Buy a car in Germany, drive it in Austria — inspected, insured, delivered

Why Germany beats the Austrian market

Germany is Europe's largest used-car market — over 1.5 million listings on mobile.de alone, many times what the Austrian market offers. For an Austrian buyer the biggest advantage is that there is no language barrier at all: listings, service books, seller calls and paperwork are all in German, exactly as at home. That makes it effortless to compare specs, ask the right questions and read the fine print — the friction that stops other cross-border buyers simply isn't there for you.

The depth of the German market shows most where Austrian buyers look hardest: well-equipped premium cars and EVs. The same model year is typically better specced, better documented and lower priced than its Austrian equivalent, because supply is deeper and sellers compete harder. And the geography helps — southern Germany borders Austria directly, so the transport leg is short and quick. What stands between you and the saving is Austria's registration process and NoVA, plus the risk of buying a car you've only seen in photos. We handle both.

What we do for you

1 · Know the car — from €349

A 170+ point inspection at the seller's location in Germany: paint-thickness mapping that exposes accident repairs, OBD diagnostics, underbody check, test drive and a full photo report — typically within 2 working days. Plus a history check from 900+ European sources (€49): accidents, odometer records, theft registers.

2 · Secure the deal

We verify the seller's identity and documents, negotiate the price (you keep 60% of the discount we win), secure the car so it isn't sold from under you, and structure the payment safely. Optional Purchase Cover™: 14-day return right and crime protection up to €200,000, from 1.5% of the price (min. €599). Brokerage fee €499 if you buy through us.

3 · Deliver it insured

Covered car carrier from Germany to Austria with CMR insurance included. Optional full-value Transport Cover™ with no deductible — from 0.68% of the car's value (min. €299). You get the car at your door, not at a border yard.

Registering the car in Austria

• Registration runs through the Zulassungsstelle. Before plates are issued the car needs its type data on record — an Einzelgenehmigung / Eingangsabnahme or an entry in the Genehmigungsdatenbank for the model.
• Roadworthiness — the §57a "Pickerl". The car needs a valid §57a periodic inspection (the Austrian "Pickerl") before it can be registered and driven.
• NoVA (Normverbrauchsabgabe). Austria levies a one-off registration tax based on CO₂ emissions, so a low-emission or electric car pays far less than a thirsty petrol or diesel. It must be budgeted before you buy — we help you estimate it for the specific car.
• Ongoing motor tax. The motorbezogene Versicherungssteuer is collected through your insurance once the car is registered, so it factors into your running costs rather than the purchase.
• No Austrian VAT on used EU cars. A used car bought in another EU country triggers no Austrian VAT. A new means of transport (under 6 months old or under 6,000 km) is different: 20% Austrian VAT applies.
• Wir sprechen natürlich Deutsch — the whole process happens in the language you and the seller already share, which keeps paperwork and communication frictionless.

Rules and rates change, so treat the above as orientation rather than tax advice: we confirm the current process and estimate NoVA for your specific purchase before you commit, and we deliver the car with the full document package — purchase contract, German registration certificate and CoC where available — so the Zulassungsstelle process starts without surprises.

How it works

Frequently asked questions