Frequently asked questions car import FAQ

Importing a car from abroad is a process that raises many questions regarding costs, supporting documents and the reliability of inspections. To help you make the best and safest choice, we have compiled and answered below the most frequently asked questions we receive every day. If you do not find the answer you are looking for, the Car For You team is always at your disposal to guide you.

Is there a company in Greece that can take on the import of a car from start to finish?;

Yes. Car For You undertakes the entire process of importing a car from abroad, from finding and inspecting the vehicle to safe transportation, customs clearance and issuing the Greek registration certificate.

So, you don't have to deal with procedures, documents or communication with traders and public services. Contact us to explain in detail all the stages of the import and receive a detailed estimate of the total cost without any obligation.

 

Do you undertake the import and delivery of cars throughout Greece?;

Of course. Car For You serves customers in every corner of Greece. The selection process, the technical inspection in Germany and all bureaucratic procedures can be done entirely remotely, with absolute security and constant updates. Once the car arrives and clears customs, we take care of its safe transport and delivery directly to your location, in whatever city or island you are located.

 

How much does it cost to import a car from Germany?;

The cost of importing the car consists of:

  1. Cost of inspection before purchase. Depending on the inspection body, it can range from 150 to 350 €.
  2. Transportation costs. An average transportation cost is around €1400
  3. Customs clearance costs. Described on our page at “Customs clearance
  4. CarForYou car import company commission. It is proportional to the value of the car and the services provided. Contact us and we will give it to you immediately.
  5. Cost of registration license / plates. The fee is €75, if a MOT is required €50 and the traffic fees which are proportional to the grams of CO2

Before each purchase, we deliver a complete and binding financial offer, so that you know the final "turnkey" cost, without hidden charges.

What factors affect the amount at customs?

The final amount depends on:

  • Original pre-tax retail value of the car (RTV)
  • Additional equipment beyond the basic one
  • Months of circulation (age). 
  • Kilometers traveled (maximum customs clearance cost deduction 10%)
  • Anti-pollution technology. The newer it is, the lower the customs clearance rates.
  • Grams of carbon dioxide CO2
  • Body type. The depreciation due to age differs if the car is a Sedan, Hatchback, SUV, Coupe, Convertible, or Multi-Purpose Vehicle.

We analyze all of the above in “Customs clearance

What is the Retail Pre-Tax Value (RPV) and where can I find it:

The RRP is the price that the car had when it was new in Greece, excluding taxes, that is, without VAT and registration fee. You can find it on the page of SEAA.

ATTENTION:  The page lists the prices with basic equipment. You will have to add the cost of the additional equipment that the car will definitely have. It requires experience and must be done through the CarForYou to avoid unpleasant surprises. To avoid making a mistake, all you have to do is contact us

Is it financially beneficial to import a used car compared to the Greek market?

Importing a car is mainly beneficial for newer models (1-7 years old) and more so for more expensive cars. For cars under €10,000, importing is usually not beneficial.

What documents are required to import a car?;

The required documents are:

  1. Traffic permit.
  2. Certificate of Conformity (COC).
  3. Car purchase invoice.
  4. The vehicle's MOT.

We analyze them on the page “Required documents for importing the car

How long does the admission process take?;

The stages of the introduction and its timing are as follows:

  1. Car inspection. Usually takes 2 to 3 business days.
  2. Payment for the car. Your money is transferred to Germany in 2 days.
  3. Transportation. The usual transportation time is approximately 10 business days.
  4. Customs clearance. Customs clearance usually takes 3 days.
  5. Issuance of Greek registration license and plates. It takes 1 to 2 business days.

How can I check if the mileage is real?;

Choosing the right car requires deep knowledge and experience. In fact, There is no diagnostic machine that can detect 100% odometer fraud..

The basic steps for ensuring the truth are:

  • Choosing a reliable market and collaborating with good, professional traders.

  • The thorough background check of the car based on its official documents.

Don't trust amateurs and "amazing opportunities" that hide traps. Trust us to choose a truly correct and guaranteed car.

 

Is the car's factory warranty valid in Greece?;

Yes, the manufacturer's factory warranty (e.g. Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche) is pan-European. If the car we are going to import is within the factory warranty period or has an official extension program (such as the German BMW Premium Selection or Mercedes Junge Sterne), this is valid and is covered by authorized dealerships in Greece. In general, all factory warranties for all cars are valid, while those that are promotional actions of each dealership are not. These are valid only for the country in which this promotional action took place.

Is the vehicle technically inspected before purchase?;

Absolutely. Before the purchase, a specialized independent engineer or certified inspection body (such as TÜV or DEKRA in Germany) carries out a detailed technical and visual inspection of the vehicle. In cases where required and when desired, an inspection can be carried out at the official dealership's workshop. In any case, it is accompanied by a technical inspection report with measurements and extensive photographic material.