Romania Buyer Guide — The Used Car Secrets Dealers Don't Want You To Know (2026 Edition)

Kiran C

• Kiran C
• Apr 03, 2026
• Buyer Guide

Let's face it, for most people living in Romania, purchasing a vehicle is one of their largest financial outlays for an entire calendar year. And again, most often that vehicle is a used automobile.

Romania has among the highest rates of used automobile ownership in all of Europe. An estimated 75% of automobiles currently on the road in Romania are second-hand, with many being imported from Germany, France and other EU countries. With the average wages increasing, however, still not quite near the same levels as those found in Western Europe, the used automobile market continues to be the go to source for millions of prospective buyers across Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timişoara, beyond and beyond.

But here's the kicker, purchasing a used vehicle can either be one of the smartest things you'll ever do or could turn out to be one of the most expensive mistakes of your life. The difference? Knowing what you're getting into before you hand over a leu or euro. This guide takes you step by step through everything from finding the right vehicle on websites such as CarAgencia.eu, through obtaining necessary paperwork and inspections, through registering your vehicle, to the most important red flags that every buyer must know about when purchasing a used vehicle from within Romania, in 2025.

Quick Facts About The Romanian Used Vehicle Marketplace

Demand in the marketplace exists as well as continues to grow. Recent statistics indicate over 300,000 used cars were imported and registered in Romania for the year 2023, alone; in addition, the past year the used car segment has increased by more than 5% over the previous year. As you can well imagine, with a competitive marketplace, prices will generally reflect that.

Based upon our analysis of present data, the following key statistics are dominating the Romanian used automobile marketplace:

• As continues to remain at the top of the list of automotive brands. Year-in and year-out Dacia cars are the 'Most Popular' vehicles in Romania, with both the Logan and Duster remaining atop the "Most Searched Vehicles" categories.

• Germans continue to dominate the import of used vehicles into Romania. VW, Audi and BMW represent the top three searched for vehicles in Romania, when searching through "Vehicle History Reports" to ascertain the 'True Owner' of those vehicles.

• The Skoda Octavia and VW Passat consistently rank as the number one most frequently transacted used vehicles, and both have excellent resale values.

• Odometer tampering remains an ongoing problem. Based upon vehicle history reports, we have learned that during the first half of 2024, 10%+ of both VW Passat and BMW 5-Series vehicles had odometer readings that had been altered.

• From 2024 alone, Hybrid sales have risen 59%. This trend indicates that the public continues trending towards more fuel-efficient means of transportation.

• Entry level used vehicles can be purchased for less than €2,000, and well-maintained mid-sized used vehicles can generally be purchased between €5,000 & €15,000.

  
  

From The Perspective Of The Romanian Buyer — Used Vehicle Pricing

The following is a general price guide providing you the average, approximate pricing for the most popular used vehicle makes/models available in Romania. Please note that due to the particular conditions of each used vehicle, (city of sale, length of ownership, mileage, condition, repairs, etc.), the above price estimates are "ballpark."

Disclaimer: Prices were estimated based upon the 2024-2025 market; Current estimates can be found by searching online at CarAgencia.eu or Autovit.ro.

Step By Step | How To Buy A Used Car In Romania

Find out how to navigate the purchase of a pre-owned vehicle from the time you look for one until the moment after you’ve legally driven it home.

Step 1 - Research:

• Determine what is your full budget (not just the first price you see) including the insurance ,registration and anything you might have to fix after you purchase the vehicle.

• Identify what type of vehicle you want: Compact size for big cities, SUV for families, or diesel sedan for long distance driving.

• Find a car and check out what other listings are available in different areas of Romania at CarAgencia.eu.

Step 2 - Vehicle History Check:

• By performing a history check on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the used car you want to purchase, you may save yourself tens of thousands of lei.

• Use CarAgencia to check accident history, flood damage, and if it was stolen before your meeting with the seller.

• One major issue with used cars in Romania is odometer fraud, which was prevalent as of 2024. It's important you check the odometer history of any German imports, and it's not recommended to purchase a vehicle with more than 3 owners in the last 5 years.

Step 3 - Inspect The Vehicle In Person:

• Always inspect the used car in person before you purchase it.

• You should either bring a trusted mechanic with you when you look at a used car, or hire a professional inspection service (which costs about 150 to 300 RON, but is always worth it).

• When conducting an inspection, check for rust; gaps between body panels that are not uniform (which can indicate repair from a collision); uneven wear on the tires; fluid leaks from the engine; and condition of the interior.

• It is also important to take the car out for a test drive in both urban settings and at higher speeds.

Step 4 — Negotiating The Price

• You will want to use the vehicle history report, the results of your inspection, and similar vehicles listed for sale to negotiate the price of the vehicle you are buying.

• Most sellers in Romania expect some negotiation (starting with an offer below asking price of about 5 to 15% is commonplace).

• If the ITP (Inspecţia Tehnică Periodică) certificate for the vehicle you are purchasing is nearing expiration, be sure to factor in the cost of renewing it (which is approximately 650 RON at the RAR).

Step 5 — Creating And Signing The Sales Contract

The Sales Agreement (Contract de Vanzare-Cumperalle) is the legal foundation for your transaction; most people who sell and buy a vehicle go to a Notary Office (Birou de Acte) to have the agreement prepared professionally.

• The Sales Agreement should include the names, addresses, and CNP (Coded National Personal) numbers of both parties, the vehicle's VIN, make, model, year, and mileage, the price, and the date of the sale.

• Both the purchaser and seller must sign a Sales Agreement in the presence of one another.

• Make sure you receive three copies of the Sales Agreement; one for yourself, one for the seller, and one for tax purposes.

Step 6 — Completing The Registration With DITL

• Within 30 days of the vehicle purchase, the purchaser must notify the Local Tax Directorate (D.G.L.E.P.) that the vehicle will be used for taxation purposes in Romania.

• To register the vehicle, the purchaser should bring to the D.G.L.E.P. their signed sales agreement, identification documents, and vehicle registration documents.

• Once registered, the purchaser will receive a Fiscal Certificate attesting to the vehicle's tax status in Romania.

Step 7 — Road Liability Insurance

• Before you can register or drive a vehicle in Romania, you must obtain third-party liability insurance (RCA — răspundere civilă auto).

• Use quotes from different agencies, such as Allianz, Omniasig, Groupama, or use online aggregators to compare rates.

• Depending on the vehicle's age and value, as well as the driver's profile, anticipate annual RCA costs of approximately 400–900 RON for standard insurance coverage.

Step 8 — Registration With DRPCIV

You will need to register the vehicle with the Directia Regim Permise de Conducere si Inmatriculare a Vehiculelor (DRPCIV).

• To register the vehicle, you must first schedule an appointment with DRPCIV online drpciv.ro; walk-in appointments to register vehicles at the DRPCIV will not typically be accepted.

• To register the vehicle, make sure to have the following documents: Your identification documents, The signed sales agreement, Old vehicle registration certificate, The paid taxes to, RCA policy, ITP certificate, Payment receipts for the above.

• New registration certificate fee: 49 RON. Standard number plates: 40 RON. Custom plates: 90 RON.

• The entire process typically takes 1–2 months when all documents are in order.

 Good news: Romania passed a law in 2024 allowing registration, ownership transfer, and deregistration to be handled online through a DRPCIV-managed app — so parts of this process are getting easier.

Complete Documents/Forms Checklist

To assist you in the purchase of a used vehicle in Romania, below is a complete list of the forms/documents that you will need to have. You should print this form and use it as a check list as you get each form/document.

When Buying A Car In Romania, Don’t Be A Victim

There are tons of great deals in Romania on pre-owned vehicles but they come with actual risks to purchasers. Here are the main points to emphasize in your purchase.

Red Flags For Avoidance In Purchasing A Used Vehicle

• Sellers that will not allow a vehicle history report to be conducted - usually means they are hiding something.

• The price of the vehicle being sold is drastically lower than the marketplace price for other similar vehicles - usually means damage has been done to the vehicle, vehicle still has a previous loan outstanding and/or vehicle is listed as stolen.

• ITP certificate is either not provided or has expired - means that the vehicle may not meet the roadworthiness standards.

• Odometer mileage on the vehicle does not match the wear and tear of the vehicle - for example check pedals, steering wheel and seat bolster.

• The seller is applying pressure to complete the transaction quickly or without a written purchase contract - walk away.

• A missing or damaged VIN plate - potentially means that the vehicle could be a cloned vehicle.

Smart Safety Steps To Take

• Always ask for the full CIV documentation of the vehicle and ensure that the VIN on the CIV documentation matches the VIN of the vehicle.

• Check whether there is an outstanding loan(s) or legal encumbrance(s) on the vehicle by going to the AEGRM (Arhiva Electronica de Garantii Reale Mobiliare).

• Never pay for the vehicle in full until the contract is signed and you have received all of the transaction paperwork.

• If buying from a private seller online, always meet the seller first in a public location prior to visiting their home.

• Review and confirm that the vehicle conforms with the Euro emission standard as many cities in Romania (for example the city of Bucharest) will likely require restrictions in a designated low emission zone within a few years.

Considerations When Purchasing An Imported Vehicle In Romania

Most used vehicles being sold in Romania have been imported from foreign countries in the European Union (EU) such as Germany, France, Belgium, but there are many used vehicles available from outside of the EU. Here are some key differences when purchasing an imported vehicle:

• You must possess the foreign registration title along with a certified Romanian translation of all necessary documentation.

• All imported vehicles must have a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) to show that they comply with European Union (EU) standards. If the seller does not provide a CoC, you may be able to obtain one through a third-party service such as EuroCOC.

• All imported vehicles must pass an RAR (România Auto RAR) inspection and will not be eligible for Romanian (ITP) inspections unless they have passed an RAR inspection.

• Importing a used vehicle from a country outside the EU is significantly more complicated. You must pay customs duties based on the declared value, as well as Value Added Tax (VAT) and complete additional compliance checks in order to get the vehicle into Romania. Additionally, if the vehicle is over ten years old, it may be subject to additional restrictions.

• All associated registration fees must be paid including the RAR/ITP (approximately 650 RON), registration title (49 RON), plates, and proper insurance.

Using CarAgencia.eu To Locate Used Vehicles In Romania

CarAgencia.eu is an established European vehicle marketplace where buyers and sellers connect throughout Eastern Europe, including Romania. As such, CarAgencia.eu is extremely beneficial to Romanian buyers due to the following:

• CarAgencia.eu includes vehicles listed for sale throughout the major cities of Romania including Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Craiova, Constanta, as well as many other smaller communities.

• Buyers are able to filter and search for used vehicles based on make, model, price range (under €2,000 to over €30,000), and location.

• Listed vehicles are available for sale from both private sellers and commercial dealerships.

• Each listing includes important vehicle details such as mileage, images of the vehicle, as well as other essential vehicle specifications in order to allow buyers to prequalify the vehicle prior to arranging for a visit to inspect the vehicle.

• The site also shows the availability of cars from any bordering country such as Bulgaria, Hungary and Croatia so long as you're willing to consider importing your car to your country.

Pro tip: When you find a vehicle of interest on CarAgencia however, make certain you check the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) with a history provider before making contact with the seller. This will save you time and ensure you are looking at clean cars.

Final Thoughts — Buy Smart, Buy Safe

Romania's used car market is vast, inexpensive, and full of potential — and as a buyer will be rewarded for preparing to purchase correctly, but will incur penalties for acting spontaneously. It is likely that you will be adequately prepared to purchase your ideal car; whether your plan is to look for a low-budget Dacia on CarAgencia.eu in Bucharest or a clean Skoda Octavia in Timisoara, you can successfully navigate the process if you take these necessary steps:

Give yourself sufficient time to conduct research. Always utilize an official history check. Always conduct a pre-purchase inspection. Always ensure that you properly complete the required paperwork. And most importantly, know your rights as a buyer. The road ahead is open for you; drive safely and with confidence!

FAQs- Buying a Used Car In Romania

1. Will I be required to use a notary to finalize my purchase of a used vehicle in Romania?

Not at all, while there is not a legal requirement to use a notary for a used vehicle transaction in Romania, most sellers/buyers will utilize an office that will assist them with professionally preparing the legal documents (contract de vanzare-cumparare). It is highly recommended to make use of a professional office when preparing the documentation to ensure your contract is legally binding for both you and your seller. There may be instances where a complicated transaction or dispute will require a notary's assistance.

2. How much time will I have from the date of my purchase of a vehicle to register said vehicle in Romania?

If you are a resident of Romania you will be required to register your newly acquired vehicle within 90-days. There are penalties for not registering your vehicle within this time frame. Therefore, it is advisable to start the registration process at the time of signing your contract de vanzare-cumparare to avoid document issues that would delay your meeting the 90-day time limit.

3. What is the ITP and how will I know it is valid?

ITP (ITP) is the vehicle roadworthiness inspection for Romania — similar to the MOT for the UK. ITP must be renewed at least twice a year for new or two-year-old vehicles and annually for older vehicles. You can verify whether the ITP is valid by visiting the RAR website (rarvehicule.ro) using the licence plate number or the vehicle identification number (VIN). An expired ITP is a strong indication that there are safety and/or emissions issues with that vehicle; under no circumstances should you purchase this vehicle.

4. Can a foreign or expat citizen buy a used car in Romania?

Yes. Foreigners and expats can purchase and register a car in Romania, provided they have a valid passport and proof of residency in Romania. If a foreign citizen has a valid foreign driver’s license, they may need to have this driver’s license exchanged for a valid Romanian license within 90 days. To use any documents from a foreign country, the documents must be officially translated into the Romanian language by an authorized translator, prior to using the documents in the registration process.

5. What can I do to protect myself against odometer fraud when buying a used car in Romania?

Odometer fraud is very common in Romania when it comes to used cars. Studies show, for example, that more than 10% of used cars imported from Germany (such as VW Passat, Audi A4, BMW 5-series) were found to have tampered odometer readings in 2024.

To help protect yourself from being defrauded by an odometer reading, consider purchasing an official history report from carVertical or AutoDNA. These reports will give you a better picture of the car's history by analyzing its service records, insurance records, and border-crossing logs from multiple countries throughout Europe. Additionally, you will want to consider other physical signs of wear on the vehicle in question (such as pedal rubber, gear knobs, and seat bolster) because these will age in a consistent manner with the true amount of mileage that the vehicle has travelled and will be difficult to fake.