Buying a Car

[Mintyspud]

We are thinking of buying a car, are the rules the same as in the UK regarding MOT etc, what are the pitfalls?

Thanks
MS

[maccasa]

Portuguese car system is similar to UK - MOT every 2 yrs after 3 yrs old, but then every 1yr after 6/7? its called IPO and there are several stations nearby - Porches is closest - just turn up and they do it. The road tax has to be bought from the financas office (in lagoa centre) about €50-55 per year. The insurance is for the house number not a specific person altough you must be named and also you must carry all reg, insurance, IPO docs with you at all times + a copy of passport of the driver. The insurance also covers you for breakdown collection as it is not allowed to tow a car in PT.

Cars are expensive due to the purchase tax system, basically a new car is €x and the tax is the same, so you pay €2x to get it on the road! correspondingly the second hand value is high - even a 10-12yr old runabout will cost €1 - 2000

You must also carry a triangle and yellow jacket in the car at all times - failure to put on the jacket or display the triangle when you have to stop, is a mandatory €140 fine!

The police can also stop you at any time for document checks

Enjoy

[Mintyspud]

Fantastic thanks for your help