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Hello,

I do not know about buying car,

just wanted to say hello

By the way, if you're planning to stay in a big city such as Paris, and don't move around, just rent a car.

The traffic in Paris is hell, and you can use public transport.

Otherwise, car is a must.

Regards

Doofi, thank you for the response.

My house is in St Maximin on the outskirts of Uzes which is a small community. It's a location where vehicular transport is a must.

Car rental costs are high in France and the research I've done suggests buying would be much more cost effective over the long haul. I'll likely spend at least 6 weeks there over the winter and the car hire cost would be substantial. SixT, for example, quotes $5,100 CAD and change for a diesel subcompact SUV with two drivers and CDW insurance in place. Three such hires would pay for a good used vehicle and I'd have a resalable asset. Even given maintenance and running costs the decision is a no brainer.

Getting from Marseille airport to Uzes at the start and finish of each stay is not as convenient as picking up an airport car but I can train it to Nimes then hop a cab to take me to Uzes for around €100.

AXA France advises me that I can test drive on the current owner's insurance. Apparently the policy in France covers the vehicle rather than the driver.

@Rustic islander If you are not French resident, you may have a lot of difficulty with purchasing a car in France, and in particular, registering the car and insuring it.

I have right of residency in France by virtue of my Polish nationality. I do not need a Carte de résident permanent.

I have also contacted Axa in France to ask about car insurance. I am already a customer - Axa insurance covers my house in Uzes.  They have confirmed they will provide vehicle insurance. In addition, even if I did not have right of residency there, it is legal to own and register a vehicle provided you have proof of residence.

@Rustic islander

You can not register a car in France unless you are French or maybe you can with a French ID Card. The workaround is rent. But the cheap renters are the Food Stores require a French ID  Or lease a car. There are people who will lease for a fixed term.

@Rustic islander

So I missed on the Buying part. Being part of the EU that is the Key. That is your ID

Transferring the registration Is just paperwork, but the seller has to file the sale to you. It can be done online. If the number plate is of the new format that stays with the car.  and You can get the forms on the net.

@Rustic islander

If you sell a used vehicle, you are required to complete Cerfa 15776*01 . This form allows you to make a declaration of transfer of the vehicle, thus indicating to the administration that you are transferring ownership of your car or motorcycle to the buyer.

The Cerfa declaration of transfer

If you sell a used vehicle, you are required to complete Cerfa 15776*01 . This form allows you to make a declaration of transfer of the vehicle , thus indicating to the administration that you are transferring ownership of your car or motorcycle to the buyer. Essential in the event of sale or donation of your vehicle, this document must be completed by both parties (the former owner and the new), before being signed. It will then allow the buyer to apply for registration.

Download Cerfa 15776*01

Download the explanatory note

It looks like you can do it. Someone will resist so it will take time. And the seller has to have the inspection sticker.      The technical inspection must be less than six months old at the time of signing the transfer certificate. So if the transaction takes place before the time limit expires,...

@boatman1940

I've already confirmed through several French agencies that foreigners and non-residents can legally own cars in France. Eplaque, Wise, Droit-finances.net all provide details of the requirements if you place the query on Google.

What is required is:

• A current driving licence from a country recognized as valid in France. I have a Canadian driving licence and an international driving permit, both recognized. Note that a foreign driving licence on its own is not enough. One can hire a car with it but an international driving licence - or a notarized translation of one's national driving licence - is mandatory for foreigners to register their own car.
• A current French address. One cannot register a vehicle from a foreign address.  In my case I have the acte d'attestation, proof of ownership of my house in the south of France.
• A current utility bill with one's name on it.

I've also spoken to Axa who insure my house and who have confirmed they will insure my car. In addition they offer banking services which I am in the process of opening to transfer funds from Canada for the car purchase. Axa also confirmed that in France the car rather than the driver is insured. As a result I would be entitled to test drive used cars I am interested in on the seller's insurance, provided, of course he has legal cover.

Lastly, I've contacted various French car dealerships. All have confirmed that, with the above paperwork, they will enable registration of a vehicle I purchase from them. This makes it much easier than doing it myself with only schoolboy French and Google Translate. Subject to a physical inspection and test drive, I intend to have the car ready for collection as soon as I arrive in Marseille so I don't have to incur hire car charges. Most accredited dealership offer decent warranties on fairly new used vehicles.

@Rustic islander

Good Luck.  Someone will try to stop you. And there will be fees but they are not big. Do not get angry just try another agent.

Look at renting via l'eclerc supermarkets from around 9€ per day. Lots of cheaper options away from major rental companies.

You already know but is a myth you need to be resident in france, you don't. You just need an address and if not your home the owner needs to be on the carte gris.

I have had insurance in the past when intending to view vehicles over the weekend and even abroad, they just told me to email the vin plate if I buy it and they'll cover. Not sure if that's changed, it was a while ago.

Zombies, thanks for the heads upon  l'eclerc. I'll check it out.