Is it beneficial to import a car? The short answer is that some cars are beneficial to import and some are not.
Today, it is very easy for anyone to see how much a used car is selling for in Europe (e.g. on platforms like mobile.de and autoscout24.de) and then visit Greek websites to compare its price in Greece. But beyond that, things get tricky. The final price is not just the purchase price, as there are significant import costs.
Which cars are really worth importing?;
As a general rule, import is more beneficial to newer models (usually 1 to 6 years old), which meet strict pollutant standards Euro 6. In these categories, customs duties are more rational. On the contrary, on older vehicles (Euro 5 or older), the Greek state imposes environmental fees that often make import unprofitable. Also, import presents a huge advantage in premium categories, where the difference in price, equipment and the condition of the vehicle in relation to the Greek market is chaotic.
What are the additional costs of importing a car?;
To calculate the actual cost until the car has Greek license plates, one must take into account:
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Transport: It depends on the point of sale (e.g. North or South Germany, Belgium, Holland) and the mode of transport. We can transport a car to Greece by car trailer, by road. In special cases (usually Supercars) individually, with specialized means of transport and an insurance contract.
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Technical control: It has to do with the company that will be assigned the pre-purchase inspection abroad. The inspection can be carried out at a German MOT (TÜV, DEKRA, GTÜ, KÜS…), at a German expert company or even at an official dealership (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Porsche…)
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Customs clearance: This is the biggest "puzzle". It depends on anti-pollution technology, CO pollutants2, body type but mainly by the RRP (Retail Pre-Tax Value) in Greece. Many buyers confuse the LTPA with the purchase price. These are two completely different prices. The purchase price plays absolutely no role in the customs clearance cost. What matters is how much the car we are interested in cost before taxes when it was first registered in Greece.
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The fee of the importing company: It has to do with the value of the car, the range of services it will undertake. (red tape, inspections, transportation, customs clearance, issuance of a Greek registration license). Possible complexity of importing the specific car also affects the company's fee. Contact us by phone at 2310248295 or 6974310324 or via contact form and we will answer you about the specific cost but also about the total cost of importing the car you are interested in.
⚠️ Beware of scams: We often hear about pre-cost estimates from amateurs that are completely out of touch with reality. If a mistake is made in calculating the LPFA or pollutants, customs clearance can cost twice or three times more than you had calculated. Then no "experienced friend" will take financial responsibility.
Unlimited Options and Equipment
Beyond the financial aspect, there is another main reason to look outside the borders: The variety. The Greek used car market is often limited. By searching the European market, you have access to hundreds of thousands of vehicles. This means you don't have to compromise. You can find a car in exactly the color you want, with the specific equipment package (e.g. bucket seats, premium sound system, panoramic roof) and the safety systems you want.
Price vs. Quality: Why are cars from abroad superior?;
But is price the only factor we should consider? The truth is that the market is judged on two axes: price and quality.
The cars that circulate on the road network of Germany or other European countries, have been maintained strictly according to the manufacturer (full and certified service history). They usually have real kilometers. Due to the excellent quality of the roads and the different maintenance culture, these vehicles show much less wear and tear on their mechanical parts and suspensions, compared to their Greek counterparts.
It is no coincidence that our customers, upon delivery, constantly point out to us how "new" and flawless the car we imported on their behalf looks.
Do you want to know if the car you found is worth it?;
Don't take chances with random calculations. If you have found a car abroad that interests you, send us the link we will take care of introducing you free of charge a complete financial offer, analyzing every cost until the key is in your hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Where can I find used cars from Europe?;
The most famous websites abroad are mobile.de and the autoscout24.com. There you can do your initial market research.
- When is it not beneficial to import a car?;
It is usually not profitable to import cars worth less than €10,000 as well as vehicles with anti-pollution technology older than Euro 6 (where customs clearance/environmental fee costs are unprofitable).
- How much does customs clearance cost?;
Each car has its own customs clearance cost, as it depends on factors such as age, emissions and the model's Gross Retail Value (GRP). For detailed information, read our relevant article Customs clearance,
- How much does it cost to transport from Germany to Greece?;
An average cost, including insurance, is approximately €1,300. It is affected by the exact point of sale and the method of transportation.
- How long does the process take?;
The entire process – which includes technical inspection, transport, customs clearance and issuance of Greek license plates and registration – is usually completed in less than a month.
- How do I check if the mileage is real?;
There are no magic devices that can detect tampered mileage on a 100%. Security comes from choosing reliable dealers/companies abroad and, of course, from a thorough check of documents (digital service book, foreign MOT, invoices of previous work). At Car For You we undertake all this history checking for you.
- Which cars are most profitable to import?;
It is usually advantageous to import cars worth more than €30,000, up to 6 years old and with low emissions. This category includes modern hybrids (HEVs), Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) and of course the pure ones electrical cars.
- Can I find out for free if the car I found is worth it?;
Of course, you can contact car for you via contact form, by phone or visit us at our offices. We will calculate for you free of charge the total additional cost of importing the car you wish