How to buy a used car directly from abroad (and how carVertical can help)

Buying a used car from abroad can open the door to better deals, unique models, and access to a broader range of makes and trims than you might find locally. However, without proper planning and a thorough background check of the car, you could run into unexpected fees, legal hurdles, or even scam attempts.

From understanding country-specific rules and local compliance standards to verifying a vehicle’s history and condition with the help of a carVertical report, following these guidelines can help ensure you find a great deal while reducing risks.

Understand the import regulations for Norway

Before deciding to import a car to Norway, it’s important to understand the local regulations. Whether the car comes from an EU/EEA country or a non-EU country, its age, engine type, and emissions class will affect the registration tax, required documentation, and mandatory inspections. Cars from outside the EU may need individual approval, while EU/EEA vehicles with type approval usually have a simpler registration process.

Taxes and fees

When importing a car, you’ll likely have to deal with several types of taxes and fees:

• VAT (Value Added Tax): In Norway, VAT is 25% on the import of most vehicles. It applies whether the car is new or used. Special rules exist for very old or classic cars, but generally, imported vehicles are subject to full VAT.
• Customs duties: Cars imported from EU/EEA countries are exempt from customs duties, but vehicles from outside the EU will usually be charged customs fees (typically around 10%) depending on the country of origin.
• Registration or environmental taxes: Many European countries impose extra registration or environmental fees. In Norway, there is a registration tax (registreringsavgift) based on weight, CO₂ emissions, NOx, and energy efficiency. EVs and hybrid vehicles have lower or reduced rates, while older, high-emission vehicles are taxed higher.

Tip: Always check these details on official government websites or by contacting customs authorities. Different vehicle categories, like commercial vs. passenger, electric vs. combustion, and so on, might follow different procedures or rates.

Required documents

Easier importing requires having all the correct paperwork. In general, you will need:

• Proof of purchase (invoice or bill of sale) – required to establish ownership and to calculate VAT and registration taxes.
• Original registration documents of the vehicle – needed for import and registration with Statens vegvesen.
• Certificate of Conformity (CoC) – shows that the car meets EU technical standards and simplifies Norwegian registration. For non-EU cars, an individual approval may be required instead.
• Any additional documents required by local laws.

Make sure you know which documents are needed both in the country you’re buying from and in your home country – it can save a lot of trouble later.

Inspection and testing requirements

In Norway, all imported vehicles must pass a Norwegian vehicle inspection (EU-kontroll) or obtain an individual approval if the car does not have EU type approval. The inspection ensures the car meets Norwegian safety and environmental standards, covering aspects such as roadworthiness, brakes, lights, structural integrity, emissions, and other safety equipment.

For electric vehicles, additional checks may include compliance of the battery and electric systems. Completing these inspections is mandatory before the vehicle can be registered and legally driven in Norway.

Special regulations for non-EU imports

Cars imported from outside the EU/EEA are subject to stricter checks and individual approval (spesialgodkjenning) by Statens vegvesen. To be registered in Norway, these vehicles must meet Norwegian technical and environmental standards, which may require modifications such as adjustments to emissions, lighting, or safety equipment.

Pro tip: To confirm a car’s emissions class or check if it meets local standards, you can use a carVertical report, which often includes emissions data.

Plan your finances

So how much does it cost to import a car? While costs vary depending on the country of origin and type of vehicle, proper research can help you determine if you’re getting a good deal compared to local prices. Start by deciding on a reasonable budget, leaving a buffer for unexpected costs.

• Car price: The car price is a central component of the financial planning process, as it sets the foundation for the overall budget. Research similar makes and models online to understand the price range and determine how much you can afford to spend.
• Market value check: Use the carVertical report, including its market value feature, to determine if the asking price is reasonable, identify inflated prices, and avoid overpaying/hidden issues.
• Additional costs: Consider taxes, customs duties, inspection fees, potential modifications for emissions compliance, repairs, and shipping costs. This will give you a more accurate estimate of the total cost of importing a car.

Tip: Always pay by credit card or bank transfer – avoid cash or unsecured payment methods to ensure traceability and legal protection.

Find a reliable seller

Some buyers look for the cheapest country to buy cars in Europe, comparing listings and sellers to decide if importing is worth it. Before going ahead, thoroughly check each seller’s reliability to avoid any hidden costs or scams:

• Check the seller’s reputation: Do a quick search to see if there are any complaints. Review the seller’s online presence, look up online reviews, local forums, or buyer feedback. If it’s a dealership, verify its registrations with authorities.
• Evaluate transparency: Reliable sellers provide detailed listings, show willingness to answer questions, and allow inspections.
• Compare prices: Significantly below average prices could indicate hidden issues or scam attempts.
• Confirm ownership: Request proof of ownership, e.g., the original registration document.

If a seller makes you feel uneasy, avoids answering your questions, or seems unwilling to provide clear and transparent information, it’s a strong indicator that proceeding with them could be a significant risk that’s not worth taking.

Get to know the car inside and out before buying

Performing proper diligence on the vehicle’s history and condition is very important when planning to import a car. A thorough early-on approach can help you avoid costly issues that sometimes arise when importing a car from Europe or elsewhere.

Ask for help from a local expert

If you can’t personally travel to inspect the car, consider hiring a local person (a friend or recommended professional) to verify that the vehicle matches the seller’s claims. They can look at its exterior condition, confirm the VIN, and give you an unbiased assessment.

Additionally, there are specialized companies that assist with buying cars abroad. These services can handle everything from vehicle inspections and paperwork to shipping and customs clearance.

Regardless of whether you’re buying the car through mediators or handling the process yourself, don’t skip checking the car’s history via a carVertical VIN check. Some buyers use mediators, providing basic requirements and payment while leaving the rest to them. However, conducting this part of the research yourself gives you more control and can lead to an even better outcome, ensuring you make a fully informed decision.

Understand the nuances of the mileage curve

Mileage strongly influences a car’s value and condition, and odometer tampering is a common scam, especially for imports. Always verify the car’s mileage with a carVertical report to avoid odometer rollbacks and identify other suspicious patterns.

Some common red flags in the mileage history are:

• Irregular gaps: Large intervals that are unaccounted for between recorded mileages could indicate missing records or a lack of regular maintenance.
• Stagnation: If mileage does not change over long periods, the car may have been off the road due to major mechanical issues or damage.
• Low mileage: If the mileage is unusually low for the age of the car, consider whether it was underused or if someone tampered with the odometer.

Assess the damage history

A car’s damage history can help you better evaluate its true condition and become more aware of potential future problems. Therefore, it’s crucial to learn about any past accidents before buying any used car.

For example, the excerpt from the carVertical report below shows a severely damaged BMW, with an estimated repair cost between €10,001 and €15,000.

If damaged areas, such as the braking system, engine accessories, and suspension system, were poorly fixed, you might face issues that resurface after purchase. This can not only affect the car's performance and safety but also lead to expensive repairs.

If importing from the US, pay special attention to title brands. Vehicles with branded titles, like salvage or rebuilt, may have suffered major accidents or flood damage and could still have lingering issues.

Check ownership and usage history

Knowing how many owners the car had can provide valuable insights into how well it has been maintained and even indicate potential issues if the ownership has changed frequently. For this, it is also important to understand the ownership type and whether the car has been subjected to any unusual conditions.

You can gain a clearer picture by cross-referencing the information in the Timeline and Commercial use check sections of the carVertical report.

While the Timeline section can show ownership changes, the Commercial use check section in the report can reveal if the car was used by law enforcement, rental companies, or some other commercial purposes.

Purchasing an ex-taxi, police car, or rental vehicle without knowing its history can pose risks, as these vehicles are often subjected to heavier use, frequent driving, and potentially harsh conditions. Ex-taxis and police cars may have higher mileage, while rental cars might have been driven by multiple, sometimes inexperienced drivers. These factors can lead to increased wear and tear, making the car more prone to mechanical issues and affecting its overall reliability.

Look for visible signs of wear and tear

If possible, inspect the car in person or request a full set of detailed photos. Look for:

• Body condition: Dents, scratches, rust, or uneven paintwork, which can mean past accidents or sloppy repairs.
• Paint quality: Faded or peeling paint might suggest harsh environmental exposure.
• Glass and lights: Cracks or chips in windows, mirrors, or headlights can be costly to repair.
• Tires: Uneven tire wear may mean alignment issues or suspension problems.
• Interior: Torn upholstery, unpleasant odors, and stained carpeting may point to neglect.
• Engine bay: Look for fluid leaks, cracked hoses, or worn belts.

If you can’t see the car in person, thoroughly investigate the pictures in the listing (and ask the seller to share more, or even record a video). A carVertical report may also include historical photographs from previous inspections, data from damage providers, and more, which can be helpful for spotting prior damage.

Test drive the car

A test drive is one of the most important steps in evaluating a car before purchasing, as it allows you to assess its performance, comfort, and any potential mechanical issues. If you’re able to visit the seller abroad, a test drive can provide important insights:

• Check acceleration and braking: Ensure the engine responds smoothly and the brakes function properly.
• Listen for unusual sounds: Squeaks, rattles, or grinding noises may indicate issues.
• Assess comfort and handling: A smooth ride and responsive steering are good signs.
• Check instruments and electronics: Make sure all lights, gauges, and infotainment systems are working.

Get a professional inspection

A professional inspection is vital, especially if you’re buying from afar. A local mechanic or inspection service can verify the car’s condition remotely, sometimes via video calls. They can help detect tricky issues, as in a car registered as a different type of vehicle (e.g., a van instead of an SUV), which can cause legal headaches later.

Plan shipping and customs clearance

Once you’ve confirmed the car’s condition, it’s time to get it home. Again, careful planning leads to the best results:

1. 1.Research transport costs: Think about shipping fees, transit insurance, and storage charges.

2. 2.Choose a transportation method: Options include driving the car yourself, hiring a car carrier, or shipping by sea.

3. 3.Handle import duties and taxes: VAT (25%), customs duties for non-EU/EEA imports (~10%), and registration tax must be considered. Costs vary by origin and vehicle type.

4. 4.Prepare necessary documents: Ensure customs paperwork is complete to avoid delays.

5. 5.Arrange delivery and pickup: Logistical costs can vary based on port location or distance to your final destination in Norway.

Distance within Europe can also influence costs. For example, shipping from southern or eastern Europe is typically more expensive than from neighboring Nordic countries.

Always factor in various scenarios and shipping routes, as it can account for potential delays and additional costs.

Register your imported car

Finally, you’ll need to register the imported car in your home country. This typically involves:

• Providing necessary documents: Including the invoice or proof of purchase, original registration certificate, and a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) for EU/EEA vehicles. Cars from outside the EU/EEA require individual approval instead of a CoC. Additionally, an inspection certificate (EU-kontroll or individual approval) may be required to confirm the vehicle meets Norwegian technical and safety standards.
• Paying registration fees: Norway charges a registration tax (registreringsavgift) based on weight, CO₂ and NOx emissions, and fuel type.
• Submitting an application at the local vehicle registration authority: All documents are submitted to Statens vegvesen. There is typically a waiting period for plates and registration approval, depending on document processing and inspection completion.

When importing a car, it's important to thoroughly research and learn as much as possible about the vehicle. Understanding its history, condition, and any potential issues will help ensure you make a well-informed decision. Taking the time to gather all relevant information can prevent future problems and lead to a more successful purchase.