10 Tips When Purchasing Used Car in NL | ExpatINFO Holland (2024)

Thinking about purchasing a secondhand vehicle? Here are 10 helpful tips for expats for buying used car in Netherlands which will make the transaction easier, safer and quicker.

10 Tips When Purchasing Used Car in NL | ExpatINFO Holland (1)

1- VEHICLE OWNER HISTORY & PERFORMANCE

By definition a secondhand vehicle has had at least one prior owner. Some may have had multiple past owners (potential red flag). Luckily the Dutch department of motor vehicles (RDW) maintains a record for each individual car. The vehicle record not only tells you how many past owners there were but also the date of the last road-worthiness test (APK), its weight (which impacts annual road tax to be paid), tow capacity and fuel efficiency (to estimate your average operating cost). You can access the vehicle check using the car’s registration number.

2- VEHICLE MILEAGE

A secondhand car’s performance (and value) is typically inversely related to the number of kilometers it has been driven. The distance shows in the odometer. But how do you know the reading hasn’t been manipulated to display a lower number to fraudulently increase the vehicle’s book value? You should run an odometer reading check through the RDW. While it may not know the exact current mileage, it is able to provide a determination of whether the mileage you enter for the vehicle is logical or illogical based on what the odometer reading was when the last APK test was performed.

3- CAR INSPECTION

With a secondhand vehicle there is always the possibility it may have sustained damage from an accident, weather event, vandalism or other reason. Cosmetic repairs could make detecting such damage difficult for the average person. It is always a good idea to have a secondhand car you wish to buy inspected by a professional. This will likely turn up any major damage sustained during its life.

4- TEST DRIVE

The only way to know if you feel totally comfortable driving a specific car is by test driving the vehicle. The longer the test the better. Make sure to drive it in multiple settings including a low-speed town center, mid-speed provincial road and high-speed motorway. If you’ll be transporting a family, test drive the car with multiple passengers in it or improvise with a heavy suitcase. A lighter car handles differently than a heavier one. Make sure you are happy with how the car performs in both scenarios.

5- COMPARE ASKING PRICE TO BOOK VALUE

You don’t want to pay more for a used car than it is actually worth. Compare the selling price with the estimated book value of the vehicle. There are many online tools available such as this one.

6- FACTORY WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE

Buying a used car that is still covered under the manufacturer’s warranty or by a guarantee provided by the seller is always advised. Not only does it offer some peace-of-mind but could end up saving the buyer a lot of money if something should go wrong.

7- FINANCING?

If financing will be required, the buyer should make sure the seller offers such an option, what the parameters are to qualify and what terms are available. Alternatively the buyer may want to secure a car loan with a Dutch bank/ financial lender (although this can often be challenging for expats who have not lived long in the Netherlands.

8- REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE

Title of ownership must be transferred to the buyer’s name to complete the sale. If the seller is registered with the RDW, they can process the title and registration transfer. The buyer must show proof of identity and insurance. The ID can be a Dutch driving license, Dutch passport or Dutch identity card (with BSN number and date of birth).

Expats not in possession of one of those needs to register the vehicle at an RDW office or affiliated location. Acceptable forms of identification are driving licenses or identity cards issued by another EU/EFTA country and passports (diplomatic, service or foreign). A BSN number must be on the document. Those without a BSN number must be accompanied by a ‘Certificate of Residence’ (with BSN number) obtained from their local municipality.

Expats can obtain the certificate needed to register a car before they even choose a car to buy. But it must not be more than 90 days old on the date of vehicle registration.

9- REPUTABLE SELLER

Buying used car in Netherlands will require a sizeable payment to a company you probably do not know. It is worth the time to research the seller. For example, check if the business is certified by Thuiswinkel and if the company has had any consumer mediation on record. If you find substantially more negative than positive customer reviews, buy from a different seller.

10- AVOID COVID, BUY ONLINE

As the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage on around the world and right here in Holland, it doesn’t make sense to do anything face-to-face that can be done online. It’s safer and easier. This also applies when buying used car in Netherlands… do it online.

10 Tips When Purchasing Used Car in NL | ExpatINFO Holland (2)

To compile this list of tips we reached out to the experts at Bynco, the number one car shop for expats in the Netherlands. Bynco was established by Jeroen Veldman in 2017 and is a division of the AutoBinck Group. With Bynco all transactions are quick, easy and safe. Every car sold in their webshop has been independently inspected and comes with a minimum 180-day warranty. When you buy a vehicle, it gets delivered free to your home within 5 days. You can test drive the car for 14 days and if not satisfied, can return it and get your money back. Bynco even offers financing options. Find out more about Bynco.

Related information…

BUYING A CAR IN THE NETHERLANDS

10 Tips When Purchasing Used Car in NL | ExpatINFO Holland (2024)

FAQs

What are the top 5 tips for buying a used car? ›

6 key steps to buying a used car
  • Make a budget and stick to it. Look at your budget and determine how much you can afford to spend monthly on a car loan. ...
  • Research cars that fit your needs. ...
  • Get preapproved for financing. ...
  • Shop around for a car. ...
  • Fully research a car after test driving. ...
  • Negotiate and finalize the purchase.
Mar 11, 2024

How much is a second hand car in Netherlands? ›

Buying a used car in the Netherlands

For instance, in November 2022, the average price of a used car on AutoScout24.nl was €24,772 and was expected to rise even further.

How do you buy a car in the Netherlands? ›

Buying a car in the Netherlands: The requirements
  1. You are over the age of 18.
  2. You live in the Netherlands.
  3. You are registered in the Basisregistratie Personen (personal records database)
  4. You will need to arrange for the transfer of ownership yourself.
  5. You will need to make sure that the registration certificate is complete.

What is mandatory to have in a car in Netherlands? ›

Here are the compulsory documents and equipment to carry: Warning triangle or hazard warning lights must be used in case of an accident or breakdown (recommended that warning triangle always be carried). A driving licence – a UK licence is still accepted in the Netherlands. Car registration papers.

What are three things you should do before buying a used car? ›

What to check when buying a used car
  • Research used car ratings and rankings. You should also research the make and model's general history. ...
  • Give the car a quick look for issues. ...
  • Take the car on the road for a test drive. ...
  • Inspecting a used car with a trusted mechanic.

Is car tax expensive in Netherlands? ›

The amount of the tax depends on the weight of your vehicle, the fuel type and the province you live in. For a regular petrol car (e.g. a Volkswagen Golf) you usually have to pay between €560 and €680 annually. If you drive a fully electric car, you're in luck. In that case, you don't have to pay any road tax.

What is the VAT rate for used cars in the Netherlands? ›

Standard rate: 21% Reduced rates: 9%

Is it expensive to own a car in Netherlands? ›

The Netherlands is the most expensive country in Europe to drive a car, according to the new CarCost Index of car leasing and fleet management company LeasePlan.

Can I buy a car with international driver license in Netherlands? ›

You can buy a car as an expat with a foreign driving licence

However, you are obliged to have your foreign driving licence replaced with a Dutch one at the town hall within 185 days of your arrival in the Netherlands.

How much does it cost to register your car in the Netherlands? ›

Fees
DescriptionCost
Approval assessment for 10-14 aspects of a light vehicle€99,00
Identification of a light vehicle€56,50
Registration certificate€47,65
Registration in a person's name via the RDW€12,50
1 more row

Can I drive a car in the Netherlands with US license? ›

Tourists are allowed to drive in the Netherlands on a valid state license, preferably in combination with an International Driver's License which may be obtained in the United States through the AAA.

Do you need insurance to drive in the Netherlands? ›

Car insurance in the Netherlands is mandatory for all drivers and is as important as arranging a Dutch driving license. There are many insurance providers and types to choose from when picking a policy.

Can I sleep in my car in the Netherlands? ›

Sleeping in cars

Sleeping in a vehicle is not permitted in Amsterdam for your own safety. A fine of € 140 can be imposed.

What mileage is good for a used car? ›

To determine whether a car has reasonable mileage, you can simply multiply 12,000 by its age. That means good mileage for a car that's 5 years old is 60,000. Significantly more or fewer miles could indicate a problem or trouble in the future. That said, mileage can be misleading.

What should a first time car buyer know? ›

Considerations for buying your first car include understanding your needs, determining a reasonable price range, and securing preapproval for an auto loan. To efficiently evaluate new versus used cars, weigh factors such as depreciation, insurance costs, and modern features.

What is the best amount to put down on a used car? ›

In general, you should strive to make a down payment of at least 20% of a new car's purchase price. For used cars, try for at least 10% down. If you can't afford the recommended amount, put down as much as you can without draining your savings or emergency funds.

What is the most important thing in a used car? ›

Vehicle History

Obtaining a vehicle's history report is one of the most critical steps in buying a used car. A vehicle history report lists the car's previous owners, repairs, accidents, odometer readings and open recalls. Historical information about a vehicle can reveal hidden costs.

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