Know the bottom line before you sign.
As a non-car-owning, dyed-in-the-wool ecologist, I have, I admit, always looked down on car drivers as namby-pamby polluters who, by their selfish refusal to get some exercise, are dragging us noble pedestrians and cyclists inexorably toward an ecological doomsday. At least, that was how I felt until I came to Munich. Now I long for a car to take me to those out-of-the-way locations that my car-owning friends are always bragging about. If you wish to avoid spending the summer sardined on the shores of Lake Starnberg with the rest of the virtuous, MVV-using locals, here are some tips on getting motorized.Should you decide to buy a new car there are generally three ways to pay. For those who wish to shell out the entire sum immediately, it is probably best to arrange for a bank transfer. Alternatively you can pay in installments (Ratenzahlung), in which case you might like to get a letter of creditworthiness (Kreditwürdigkeitsbescheinigung ) from your bank before signing the purchase agreement (Kauf- und Finanzierungsvertrag) at the car dealer (Autohändler). Otherwise there is the option of leasing (Leasing).
For a second-hand car (Gebrauchtwagen), try looking in the used car section (KFZ Markt) of the Abendzeitung, the Tageszeitung or the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Buying a used vehicle by this method always entails a certain risk but there are at least two ways in which you can assess the roadworthiness of the vehicle. First, insist on a trial drive (Probefahrt), and second, ask to have the car checked by a garage (Werkstatt) specializing in that make of car. Also remember to take a look at the license plates. On the back plate is a small, round, colored disk (Amtliche Plakette) with numbers, similar to a clock face. The date shown there (this is easy to see on the disk) will tell you when the car next needs to go for an inspection (TÜV). Now check the front license plate, where you will see a similar disk showing you when the last emissions test (Abgassonderuntersuchung) was carried out. If either disk has expired you should be suspicious.
Regardless of whether the car is new or second-hand you will receive a vehicle registration document (Kraftfahrzeugbrief) with the car. Your next step is to take out insurance. Before issuing you with a third party car insurance (Kraftfahrzeug-Haftpflichtversicherung) the insurance company will want to see your passport or identification papers as well as a residence permit (Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) and the vehicle registration document. Once the policy has been signed you will receive an insurance card (Versicherungsdoppelkarte). Now you are ready to register your car. Armed with your insurance card, vehicle registration document, passport and residence permit, go along to the Vehicle and License Registration Center (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungs- und Führerscheinstelle) at Eichstätter Str. 2 (if you live outside Munich, you will need to find your local vehicle registration center). After showing your papers and paying € 25 you will receive a motor vehicle registration certificate (Fahrzeugschein). Conveniently located next door to the registration center is the workshop for license plates (Autokennzeichen), where you can have a pair made in about 10 minutes. This will cost an additional € 29. Take your new plates back to the Vehicle and License Registration, where the TÜV disks and emissions will be fixed onto the plates.
Finally, go home, pack the swimming things and a picnic, borrow a screwdriver from your neighbor, kneel down before your new car and screw on the license plates and voilà! You’re ready to go.
