Guides for buying a second-hand car
Short guides to read before you buy a car, based on Romanian rules.
Translated from Romanian. These guides describe Romanian rules.
How to check a second-hand car before you buy it
Most problems show up in an hour of inspection and a few minutes of online checks. The most expensive mistakes can't be seen by eye, so check the papers and registers before the paint and the upholstery.
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Papers for buying a car and re-registering it in your name
After buying, you have 90 days to re-register the car in your name at your county's vehicle registration office. Start with the local taxes, not with the counter.
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ITP: how often it's done and what to check when you buy
The periodic technical inspection (inspecția tehnică periodică, ITP) checks that the car meets the minimum safety standard for the road. When you buy, it tells you only that the car passed a basic test. It says nothing about whether the car is in good shape.
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Rolled-back mileage: how to check a car's history
Rolled-back mileage is still a common trick. In Romania there is an official document showing the history, so most fraud shows up in a few minutes if you know where to look.
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Private seller or dealer: your rights
What the law guarantees you matters more than the price. With a dealer you get a warranty and the right to complain about defects. With a private person you have to protect yourself in the contract.
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Importing a car from abroad into Romania
A car from Germany or Italy can cost less, but it comes with more paperwork. Before you pay, find out what happens after it arrives in Romania.
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Winter tyres in Romania: what the law says
Romania has no fixed date for winter tyres. The obligation applies when the road is covered with snow, ice or black ice.
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Test drive: a checklist for buyers
A test drive should last at least 20 minutes and include city streets, a straight road and a faster stretch. Keep the radio off.
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Financing a car: loan, leasing or paying cash
The monthly instalment is only part of the cost. Compare what you pay in total, and don't forget insurance, servicing and tyres.
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How to negotiate the price of a second-hand car
A lower price comes from facts. The better you know the market and the car's condition, the easier it is to ask for a justified discount.
Read the guide →Rabla 2026: how much the voucher is and what to do with your old car
Rabla, the car scrappage programme, gives you a voucher towards a new car if you scrap one that is at least 8 years old. It doesn't apply to second-hand cars, and the Environment Fund Administration (AFM) closed the 2026 session for individuals in September, when the budget ran out.
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What to look out for on a specific model
Used Dacia Logan: what to check before you buy
The Logan is a simple car with cheap parts available all over the country. When buying, rust, running gear and the LPG system, where fitted, matter most.
Read the guide →Used Dacia Duster: what to check before you buy
The Duster is a simple SUV that is cheap to run. The mechanics are tough, but on older ones the condition of the chassis and the upkeep matter.
Read the guide →Used Dacia Sandero: what to check before you buy
The Sandero is one of the cheapest cars, even second-hand. The mechanics are simple, so condition and upkeep are what count when you buy.
Read the guide →Used Volkswagen Golf: what to check before you buy
The Golf holds its price well and is easy to resell. Many come from import, so the history from the country of origin matters as much as the condition.
Read the guide →Used Volkswagen Passat: what to check before you buy
The Passat is the high-mileage motorway car. A well-kept one lasts a long time, and a neglected one can cost a lot.
Read the guide →Used Škoda Octavia: what to check before you buy
The Octavia is roomy, has cheap parts, and many come from import. Some engines and gearboxes need checking before you buy.
Read the guide →Used Škoda Fabia: what to check before you buy
The Fabia is cheap to run and easy to resell. On older ones, the condition of the engine and body matters most.
Read the guide →Used Škoda Superb: what to check before you buy
The Superb gives a lot of space for the money, so many were company cars and motorway cars. Mileage and servicing matter more than the year.
Read the guide →Used Kia Sportage: what to check before you buy
A newer Sportage often still has the 7-year or 150,000 km factory warranty. It passes to the next owner if the car had its services on time.
Read the guide →Used Hyundai Tucson: what to check before you buy
In Europe the Tucson was sold between 2009 and 2015 as the ix35. Newer cars may still have the 5-year factory warranty with no mileage limit, which passes to the next owner.
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This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so check the official websites before you decide.