How to Buy a Car in Italy

When in Rome it is best to do as Romans do, and when in Italy, that means doing your best to be familiar with the market when it comes to buying a car. Whether interested in purchasing a new or used car, buying a car is no simple task for anyone. There are several recommended steps that can be taken in order to avoid unnecessary mistakes and risk losing valuable time and money.

Instructions

1

Determine your budget and thus the price range of the car for which you will be searching.

2

Weigh out the benefits of purchasing a new car versus purchasing a used car, and decide which one is best for you. Purchasing a new car is more expensive while purchasing a used car that is initially cheaper may have more expensive maintenance and costs due to problems. New cars often have manufacturer's warranties which used cars do not.

3

Locate a new or used car dealership and visit them. If you are in the market for a new car, it is necessary to know in advance the type of car you are interested in purchasing since new car dealerships, unlike used ones, do not have many different brands to choose from. If you are buying a new car, the assistance of a specialized agency called the Agenzia di Pratiche Auto, which is the Practical Car Agency of Italy will be used by the dealer. If buying a used car, the bureaucratic process is the responsibility of the purchaser. The Agenzia di Pratiche Auto handles the paperwork and the legality of the purchase.

4

Examine the cars available at the dealerships and compare the prices with the official prices of the blue book and the market value of the cars. The Quattro Ruote is the official Italian auto magazine where car prices can be compared and contrasted.

5

Test drive the vehicle and receive updated information about the history of the car. Make sure the registration, insurance and ownership information is accurate and up to date. Specific service information about the car is called tagliandi and it must be up to date. Also ensure that the road-tax certificate, called the scadenza bollo in Italy, is up to date and the car's taxes have been paid.

6

Have legal documents available when intending to purchase the car. For a new car, it is necessary to have an EU residence certificate, tax code, identification document for registration, and insurance which must be purchased in advance. If buying a used car, it is necessary to have legal documents including an act of sale, car registration certificate from the previous owner, and proof of residence of the EU or legal residence permit for the act of sale.

7

If you are a non-EU resident, purchasing a car in Italy may be more difficult. Additional steps must be taken, such as providing the Automobile Club of Italy a copy of your passport and a form of residence permit alongside the additional documents provided when purchasing a car. Not following these steps will render the sale illegal. If purchasing a car after being in Italy for over a year, it is necessary to convert your license to an Italian one.