Steps to Buying a Used Car in Romania

Steps to Buying a Used Car in Romania

( Part of https://expatsinromania.org/how-to-navigate-life-in-romania/ )

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1. Research & Find the Car

• Search on platforms like OLX, Autovit.ro, Mobile.de, or Facebook Marketplace.
• Visit dealerships for cars with warranties or bank auctions for repossessed cars.
• Compare market prices for the desired make and model.
• Be cautious of deals that seem too cheap or suspicious.

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2. Inspect the Car

Documentation Check

• Ensure the Certificat de Înmatriculare (registration certificate) is authentic.
• Verify a valid ITP (Periodic Technical Inspection) – check the sticker on the windshield.
• Check the Carte de Identitate a Vehiculului (CIV) for technical details.
• Look for unpaid RCA insurance and unpaid taxes.

Physical Inspection

• Hire a trusted mechanic to check the car’s condition.
• Test drive the car.
• Check for accident repairs, rust, mileage discrepancies, or engine issues.

VIN Verification

• Use online tools or services to check the car’s history, including accidents, mileage, and ownership.

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3. Negotiate and Finalize the Sale

• Agree on the price and any additional repairs the seller might need to address.
• Use a standardized sales contract (Contract de Vânzare-Cumpărare).
• Ensure both parties sign the contract in front of a notary (optional but advisable for added security).

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4. Pay Taxes and Transfer Ownership

• Pay the taxa de timbru (stamp duty) at the local tax office.
• Ensure the seller clears any unpaid debts or fines on the car.
• Submit a transfer request at Direcția Regim Permise de Conducere și Înmatriculare a Vehiculelor (DRPCIV).

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5. Register the Car

Collect the following documents for registration:

• Sales contract.
• Original and copy of the Certificat de Înmatriculare.
• CIV document.
• Proof of paid taxes (stamp duty, local taxes).
• Valid RCA insurance.
• Visit DRPCIV to register the car and get new license plates if necessary.

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6. Purchase Insurance

• Compare RCA (mandatory liability insurance) prices from companies like Allianz, Omniasig, or Groupama.
• Consider CASCO insurance for additional coverage (theft, accidents, etc.).
• Check platforms like asiguraricont.ro for comparisons.

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Dos and Don’ts

Do:

• Always verify the car’s legal status (no debts, unpaid fines, or stolen records).
• Double-check all documents and signatures.
• Budget for registration, taxes, and insurance beyond the car’s price.

Don’t:

• Skip a mechanic’s inspection.
• Pay upfront without proper documentation.
• Rush the process – take time to verify everything.

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Acknowledgments

Via Damian Galvin, owner of White Mountain Property (www.whitemountain.ro).