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Buying a car in Portugal

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sjhalasz
  4/1/2018 09:03 EST

We will be moving to Portugal from the U.S. in June. We will be staying for a week in Lisbon before moving into our apartment in Olhao in the Algarve. We want to buy a used car that is large enough to visit European countries comfortably but not so large that it's inconvenient for local travel. It seems that we will do better buying a car in Lisbon rather than waiting to buy in the Algarve. Is that true? What car would you recommend?

Countga
  4/2/2018 09:59 EST

Hello. I bought a used car last year from MSCar in Faro. They have trade- ins and used rental vehicles. They also have an outlet in Lisbon I believe, Look at mscar.pt. Also, check out auto.sapo.pt.
Also, algarve-auto-assist.com. Other sites: autto.pt , automoveis.pt , carsportugal.com
Angloinfo.com talks about buying & selling autos in Portugal. Autos come in all shapes & sizes and are not cheap. Automatics are rare. Diesels are pretty common and diesel fuel is cheaper here than gas. Gas in Portugal costs around $6 per gallon. It's about a dollar cheaper than that in Spain. Whatcar.com provides reviews on used cars. A one year warranty is required on used cars but dealers can charge you for that coverage. It is included in the MSCar price and their prices are non negotiable.
Well, I hope I have not given you too much information. )) It takes time and research to find what you want. Good luck! countga

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GoingCrazyGoing
  4/9/2018 21:12 EST

IF you can manage basic Portuguese go to OLX.PT
Best source for all kinds of things ; cars, furniture, even real estate.
I've seen real decent cars for eu$3000 or less.

dancebert
  4/10/2018 01:09 EST

>IF you can manage basic Portuguese go to OLX.PT

If you can install Chrome browser, use it to go to OLX.PT, right click on the page, then choose 'Translate to English'.

sepharad
  4/10/2018 11:51 EST

I hope someone who is more knowledgeable than I will answer this. But as non-EU members, like myself, these folks will have no NIF number. Can they actually purchase, register and insure a car in Portugal without a NIF?

I have been advised to not buy a car here until I have a NIF and looking at the title form, one seems necessary.

I do not want them to be unpleasantly surprised, when unlike an EU member, they suddenly find themselves unable to proceed.

Is there a work around for people moving from a non-EU country, as they are?

dancebert
  4/10/2018 12:35 EST

non-EU members who are also non-residents can get a NIF. Some say they had to try a 2nd or 3rd office before finding one that would follow the law and give them a NIF. Or you can pay an attorney to arrange one before you set foot in Portugal.

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AnchorLess provides services to help you settle into your new life in Portugal. you are guaranteed to have access to a convenient, quick and reliable service, with a team always ready to answer all of your questions about your new adventure.
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drewmckee
  4/12/2018 06:16 EST

I'm and American / non-resident an just purchased a car. I had to provide my NIF.

drewmckee
  4/12/2018 06:27 EST

I just purchased a car from MSCar in Faro as well. Nice folks to deal with. I looked at used cars; however, decided to buy a new SEAT Ibiza.

I ran into two issues when looking at used cars:

First, due to the diesel issues in EU now, I wanted a petrol car. I quickly found out that most late model used cars are diesels....so I had a very limited selection of used petrol cars.

Second, because used cars in Portugal hold their value extremely well, they are expensive. Honestly, there wasn't a huge price difference between a 4-year-old used car and a new car with a warranty.

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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
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Turn relocation stress into success with AnchorLess. From obtaining your NIF to a complete VISA support, we will be your guide through Portuguese administrative.
Learn More

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

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