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Buying a New or Used Car in Germany
A guide to buying a car in Germany 

It is easy to buy a car in Germany, because there is a very wide choice of manufacturers. The buying procedure depends on the purpose – whether it is a new or a used car that is needed.

New Cars
One can find a lot of sources to decide what car he wants to buy, including television commercials, newspapers and auto magazines. First of all, it is important to set the price.
Many manufacturers offer internal finance programs for those, who don't pay cash for a new car. Their conditions are more advantageous, than any bank can offer, but still it is reasonable to analyze both variants. Interest rates may be better with the manufacturer but the loan may have to be paid back in three years. Financing can range from 24 to 60 months. It depends on the price. The best interest rates are offered when a 20 percent down payment is made.

Most car dealers in Germany specialize in selling cars from one particular manufacturer. Usually dealer discounts on new car prices are not as common as in other parts of the EU, one can find some special offers.

Generally, dealers ask for a deposit of around 15 to 20 percent at the time of purchase before the financing scheme payments commence. There is one peculiarity of the procedure: a right-hand drive car has to be specially ordered, that’s why the deposit is payable at the time of ordering.

Dealers sometimes give discounts for payment in cash. Some dealers register cars for a day and then immediately deregister them. This turns them into "used cars", it is one of the ways to lower the price

To buy a new car in Germany from a dealer the following documents are required:

• Proof of identity (passport);
• Proof of residency (polizeiliche Anmeldung);
• Bank account details from a German bank (if not paying cash for the vehicle)

It should be admitted, that there are many state-of-the-art cars on the German market which use alternative energy such as hybrid, natural gas, liquid gas (LPG), plant oil, fuel cells or ethanol. However, it is recommended to check the availability of the alternative fuel supply in the area before buying.

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