When budgeting for a car, you should include:

• the purchase price
• registration and vehicle registration document
• repairs and maintenance
• the fuel (petrol or diesel)
• insurance.

To calculate everything, the first step is to answer these questions:

1. New or used car? If your budget is less than €10,000, a used car is more suitable.

2. What size? How many seats, how many doors, what boot capacity?

3. Which engine?

• A diesel car is more expensive to buy and maintain, but the fuel (diesel) is cheaper. It consumes less diesel, so it's a good option if you drive more than 20 minutes a day on average on fast roads (local roads, national roads, highways). It is polluting, so it may be banned from driving during pollution peaks and is more difficult to resell.
• A petrol car is cheaper to buy and maintain, and less polluting than a diesel car. But the fuel (unleaded 95 or 98) is more expensive.
• An electric car is more expensive to buy and maintain; it has a battery that charges at a special charging station . It is less polluting, but its autonomy is limited.
• A hybrid car is cheaper to buy, but more expensive to maintain. It uses two fuels: gasoline (unleaded 95 or 98) and electricity. For starting and short trips, the electric part operates; for longer or faster trips, the gasoline engine operates.

Finding the right car for your needs and budget can take time.

For a new car, you can:

• Go to a dealership (a professional store that sells cars of several brands). It is possible to test drive the car and sometimes negotiate the purchase price (trade-in of your old car, attractive discounts during "open house days").
• Contact a car broker (a professional who negotiates and resells cars to individuals). The cars are often cheaper, but it's not always possible to test drive the car or get a trade-in for your old one.

For a used car, you can:

• Go to a dealership, a garage, or contact an agent.
• Look on websites with ads verified by professionals, such as: L'Argus , La Centrale , Aramis Auto
• Look on classifieds websites like LeBoncoin , Paru Vendu , Facebook Marketplace ads , or sales groups organized by city, department, region… The ads are less verified, but you might find a good deal; beware of fake ads and scams.
• ask trusted people and your family, friends, colleagues, neighbors…

If you have found a used car, make an appointment to see it and check:

• the general condition (tires, seats, bodywork…) and the equipment (seatbelts, pedals, windshield wipers, air conditioning, turn signals, windows…)
• with the engine off and while driving (feel free to ask for the keys to test the car for a few kilometers)
• the number of kilometers on the advertisement, on the car, and on the documents (repair invoices for example)
• the car's history with the seller on the Histovec website .

For a new car

The seller is required to provide you with several documents and certain guarantees. Everything is explained on this website .

For a used car

• The number shown on the registration certificate must be the same as the chassis number (written on the bodywork, or on the side of the door, or under the hood, at the bottom of the windshield, on the floor or inside the trunk)
• Look at the vehicle inspection documents and maintenance invoices, check the dates and mileage.
• The seller must display the mandatory information on the car (make, model, mileage, price, etc.)
  Everything is explained here .

Once the car purchase is confirmed, you must:

1. Contact an insurer and sign an insurance contract

The car must be insured in your name on the day of purchase.

Insurance is mandatory for any vehicle that can be driven (even if you do not use it).

Everything is explained in the Refugees.info fact sheet " Insuring a car "

2. Pay the seller

Depending on the situation, you have the option to pay:

• in cash (no limit but with a written document if it exceeds €1500 if the seller is a private individual, with a limit of €1000 if the seller is a professional)
• with a bank check
• by bank transfer
• with a car loan (only if the seller is a professional)
• with a rental agreement (only if the seller is a professional)

3. Make an appointment to pick up the car and important documents.

Vehicle registration is mandatory for driving. If stopped by the police, you must present your vehicle registration certificate, also known as the registration document . If you don't have it, you risk a fine of between €135 and €750, and your car may be impounded.

For a new or used car purchased from a dealership

• The professional will take care of the registration and the application for the vehicle registration certificate in your name.
• To find another authorized professional who can handle the registration near you, click here. Please note that this service is often subject to a fee.
• Another option is to apply for registration yourself on the France Titres website (the national agency for secure documents). You will need to create an account directly on the France Titres website , or log in using France Connect.

> Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Using France Connect to log in to a website "

For a used car bought from a private individual

You have 1 month to register the vehicle and apply for a registration certificate.

• The seller must first request a transfer code and share it with you. They must declare the sale of the car within 15 days.
• Next, you must apply for registration yourself on the France Titres website. You need to create an account directly on the France Titres website , or log in with France Connect.

> Read the Refugees.info fact sheet: " Using France Connect to log in to a website "

• Another option: the Simplimmat mobile app on your phone.
• If you prefer to have a professional register the vehicle in your name, click here to find addresses near you. Please note that this service is often subject to a fee (in addition to the cost of the vehicle registration document).

Pay the registration fee

The price varies depending on the car's power, its age, and the region where you live.

You can know the amount of the fee by clicking here .

1. The steps of your application are detailed in your personal account on the France Titres website. (if you applied here)

2. The steps for sending your vehicle registration certificate by mail are here.

For a new car

In case of problems after purchase, there are several guarantees. Everything is explained here.

For a used car

In case of a problem shortly after purchase, there are several guarantees. Everything is explained here.

The vehicle inspection is mandatory every 2 years to check that your car does not have any mechanical problems.

For a new car, the first roadworthiness test is mandatory 6 months before the car turns 4. After that, every 2 years.

Keep all documents related to the vehicle inspection and repairs.

Warning: If you do not comply with the technical inspection requirements, you risk a fine and a temporary suspension of your registration certificate (you can no longer use your car).