Buying a vehicle abroad can be exciting, but make sure you are well prepared. It can be quite a setback if you find out, back in the Netherlands, that you have bought a pig in a poke. We have 6 tips to help you make your import adventure a success.
It often happens that people receive incomplete documents with the purchase. On purchase, check whether the registration certificate is complete, because in some countries it consists of several parts. Always check that the VIN on the vehicle registration certificate matches the VIN stamped in the vehicle.
If you lack the necessary technical knowledge, take someone with you who does when you are going to buy a vehicle, or ask your own garage in the Netherlands for help. Otherwise it is difficult to determine whether the vehicle is in good condition. Never rely on appearance alone. Also look under the vehicle. You can also ask whether the vehicle has a PTI report (if the vehicle is subject to the PTI obligation). If the report is recent, it gives an indication of the technical condition of the vehicle. During the import inspection, the RDW can adopt the expiry date of a valid periodic technical inspection report (which accompanies the registration certificate from an EU country).
If a vehicle seems too good to be true, it often is too good to be true. Be wary if:
The vehicle has a very low mileage while the car seats and mats are worn out
maintenance booklets, lubrication cards or periodic technical inspection reports are missing
mileages are manually adjusted in documents
the timing belt should have been replaced, but no replacement date has been recorded. (this is often written on the timing belt cover with chalk or on a sticker, or in the service record booklet)
the price is much lower than the fair market value.
In these cases, it may be that the odometer reading has been rolled back. Research shows that 10 percent of German import cars have a rolled back odometer. Try to find out with reliable documents whether the odometer reading makes sense. In Belgium, the seller must provide a Car-Pass with mileage information, among other things. As of 13 January 2025, we will adopt these Belgian odometer readings, which you will have access to via an RDW vehicle report (only available in Dutch).
Other countries do not have such good records of odometer readings, so then you have to rely on other sources. Compare the odometer readings on the dashboard with the readings in the periodical technical inspection report, on repair receipts, if any, or in the vehicle's service record book. Also pay attention to the price of the vehicle.
Ask for a purchase receipt or sales agreement, even if it is handwritten and signed. This will at least give you something to fall back on should something go wrong after the sale. Also check with the dealer abroad and your own garage in the Netherlands about what the arrangements are for warranty and leniency.
If you buy a damaged vehicle abroad, an additional technical inspection (the so-called damage inspection) is required in the Netherlands. This additional damage inspection incurs costs. It tends to take longer for you to receive your vehicle registration certificate as well.
Check in advance how much BPM you will have to pay (if applicable to your vehicle), to avoid any surprises in the Netherlands. The BPM varies depending on the type of vehicle and is payable to the Tax and Customs Administration. Find out how to calculate it on the Tax and Customs Administration website.
