How can you buy new car in Germany ?

Information on the paperwork and processes involved when buying a new car in Germany...

Buying from a dealer has the advantage that the dealer will usually help with registering the car and finding suitable insurance.
In line with Germany's general environmental and energy saving awareness, there are many state-of-the-art cars on the market which use alternative energy, such as hybrid, natural gas, liquid gas (LPG), plant oil, fuel cells or ethanol. However, it is always wise to check the availability of the alternative fuel supply in the area before buying.

Most car dealers in Germany specialise in selling cars from one particular manufacturer. Occasionally they will offer ex-demonstration or showroom vehicles (Vorfuehrwagen), or vehicles bought by employees at a discount but resold after a year (Jahreswagen). Some car dealers also sell used cars (Gebrauchtwagen). Dealer discounts on new car prices are not as common as in other parts of the EU, but special offers can be found.
In addition to buying outright, cars can be leased or bought on hire-purchase through schemes offered by the dealers. Generally, dealers ask for a deposit of around 15 to 20 percent at the time of purchase before the financing scheme payments commence. If buying a right-hand drive car which has to be specially ordered, then the deposit is payable at the time of ordering.
To purchase a new car in Germany from a dealer the following documents are required from the buyer:

• Proof of residency (polizeiliche Anmeldung)
• Proof of identity (passport)
• Bank account details from a German bank (if not paying cash for the vehicle)