top of page
Search

Selling your car in Austria

Updated: Dec 26, 2022

The two possible ways to sell a car are:

  • To a dealer in part-exchange for another new car

  • In a private sale

1. To a dealer in part-exchange for another new car

  • If the dealer agrees to a part-exchange, ensure that you agree the trade-in price BEFORE you sign the contract for the new car. The ÖAMTC recommends that:

Under no circumstances should you agree to clauses such as "trade-in price as estimated by an expert" or "subject to a vehicle inspection".

  • The ÖAMTC also says that it is very important that you do not agree to a warranty on your old car (see below) and that the car is deregistered immediately.

  • It is also very important that the dealer is named as the buyer. Under no circumstances allow them to put the name of their buyer into the contract or you could be liable for any warranty issues that may arise in the future for your old car.

  • Do not agree to a commission sale: the dealer won't pay you the. Under no circumstances allow them to put the name of their buyer into the contract or your could be liable for any warranty issues that may arise in the future for your old car.he car!

2. In a private sale

  • If possible, only accept cash: the ÖAMTC reports that outstanding instalments are often not paid.

  • As a private seller you do not need to provide a warranty. If you do not explicitly exclude a warranty you are liable for defects for two years! Include this wording in the contract: "Der Käufer verzichtet ausdrücklich auf jede Art der Gewährleistung." ("The buyer expressly waives any kind of warranty.")

  • Avoid problems by using the ÖATMC's standard used car sales contract.

  • Reduce any risks by basing the purchase contract on an ÖAMTC purchase inspection ("ÖAMTC-Kaufüberprüfung"). It is reassuring when buying and a proof of quality when selling. This service is only available to ÖAMTC members.

When you have agreed a sale you will need to deregister your car at your local registration office ("Zulassungsstelle") (see links at the bottom of the page). These are usually car insurers who are authorised to handle car registrations. The Zulassungsstelle will take the licence plates from you, but can keep them for you up to a year - if you're planning to buy a new car.


(It is also possible for the new owner to deregister the car on your behalf. You would be trusting them to drive off straight to the registration office in the car to present the necessary documents together with a signed proxy form and your licence plates. However this would be unwise: the new owner could collect speeding and parking fines and cause accidents while the car is still registered to you.)


Lastly, the deregestration confirmation 'Abmeldebestätigung' needs to be sent to your insurance company to cancel your car insurance.


Links and references

ree

hello@englishspeakers.at

  • alt.text.label.Facebook

English Speakers in Austria, its owners, administrators, moderators and other volunteers, assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site should not be relied on as the sole source of information. It is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Please check other sources and seek legal advice as appropriate.

©2025 by English Speakers in Austria

bottom of page