How to Buy a Secondhand Car in France

You can buy secondhand cars in France from a registered dealer, through local newspaper advertisements or at auctions. The advantage of using a dealer is that you normally get a one-year guarantee, and the paperwork is usually in order.

Paperwork

Make sure the car has the proper registration document. This is a called a "certificate d' immatriculation" or "carte grise," and includes the current owner's name, make, model, year, serial number and registration plate number.

Certificates

Ask for the car's "certificat de contrôle technique," if the car is more than four years old. This must be valid for at least six months. This proves the car is safe to drive, and this test must be carried out every two years. Get a certificate of "non-gage" to prove the seller truly owns the car, and there is no outstanding credit.

Transfer

Take all these documents to your local prefecture, along with your identification documents, proof of address and driver's license. Make sure you have a credit card or cash to pay the fee. They will transfer all the documents into your name, and you will become the official new owner.

References

• Public Service France