEELSTREET data, importing a car from Germany saves 10-25% on the purchase price for vehicles in the €10,000-30,000 range, but total import costs (transport, registration, pollution tax) add €1,500-4,000. The break-even point is around €12,000 — below that, buying locally in Lithuania is usually cheaper and less risky.

Germany is the largest used car market in Europe. Many Lithuanians wonder: is it worth buying there and bringing it back, or is it better to search in Lithuania? In this article – real calculations, risks and advice.

What you'll find in this article

Illustration: What you'll find in this article

• Price comparison (Germany vs Lithuania)
• All import costs
• Advantages and risks
• Step-by-step process
• When it's worth it, when it's not

Price comparison

Visual model comparison

Typical price differences

Overall: 10-20% cheaper in Germany, especially for premium brands.

Why is Germany cheaper?

1. Larger supply – more cars = more competitive prices
2. Leasing returns – many cars come back from company fleets
3. Strict vehicle inspection (TÜV) – encourages selling older vehicles
4. Culture – Germans replace cars more frequently
5. Tax system – lower VAT for resellers

All import costs

Direct costs

Registration costs in Lithuania

Taxes

If you buy from a private person:

• VAT: 0 € (already paid)
• Customs: 0 € (within EU)

If you buy from a company (with VAT):

• You pay the price without VAT in Germany
• You pay 21% VAT in Lithuania (if you are a VAT payer – you deduct it)

Total import costs

Cheapest scenario: ~550 €

• Budget flights, no hotel, do everything yourself

Typical scenario: ~800 - 1 200 €

• Normal travel costs + registration

If you use an intermediary: ~1 500 - 2 500 €

• Everything done for you

Where to search in Germany?

Popular portals

mobile.de – largest market

• Most listings
• Good filters
• English available

autoscout24.de – second largest

• International
• Easy to use

Specific dealers:

• Large dealerships have better guarantees
• Less risk than private sellers

What to check in listings

• Km should be "nachweisbar" (verifiable) – means service records exist
• Unfallschaden – has it been in an accident
• Anzahl der Vorbesitzer – number of previous owners
• HU/AU gültig bis – vehicle inspection validity (TÜV date)

Advantages and risks

Advantages

Lower price:

• 10-20% cheaper (sometimes more)
• Premium cars – biggest difference

Better condition:

• German roads are better
• Less road salt in winter
• Strict vehicle inspection

Wider selection:

• More cars to choose from
• Rare models/configurations

Clearer history:

• German service records are reliable
• TÜV reports are accurate

Risks

Hidden defects:

• You don't see the car before buying (if shipped)
• May be discrepancies between photos and reality

Mileage fraud:

• Exists in Germany too
• Always check VIN report

Language barrier:

• Contracts in German
• Risk of misunderstandings

Legal issues:

• Warranty may be difficult to claim from Lithuania
• Disputes only in German courts

Time investment:

• Trip takes 2-3 days
• Registration takes several more days

Step-by-step process

Illustration: Step-by-step process

1. Search and selection

• Use mobile.de filters
• Select 5-10 options
• Check VIN reports (carVertical, AutoDNA)
• Contact sellers (usually speak English)

2. Inspection and purchase

If you go yourself:

• Schedule inspection time
• Bring cash or prepare bank transfer
• Check all documents (Fahrzeugbrief, Fahrzeugschein)

If through an intermediary:

• They inspect and buy for you
• Safer, but more expensive

3. Documents

You should receive from the seller:

• Fahrzeugbrief (registration certificate, part II)
• Fahrzeugschein (registration certificate, part I)
• Kaufvertrag (purchase contract)
• TÜV report (if valid)

4. Transit license plates

• Order from insurance company (e.g., Zoll-Export)
• Valid for 5-14 days
• Cost ~100-200 €

5. Journey home

• Plan your route
• Keep all documents easily accessible
• Drive carefully – unfamiliar car

6. Registration in Lithuania

1. Vehicle technical inspection (within 30 days)
2. Registration with authorities
3. Insurance
4. License plates

When IS IT WORTH importing?

Worth it, if:

• Premium car (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) – biggest savings
• Specific model/configuration not found in Lithuania
• You have time and willingness
• You can go and inspect yourself
• Car price is more than 15 000 € (relatively larger savings)

Potential savings: 2 000 - 5 000 € (premium cars)

When IS IT NOT WORTH importing?

Not worth it, if:

• Economy class (Polo, Yaris) – minimal difference
• You don't have time or willingness to travel
• You don't speak English/German
• You fear the risk
• Car is less than 10 000 € – savings won't cover costs

Example: VW Polo, 8 000 € in Germany, 9 000 € in Lithuania.

• Difference: 1 000 €
• Import costs: ~800-1 000 €
• Real savings: 0-200 € (not worth the effort)

Alternative: car from EU with warranty

Some dealerships in Lithuania import cars from Germany and sell with warranty:

Advantages:

• No need to travel yourself
• Warranty in Lithuania
• Car already inspected

Disadvantage:

• Price is higher than importing yourself

Frequently asked questions

How much can I save by importing from Germany?

Realistically 1 500 - 4 000 € for premium cars (BMW, Mercedes, Audi). For economy class cars the difference is often minimal or non-existent.

Is it safe to buy a car in Germany?

Yes, if you buy from reliable sources and conduct checks (VIN report, inspection). Risk is similar to buying in Lithuania – you need to be careful.

Do I need to pay VAT when importing?

If you buy from a private person – no (VAT already paid). If you buy from a company – depends on the situation and your VAT payer status.

How long does the entire process take?

From finding a car to registering it in Lithuania – 1-3 weeks, depending on your speed and technical inspection queues.

Conclusions

Importing from Germany can save money, but not always:

Worth it: Premium cars, rare models, when price difference is more than 3 000 €

Not worth it: Economy class, when difference is less than 1 500 €, when you don't have time

Main rules:

• Always calculate ALL costs
• Check VIN report BEFORE traveling
• Better to go and inspect yourself
• First time? Consider using an intermediary

Want to import a car but don't want to risk it? Contact WheelStreet – we'll help you find and safely bring it back.

Also useful:

• 🇩🇪 Buying a car from Germany: complete guide – step by step
• 🔍 WheelStreet car sourcing – experts will find and deliver from abroad
• 📋 Car registration in Lithuania – what to do after import
• 💰 Financing an imported car – leasing and loans
• 📚 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.

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