Buying a car in the Algarve

[tara]

I am looking for help/advice with regards to buying a car in the Algarve.
We are staying longer in our apartment each time we go to Carvoeiro and spending a huge amount on hired cars and therefore looking to purchase a car ASAP. any help would gratefully be appreciated.

[John1]

Hi, I have only had experience in buying a second hand car in Portugal so all I can tell you about buying brand new is that they are sold from the main dealers which are generally located on the road into Faro (towards the airport) and a few are also in Portimao. From my limited knowledge, new cars are more expensive than in the UK and I'm fairly certain you pay 21% tax on top of the price for a new car. (someone with more experience could perhaps confirm that.) As for buying second hand - there are numerous car stands located on the EN125 road that runs the length of the Algarve. It would be ideal, if you dont speak Portuguese to have someone with you who does, just to make sure what you are getting in the price you are paying.
Car Tax is quite a lot cheaper than the uk but is dependant on engine size, year of manufacture and fuel type.
Car Insurance in my experience was the same as the UK if not slightly more expensive.
Hope some of this helps, but as I'm not living in Portugal anymore, my information may need to be confirmed.

[tara]

Many thanks for that John.
Anyone else out there with any experiences in buying new or second hand ??

[martin]

avoid buying a car where there is only one franchise dealer...I know from experience it is no fun to walk around faro in august for 6 hours waiting for the car to be serviced..also if you choose a make with other garages who are appointed dealers (eg renault) then you will have a choice when you find that things are made to break on a service so you will have to return

cars here are very very pricey...I looked at one secondhand mg zt here, but in comparison I could certainly buy two and with care 3 mg zts for the same price with the same year same mileage

there are lots of offers on new cars, eg there is a govt scheme which give you a trade in value of 3000 euros if your car (port plated and mot) if the vehicle is over 15 years old

also the only bargain I have seen is a new hybrid car which seemed to have no car tax only iva

[tara]

cheers for that Martin

[Misty]

We have bought both new and second hand. My husband is a fully qualified mechanic so knows what he's looking at and is also better at me with the Portuguese! If you need any help, feel free to send a pm.

[biffa]

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