Having bought an apartment in CVO, we are now thinking of having a car there. We need a people carrier, 2 adults and 4 children. Does anyone have advice on such matters regarding insurance, buying etc, as we are non-residents, only home owners.
Thanks
Paul

Hi Paul,
Most of the main dealers are located in Faro and some in Portimao too, but they do not usually deal in second-hand cars. You can go to the many car stands that are located on the EN125 road from Faro up to Lagos for second hand cars. I don't have enough experience to comment on which ones are reputable or not. I've recently purchased a second hand people carrier from a stand and had no problems (except I struggled with the Portuguese!) but my insurance for it was over 700euros. The dealer prices for new cars are a LOT more expensive than they are in the UK.Also second hand cars can be found for sale in the 2 english language newspapers - The Resident and the 123. Hope some of this is of use to you.

We bought a car 6 months ago froma guy who specialises in ex rental cars. His service was excellent, and the car, which was 6 months old came beautifully prepared, fully serviced by main agent and with balance of manufacturers warranty. He speaks excellent english and looked after all the paperwork for us.

He also had quite a stock of people carriers.

He had a stand on the 125 near Porches, but has recently moved.I know he is still in business, and if you pm me I will let you have his contact details.

If you are worried about ex rentals just consider which is worse - driven by Brits, Germans, Dutch etc on hols or driven by the locals !?

Sorry the above message was me, I forgot to log in, which makes it difficult to pm me

Which is worse...Driven by locals for sure...

I would disagree. I think the tourists are worse.

I would say locals are worse judging by the way I've seen them throw their little cars through the potholes in & around Carvoeiro, dear God how they have an axle left let alone 4 wheels & tyres! The majority either seem to crawl along at about 5 km an hour or whizz around like loonies, I had one so far up my cars backside the other day I almost stopped & opened my boot to ask him if he wanted to get in.

Buy a left hand drive UK car cheaper and take it across, you can always re-register it in Portugal, its a lot easier than haggling Portugese prices down ! Try searching LHD on autotrader there are are some bargains, as obviously they don't fetch as much in the UK RHD.

Try ebay for left hand drive cars.

All very good importing into Portugal, but before you commit I sggest you check the duty payable to matriculate before you commit yourself, particularly if you are talking about a large car.

Thanks for all the advice.
Seems a chat with the locals and have a good look around when we are next in CVO.
Thanks
Paul

Hi Nice man my friend has a Ford Galaxy 7 seater for sale. 1.9 turbo diesel, 1998, 159000 kms, Grey metalic paint, air con, power steering, cd stack system, full service history, one owner. Also can do all the legals for you. If of any interest PM me or mobile 964105675

If you are worried about ex rentals just consider which is worse - driven by Brits, Germans, Dutch etc on hols or driven by the locals !?