This is what you need to know when buying a car in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, cars are usually bought used from a car dealer or from an individual. Websites such as Marktplaats.nl and Autoscout24.nl are online places to buy used cars. Through these websites, car dealers and individuals sell cars. There are differences though if you buy a car from a dealer or not:

• You usually buy a reliable car from a car dealer. A car dealer is a company or person who sells new and/or used cars. You often get a warranty. That means you can come back in case of problems. Dealers also help with registration and insurance.

• Buying a car from an individual is often cheaper, but carries more risks than from a car dealer. There is usually no warranty and there may be problems with the car that you do not see right away. Many people in the Netherlands therefore have their car checked by an expert before you buy the car.

In addition to the purchase price of the car, you should also consider other costs, namely:

• Dutch tax on passenger cars and motorcycles (BPM): You pay this tax when you buy a new car.

• Dutch motor vehicle tax (MRB): This is a monthly or quarterly tax that depends on the weight of the car and fuel type.

• Insurance: In the Netherlands, it is mandatory to have car insurance. At a minimum, the

  legal liability insurance (WA insurance
  ) is compulsory.

• Service and MOT: Cars need regular services and inspections (MOT). These are recurring costs you need to consider.

Once you have bought a car, you need to register it with the

You need these documents to register a car:

• A valid foreign identification card; and

• An extract from the

  Dutch population register
  containing your
  Dutch citizen service number (BSN)
  . This extract can be requested from the municipality and may not be older than 3 months.

When you buy a car, you can always take a test drive to make sure the car drives well. Also check that all the papers are in order, such as the service book, MOT inspection and registration certificate.