Can we buy a used auto in Italy

LaDonna · #1 (**permalink**) 3rd September 2008, 09:50 PM

We will be living in Italy for a year beginning January 2009.

We had a rental car secured...and it just fell through today....so I'm thinking maybe we could just buy a used car for the year and sell it before we leave.

I know there is lots of red tape in Italy...and was just wondering if it would actually be possible to buy a car in Italy?

We also considered just shipping our car to Italy...seems to be much cheaper...

Thanks for any advice.....like can we even get auto insurance there? Is a non-citizen even allowed to purchase a vehicle?

L

miolas · #2 (**permalink**) 4th September 2008, 06:43 AM

Would like to hear about the same topic as well, if someone has experience on it. Also, if you buy a used car, where to register it, any insurance tips etc. We are in Abruzzo - Ofena & Capestrano, l'Aquila being the nearest bigger city.

vinnyc · #3 (**permalink**) 11th September 2008, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaDonna

We will be living in Italy for a year beginning January 2009.

We had a rental car secured...and it just fell through today....so I'm thinking maybe we could just buy a used car for the year and sell it before we leave.

I know there is lots of red tape in Italy...and was just wondering if it would actually be possible to buy a car in Italy?

We also considered just shipping our car to Italy...seems to be much cheaper...

Thanks for any advice.....like can we even get auto insurance there? Is a non-citizen even allowed to purchase a vehicle?

L

You have to be a resident to buy and register a car in italy.

vinnyc · #4 (**permalink**) 11th September 2008, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miolas

Would like to hear about the same topic as well, if someone has experience on it. Also, if you buy a used car, where to register it, any insurance tips etc. We are in Abruzzo - Ofena & Capestrano, l'Aquila being the nearest bigger city.

You must be a resident to buy and register a car in italy. In fact I brought my motorcycle from the U.S and they wouldn't even allow me to give it away to my cousin. Go figure.

paper tiger · #5 (**permalink**) 12th September 2008, 05:32 PM

you need to register the car on a local? someone you know or trust

Calabrese7 · #6 (**permalink**) 19th September 2008, 10:29 PM

You can buy a car as a non resident: you are given temporary plates and must export the car immediately. I emailed ACI dot it and this is the answer they gave!

deborah and ricky · #7 (**permalink**) 25th September 2008, 07:17 PM

There is a lot of red tape, and yes you have to be a resident.
I have head that Italsure are cheap for insurance, and remember that when you buy the car DON'T take cash, our dealer told us that large cash payments ( not to builders etc) cause problems as they may get checked for money laundering.

Regards
Ricky

collizz · #8 (**permalink**) 6th October 2008, 02:49 PM

You can buy a used car without a problem. It would be issued as a EE license but you do intend to stay for more than a year then you would have to obtain an Italian license. You can then insure the car via Clements Int'l.. an american insurance broker for expats. I wouldn't get an italian insurance coverage, it is very expensive.

You may want to consider renting a car via AutoEurope which has long term rentals for americans.

LaDonna · #9 (**permalink**) 6th October 2008, 05:49 PM

Thanks for the advice...we'll definitely check into that.....the least expensive quote so far is about $800/mo to rent a vehicle...very small one of course....

But we are still working on it and have a couple in Italy working on it as well....

Something will work out for us....just have to keep at it....

Quote:

Originally Posted by collizz

You can buy a used car without a problem. It would be issued as a EE license but you do intend to stay for more than a year then you would have to obtain an Italian license. You can then insure the car via Clements Int'l.. an american insurance broker for expats. I wouldn't get an italian insurance coverage, it is very expensive.

You may want to consider renting a car via AutoEurope which has long term rentals for americans.

miolas · #10 (**permalink**) 7th October 2008, 08:34 PM

For shorter rentals we have used this link (pickup Rome FCO airport) 5 times now, no problemos so far: EasyTerra Car Rental - Compare the prices of car rental worldwide

Its a portal that checks the best rate at that moment from all rental companies (e.g. Europcar, AVIS etc). Works well, can be recommended.

BTW: Just love the Italian driving style being very close to the car in front :-) I guess Italians are so affectuous that this also reflects to driving habits ;-)