Buying A Car In Italy
Owning a car might be beneficial while visiting Italy. This allows you to reach large, difficult-to-reach areas of the country and relieves your dependence on the public transportation system. One of the most important turning points in your life is purchasing a car, especially your first car. There are numerous laws and regulations governing the sale and purchase of cars, so depending on where in the globe you live, getting a car can be pretty difficult. In this post, we will discuss how to buy a car on your own if you reside in Italy.
Can A Foreigner Buy A Car In Italy?
The quick answer is yes. However, they will need proof of residency.
You must be a resident of Italy to buy a car there and drive with an Italian license plate.
If the non-EU citizen has a residence card, he is likewise a resident and listed in an Italian municipality’s registration. In this situation, even without citizenship, he can still purchase and register a vehicle in Italy.
Types Of Cars To Buy In Italy
New Car
The greatest alternative is to get a new vehicle because it ensures that your vehicle is defect-free and hasn’t had any hidden problems since it left the factory. However, with automobile prices climbing due to growing inflation, purchasing a new vehicle directly from the dealer can be an important financial choice. In contrast to purchasing old automobiles with someone else’s setup, when you purchase a new car, you can personalize it with the features and packages you desire. The most recent safety features and fuel economy criteria are likely to be found in new cars. If you want a brand-new car, you must find a car dealer and review all the specifications.
Newer vehicles lose value more quickly than worn ones. The first few years of ownership are when a car loses the most value, and a significant portion occurs as soon as it leaves the lot. According to some calculations, the immediate loss is maybe 20% of the car’s worth. This is because you pay the retail price when you buy a new car from a dealer. The car is only worth its lower wholesale price once you leave the lot. This is the price the dealer would accept if you tried to sell the item back after that.
Used Cars
The marketing term for used cars, “pre-owned vehicles,” may not have the same attraction as new ones. They do, however, have certain benefits. When a car is put on the used car market, its depreciation has already occurred (and been paid for by the prior owner). Buying used presents the chance to get a better vehicle for your money. In some models, warranties now cover the most expensive parts of a car’s drivetrain for 200,000 miles. You will probably receive a warranty beyond the original manufacturer’s guarantee if you purchase a certified pre-owned vehicle from a dealer. Because of their early years’ substantial depreciation and the possibility that you won’t require as much insurance, used cars are typically less expensive.
Whether or whether warranties still cover them, used cars have some unknown costs. There is always the risk of purchasing someone else’s problem because you don’t know how the previous owner treated the car or the reason it was traded in. Finding a used car with the exact features and upgrades you want might be difficult. The higher mileage may shorten the lifespan of a used car it is expected to have. If you acquire a car with a greater mileage, it’s conceivable that you’ll need to replace it sooner rather than later, increasing the cost of your car purchase.
A Car That Has Been Used For A Maximum Of One Year (Barely Used Cars)
A barely used car is a mixture of a new and used car, as it is a maximum of one-year-old, hence the name. The advantage is that it is still in fantastic shape, mainly only used by car dealership employees, and you don’t have to take on the high depreciation that takes place in the first year after a car is registered. Brand dealerships only sell these types of cars.
They have very little mileage and may be the ideal choice if you don’t want to purchase a brand-new automobile because of rising expenses. Additionally, you might not desire a vehicle with high mileage and possible extensive wear and tear.
How To Buy A Car In Italy
Find The Car You Want
Ofcourse, finding your ideal car is where it all begins. The most useful websites for researching and locating vehicle lots in Italy are autoscout24 and Automobile. it. You can choose to browse for new and used cars, and they offer their services in English. You can create a filter for any requirement, like whether you need a family car with more than five seats or four-wheel drive. There are various automobile categories available. Simply select your preference, and they will suggest warranties now cover the most expensive parts of a car’s drivetrain. Bookmark your favorite car search terms when new cars that fit your search are added. Additionally, both websites feature an iOS and Android app.
There are a few things you should look for when buying a used automobile in Italy so you can get the finest vehicle for your money.
Mileage: make sure the car you choose has not logged more than 60,000 kilometers and still covers theme wear and tear and maintenance costs.
Registration details: You should carefully examine the date the car was first registered and make sure that the documents are consistent with the previous owners’ names, the purchase date, and other important information.
Engine Specs: Make sure to examine higher mileage may shorten the lifespan of used cars. Paying close attention to details like the fuel type and displacement will give you a clear sense of whether the engine is power increasing your needs.
Accidental Cars: When purchasing used cars, you should avoid buying accidental cars since there are many scams involving auto parts replacement and questions regarding the quality of the craft. Even if they run and seem OK, stay away from random cars.
Fuel type: Petrol or Diesel
Gearing mechanism: Make sure you get an automatic vehicle if you have only learned to drive an auto brand dealerships only sell these types of car lessons.
Visit The Car Dealership
Once you’ve discovered the car you want, give the dealership or private seller a call to make sure it’s still on the lot and to arrange a visit. Every respectable auto dealer will allow you to check the vehicle and take it for a test drive. You might want to think about bringing a friend who is knowledgeable about cars if you are looking at a secondhand car and you have no idea about cars or use the internet to research the automobile you want to buy before going online so that you can ask informed questions and gather information when you visit the dealership.
When searching for a dealership, one f the things that you should consider is their after-sales support for clients. Since buying a car isn’t something you do every day, check to see if the dealership you’re considering has a good reputation. Also, choose a dealer that can help you out by answering all of your questions and providing guidance. Buying a car is only one aspect of the situation. Choose a reliable dealer who will assist you once they get the payment and go above and beyond to ensure the vehicle is registered and roadworthy.
Buy The Car
Once you’ve made up your mind to purchase the vehicle, you’ll enter into a legally binding contract with the dealer and pay a deposit. However, you won’t be able to drive your new car off the lot simply. You must first insure and register your vehicle before you can do that. Some dealers offer to handle the registration on your behalf for no cost or a small charge.
Discussing payment choices and interest rates at this time is also appropriate. You can choose where to receive a loan if you need one to purchase a car.
It is worthwhile to purchase from a neighborhood garage that other local professionals suggest, whether you choose new or used. You will be guided through the paperwork by a good garage. It’s convenient to have them close by for any essential after-sales support if you should experience any issues. Any used car should undergo a mechanic’s inspection. You must ensure the following before purchasing the car:
- a residency certificate (certificate di Residenza)
- a tax code (Codice fiscale)
- proof of insurance
- identity documents.
As soon as you locate a vehicle you like, you must accompany the owner to the ACI Public Registry Office (Automobile Club Italiano Pubblico Registro Automoblistico). You’ll transfer ownership there, along with a transfer fee. The Office of Motor Vehicles is where you must register the vehicle (Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile). The act of sale will be recorded with the ACI Public Registry Office. A dealer will perform the transfer for you if you purchase the vehicle from them. The following papers are required to transfer the title to a used car:
- Act of sale (atto di Vendita)
- Vehicle documents (certificato di proprietà)
- Registration certificate (Carta di circolazione)
- Proof of residency (EU citizens) or permesso di soggiorno (non-EU citizens)
Registering The Car
Visit the STA counter (Sportello Telematico dell’Automobilista), the District Police Department (UMC – Motorizzazione Civile), the Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI), or other organizations that deal with vehicle registrations for the quickest solution.
Car Insurance
Since insurance is required in Italy, you will have minimum protection if you are in an accident. In Italy, the car is covered by the insurance policy, not the policyholder. This is fantastic news for drivers because it means they will be protected by insurance inside the automobile as long as they have a valid driver’s license.
This implies that you can lend your car to a buddy without worrying about their insurance status as long as your car is insured. Additionally, if you’re going to Italy with your family, you can split a car insurance c.overage to reduce the expense of getting one.
You can obtain insurance in Italy without having an Italian driver’s license. Different insurance providers can provide you with Italian auto insurance if you have a driver’s license.
Buy Your License Plates
By making a reservation and purchasing your new license plates online, you may save time and money. If there are any suitable combinations, you can choose the ones you want. You must enter the acronym for the city where you and the car are registered for the first letter(s). There are many license plate producers in and around the registration office if you’d rather not order your plates online.
Pick The Car Up
Time to pick up your new vehicle is now. It is best to let your car dealer know your new license plate number so they can have everything ready. You will receive all necessary documents from the dealer when you pick up your car, including the purchase contract, the maintenance log, the guarantee contract (if you ordered it as an extra), the final invoice, and the owner’s manual.
Timeline From Car Purchase To Car Pickup In Italy
Your application, supporting documentation, and other credentials, as well as how quickly you can schedule an appointment at the registration office, will influence how soon you can drive your car after signing the purchase order.
Can You Buy A Car In Italy Online?
Yes, reputable dealers and websites in Italy allow you to purchase a car online. These websites provide several car options.
Some of the best market places to buy used cars online in Italy include, Carvago. OOYYO and AUTO1(for used cars)
Carvago
Simply. Select a car. They’ll plan a thorough inspection. You can determine whether you want the car based on that. After they have purchased it, registered it, arranged an extended warranty, and delivered it to you.
Before being sold, each car must pass a rigorous technical inspection that includes more than 270 elements. Additionally, before the car is delivered to the customer, Carvago acquires ownership of it and takes on any associated risks.
Additionally, you have 14 days from the date of purchase to return the vehicle to them if there are any issues. Either use finance through Carvago or pay cash for the vehicle. Numerous reputable banks and financial service providers have agreements with above-average terms.
You assume no risk when you purchase a car on Carvago. They give their customers the highest level of assurance and take great pride in their transparency and the immaculate condition of the cars.
Would you want to pick up the car at our pick-up point in Prague or Koln, your place of business or residence, or both? You are the only one who can make a choice. They will tour the vehicle and hand you the keys and the necessary paperwork before you can begin fully utilizing your car. Normally, it takes 20 working days to complete the procedure, from receiving the payment to delivering the car. Delivery may occasionally be slightly delayed because of several European nations’ administrative procedures. Nevertheless, they always try to deliver your vehicle as quickly as possible. In the event of a delay or any other unforeseen issues, they will notify you right away.
How Much Does It Cost To Buy A Car In Italy?
Knowing all the costs associated with maintaining a car for the years, you expect to keep it is the key to deciding whether to lease or buy a car in Italy. There are many additional factors outside only the car’s price to consider. Let’s examine these sections in more detail, starting with those that you will be spending routinely like maintenance, insurance, taxes, etc.
Car Prices In Italy
Several factors determine the cost of a car, and it frequently varies based on the model year, makes, and various packages that are added to the vehicle; however In Italy, the average cost of a used car was between 9,950 and 14,740 euros.
Car Taxes In Italy
Italy and taxes go hand in hand. Without consistently paying taxes to the current administration, there is virtually nothing you can own. The car is also subject to the same rules. And it will blow your head to see the calculations that went into this. Why? Because it takes into account your car’s horsepower, the euro class, and the area in which you reside.
Simply put, I would answer that it primarily depends on your vehicle’s power (KW). As a general rule, the first 100 KW cost 2.50 euros each. The price then increases to 3.80 euros per KW. You have two options for paying this tax: online or at your local Automobile Club d’Italia.
Cost Of Insurance In Italy
The most challenging part is next: insurance. I shouldn’t even explain how crucial insurance is, whether it’s for your health, travels, or even your car.
The two components of insurance
- Mandatory third party insurance or Responsabilità civile autoveicoli (RCA).
- Add-ons
- Comprehensive (casco)
- Theft (furto)
- Fire (incendio)
- etc.
You can include additional features like roadside assistance, driving error coverage, etc.
This computation is primarily based on your age and your Italian driver’s license length. I want to emphasize the “in Italy” aspect since, no matter what, if you took the test and passed to get your license in Italy, your experience is at zero. In your native nation, you might have been a driver for decades. However, if you moved to Italy and the license cannot be swapped, you must start over from scratch. Additionally, your insurance class starts at 14, which is at the base of the pyramid; as a result, your rates are higher.
For a beginner, the cost of an RCA (required) should be between 500 and 600 euros, including the cost of the legal proceedings. Expect no significant change in the coming years. It will take four to five years to observe a noticeable decrease in this quantity.
If you add in other options, the cost is easily between 1000 and 1200 euros each year.
You must choose the provider with extreme caution.
Yearly Maintenance
Even though modern cars need less care, we still have to get them serviced annually. At the very least, within the initial warranty period. Therefore, we must ensure that we do this.
For annual maintenance, a typical people car like the Punto or Clio should cost roughly 300 euros. Depending on your usage habits, it may cost more if brake pad replacements or other consumables are required.
SUVs could be on the pricey side. Let’s assume maintenance costs range from 300 to 500 euros.
- Vehicle registration fees
| Regional fees are associated with the change in ownership. | Depending on the district and the vehicle, prices may change. |
| Fees for the Automobile Club of Italy (ACI) | € 27 |
| Stamp charge for PRA registration | € 32 |
| Transportation Department (District Police Department (*) costs | € 10.20 |
| The cost of the stamp required to issue a new registration certificate | € 32 |
| The cost associated with issuing license plates | Depending on the type of car and license plates, prices may change. |
According to Italian legislation, you must have your car certified every two years to ensure it is safe to drive. For new cars, it begins the fourth year after the vehicle’s initial registration. Typically, this would be simple, but depending on how old the car is, it might be more difficult.
Where you revise will determine how much it costs. The cheapest option is to deal directly with the Motor office, but you are responsible for handling all logistics issues. Additionally, you can accomplish this at the Automobile Club d’Italia. The most straightforward alternative, in my opinion, is to get it done in a service center that has been authorized. The price is between 45 and 67 euros.
Never mistake operating a vehicle while needing a revision with a lapsed document. Due to the possibility of a 155 to 625 euro punishment.
Therefore, these are the costs associated with owning a car in Italy.
Conclusion
Although Italy boasts a first-rate public transportation system, having a car can ease your life, especially if you live in a remote area. If you’re considering purchasing a car in Italy, you should be informed of the rules of the road, including the requirement to get auto insurance.
In contrast to most parts of the world, Italy has a law requiring drivers to carry third-party liability insurance. Whether you purchase an automobile locally or import one overseas, this law is valid.
You might need some assistance and direction throughout the entire car-buying process, so we have covered everything you need to know in the article above.