Every year several used cars come to Portugal from abroad. A significant part of this fleet comes mainly from Germany, but also from France and other markets where the offer is broader and the most competitive prices. The promise is tempting. There is talk of savings from thousands of euros, when buying a car, even after paying transportation, taxes and legalization. But is it that simple?
According to Automóvel Clube de Portugal (ACP), a specialized mobility association, any private individuals can cross borders to buy a car abroad. The process, however, is far from immediate.
There are contracts, ready payments, transportation to organize and bureaucracy to fulfill in the national territory. For those who have never experienced this experience, the risks are several: from circumvents to adulterated mileage, going through cars with hidden accident history.
The promise of savings
The higher the value of the car, the greater the difference to the Portuguese market. Even in intermediate ranges, the disparity is visible. In a simple example, a 2018 car with about 40,000 kilometers can be around 25,000 euros in Portugal.
On the German Mobile.de website, which specializes in the purchase and sale of used cars, are dozens of similar units nearly five thousand euros cheaper. In some cases, for the same price, it is possible to bring more recent models with less kilometers.
Another research space is the Autosout24 platform, which adds millions of ads across Europe. The temptation to look for a better business is great, but the process requires the steps to know well: choosing the car, negotiating, signing contract, paying, transporting and dealing with mandatory inspection in Portugal. At this stage it is essential to present the COC (Certificate of European Conformity). Only then is the ISV and the national registration is asked.
Do it alone or hire ‘help’?
The option of treating everything alone is viable, but requires patience and care. A minimal difference in documents, such as a gram of CO₂ or a kilometer of autonomy, can translate into thousands of euros from additional taxes.
According to the same source, there are companies specialized in intermediating these operations, offering complete legalization and delivery services to the customer, through a previously defined fixed value.
Market examples
To understand the size of the difference, we ask one of these companies simulations in three electric models below 20 thousand euros already included. A 2021 BMW I3 would be 21,770 euros, a 2021 Hyundai Kauai would cost 19,890 euros and a Volkswagen ID3 of the same year would be around 19,980 euros. Values that are hardly in Portugal for equivalent vehicles.
Buying a car out can mean saving thousands of euros and accessing a more diverse offer. But it is also a path with risks and steps that should not be underestimated. According to, the secret is to evaluate each step well and compare prices carefully before making a decision.
Also read:
