Buying a car in Portugal

Ellie 2 · Post by **Ellie 2** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:06 pm

Can anyone advise me. We are constantly hiring cars when we come over and are thinking of buying a car to keep in CVO. Does anyone know the cost of Tax, Insurance etc? Is there such a thing as low mileage Insurance? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 7:58 pm

Tax and insurance on a basic car tends to be lower than in the UK.

It might be worth joining AFPOP (if you're not already a member) as there is an insurance company that offers discounts to AFPOP members.

The only thing to remember is that you will need an airport transfer each time you come out - if you come for a short visit in winter that could add up to the same price as a car for a week.

Ellie 2 · Post by **Ellie 2** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 9:57 pm

Thank you Kteee. What is AFPOP? We had thought about the transfer business but have a solution. Perhaps you could fill me in some more.

Regards Ellie 2.

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Fri Jul 16, 2004 10:16 pm

AFPOP is an association for ex-pats which can be very helpful if you are buying property or moving here.

They have a website afpop.com for more information.

Good luck

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Jul 17, 2004 2:42 pm

Insurance here is based on value and so for a relatively new car it is more expensive than in the UK. I was paying about £350 comp for a 5 series diesel BMW in the UK but the same car cost me 1300 euros through the AFPOP scheme at Medal with protected NCB. Next year it will be cheaper because the insured value will be lower. The Medal insurance does however include breakdown recovery, any driver cover and a free hire car for a number of days a year if the insured vehicle is being repaired.

The equivalent of road fund licence costs less than in the UK but is age, engine size and fuel type related. Diesels do well under this system and my car's tax is 48 euros a year.

A used car on third party insurance might be an economic solution but a car which is not used often will still need regular serving and oil changes. Removing the battery or having one of the new generation of trickle battery chargers which can be left permanently connected will help ensure a start when you return to Portugal.

If the car is not under cover you would obviously need to think protecting it from the effects of the sun in the summer and from damp in the winter.

iane · Post by **iane** » Sun Jul 18, 2004 9:11 am

Another thing to consider is that second hand cars in Portugal cost quite a bit more than in the UK. Add this to the points others have made about airport transfer costs and so on and you may find it doesn't stack up.

I spend about 60% of my time in Algoz the rest in the UK and I think it just about makes sense for me when you add in all the things mentioned plus servicing, inspections and general maintenance but for less frequent visitors more research is suggested.

Boa sorte

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 4:19 pm

You can hire a little car for £8 a day in low season and £10 a day right now.....Better hire

By

Ellie 2 · Post by **Ellie 2** » Mon Jul 19, 2004 4:29 pm

Thanks everyone. We have decided to continue hiring but where can you hire a car for £8.00 a day ref 'Guest'? Our hires cost a lost more than that - nearer £20.00 a day for a Group B/C. Would be interested to find out.

Regards Ellie 2.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:11 pm

Hi Elle.....It's no problem to hire for £8 in off season and £10 now. Oh but Ellie I can't resist to ask....these guys are having a tough time here with tourist sales really down....and need the business....
You know what I'm going to say don't you Ellie.........I know you prefer to pay £20 ...we don't want to take advantage of the poor locals do we. Ohh sorry Ellie..I couldnt resist that.........Seriously...the Carvoeiro Slo is offering £70 aweek right now and if you (Dare I say it !!) shop around...in Portimao.....you can even get £8 right now......and if you are real local..(Portuguese) you can get it for less....I know cause my Portuguese friends often arrange this for me...you see Ellie...Its a real world after all...Ciao Ciao

heini · Post by **heini** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:16 pm

oops, guest, I think you are talking to the wrong Ellie here. The question was posed by Ellie2

bica · Post by **bica** » Tue Jul 20, 2004 10:37 pm

and can you tell me how to get to the Carvoeiro Slo

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Jul 21, 2004 7:47 pm

Sorry Ellie 2...Ooops.... I do get carried away......Carvoeiro Sol is right in the town Square.....in fact if you look at the Web Cam...Its a few yards to the right.....Have Fun

Ciao

John Burgess · Post by **John Burgess** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 7:59 pm

Having read all posted messages on hire cars against purchase I to have considered purchasing a second hand car something like a Mid size estate but purchasing it in Belgium as this seams to be one of the cheapest places to buy and then drive it Cav could anyone tell me how difficult it is to re register + insure ect I did not realize that you can get a trickle charger for the car any ideas on where to purchase one.

Thank you
John Burgess

kteee · Post by **kteee** » Mon Aug 09, 2004 8:43 pm

If you are going to re-register the car and pay the tax due then it is quite simple. More complicated if you do it as part of residencia!

Rampage · Post by **Rampage** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 7:23 am

kteee - interesting post. Sooner or later we have to decide whether to buy a car in Portugal when we take up residence or buy here and export it. Purchase prices are quite low here, but there would be shipping costs, import duties etc. (I would make sure we own the vehicle for at least 6 months before export). Do you have any idea of taxes payable - flat rate or %? Is it possible to register a car before residence or must it wait until residence is granted? Would appreciate your experiences with this.