Italy Forum

maradel
Joined 2017
Posts: 116

4 years ago

car advice

4 years ago

I'm running out of time on my long-term lease and I have to buy a car this month. For those who followed my "sono qui" discussion, I will just say that the saga continued... At some point I will update that, but here I'll just say that finalmente I have a "permanent" apartment in Atri, and just this week, I applied for my residency.

My car lease runs out around the middle of July. I don't want to buy the car I've leased, although that would be the easiest option. It's a Renault Duster. It's not a bad car, but it's too big and it's over-powered for when I become one of the neopatentati. So, my first question is do I have to have my carta d'identita in hand in order to buy a car/get insurance, or is there some other document I can get from the comune to prove my residency while I'm waiting for the bureaucracy to grind forward? I have no idea how long it takes, but the lady at the comune said that I can apply for the carta 10 days after applying for residenza. That will be around Friday, next week. Time is getting short for me to buy a car!

So, next question is what car?? I have the neopatentati 2019 list from patentati.it if I want to buy a new car. Anyone want to weigh in on the pros and cons of new vs used? Things to keep in mind are the stupid law limiting the power of the car I buy and how long do I want to be stuck with a lower power car, cost (obviously), risk of buying a used car in Italy.

Back to which car, something like a Fiat 500 or Fiat Panda might be ok, but are they safe/reliable cars? What other cars should I be considering? I was driving a 17 yr old 4x4 pickup truck in the US! I would like a 4x4, but I think the power restrictions would make it awful to drive. And I really would prefer to spend under 20K euro. A lot under that, if possible.

I would prefer to buy a used car less than 5 yrs old, with maintenance records. Does such a thing exist here? Do Italians keep maintenance records on their cars? I'm obsessive about maintaining my vehicles. I handed over a thick file of records to the new owner of my truck.

What kind of fuel? In theory, I like the idea of methane/GPL because of the cost, but is it practical? Maybe the question is what kind of driving is that fuel practical for? My original idea was to drive around Italy and Europe to see things. I don't want to stay within 50 Km of Atri the rest of my life!!

My Italian neighbor, a guy, (who speaks no english) offered to come with me to look at cars. My Italian is still primitive, so I'm very grateful for his offer. I can't imagine dealing with car salespeople when I can't speak Italian well. I also have an American friend in Atri who is fluent in Italian who can double check things for me. One of her friends is an Italian lawyer, in case I need someone to read a contract.

Next question is about insurance. How do I find/shop for car insurance here?? I don't even know what to ask, what kind of coverage is available, what's required, what's not required but recommended, how much it might cost, etc, etc.

I hate buying cars!! I tended to keep my cars until they fell apart. So this will be very stressful! Any input will be greatly appreciated!

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Living in Italy Guide

Expats in Italy discuss the pros and cons of living in Italy. From bureaucracy to expensive cities, Italy can be a challenge. Most expats find that the amazing food, charming countryside, beautiful beaches and public healthcare make up for the cons.

Italy Forum
Join our Italy forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Italy.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy.

Best Places to Live in Italy

If you're considering a move to Italy, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Italy in 2023.

Healthcare in Italy

An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), Covid-19 entry requirements, vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.

Cost of Living in Italy

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Italy.

Moving to Italy Guide

Expats moving to Italy envision a romantic lifestyle in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. However, it is important to make sure that you do comprehensive research and fully understand what it will mean to move to the city, town or village you choose.

Real Estate in Italy

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Italy.

Pros & Cons of Living in Italy

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Italy.

Retiring in Italy

Advice for people retiring in Italy.

Italy Visa & Residency Guide

Expats share their experiences obtaining residency in Italy. They discuss the ins and outs of the applying for the permesso di soggiorno, recent travel issues, permanent residency in Italy and more.

10 Tips for Living in Italy

If you've recently arrived in Italy, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Italy.

Additional Information:

Visit our Italy Index for a Full List

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

William Russell

Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
Get Quote

Contribute
Help others in Italy by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy.