There are three ways to sell a car in Portugal: privately via OLX/Standvirtual, as a trade-in at a dealer, or directly to a buyer like us. We do the third — a direct buy-out: money in 1–2 days, no strangers at your door, no listings, no risk of a fraudster with a fake cheque. Here is an honest look at when a buy-out is the right call — and when selling privately is better.
How the buy-out works: three steps
- Online valuation. Fill in the form on the car valuation page: make, model, year, mileage. We reply with a price range based on the Portuguese market.
- Inspection. We meet in Porto or come to you. We check the car and documents and give a final price.
- Money and paperwork. Deal agreed — contract signed, IMT ownership transfer handled by us, money by instant transfer. Usually 1–2 days start to finish.
Buy-out vs private sale vs trade-in: an honest comparison
| Buy-out | Private sale | Trade-in | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | 5–15% below market | highest | below market (10–20%) |
| Time | 1–2 days | weeks–months | a few days |
| Viewings, calls | none | many | none |
| Fraud risk | none | real (cheques, overpayment, test-drive theft) | none |
| Paperwork | on us | on you | on the dealer |
Yes — a buy-out pays below market: we take on the risk, reconditioning and resale. If you have time and patience, a private sale will bring more. We say this openly because it's true.
Cars on foreign plates
We buy cars registered in other EU countries — German, French, Spanish plates. A common situation for people who moved here: the car came along, but legalisation never happened. Two options: we buy it as-is (discounted for the upcoming legalisation and ISV tax), or we first help legalise it — then the price is higher. We calculate both transparently at the inspection; sometimes legalising before selling doesn't pay off, and we'll tell you so.
Documents and timing
For a car on Portuguese plates: the DUA (Documento Único Automóvel), your ID and NIF. The IMT transfer is on us. For foreign plates — the origin country's registration documents plus proof of ownership. Outstanding car loan? Solvable: we settle the balance directly with the bank out of the purchase amount.
Why it's safer than selling privately
Portuguese police regularly warn about schemes targeting private sellers: fake or stolen cheques, «buyers» who vanish on a test drive, transfers that get reversed. We break down the real schemes in our guide to car sale fraud in Portugal. A buy-out removes those risks: one meeting, a contract, a transfer to your account.
FAQ
How much do you pay versus market value?
Typically 85–95% of the realistic market price, depending on the model's liquidity and condition. You see the range before the inspection.
Do you buy accident-damaged or high-mileage cars?
Yes, we evaluate everything. If the car is worth more to you as parts, we'll say so.
I still have a loan on the car
We handle it: the balance goes straight to the bank, the difference to you.
I don't want a buy-out — can you sell it for me?
Yes — consignment via our catalogue: higher price than a buy-out, but not instant.
Start with a free online valuation — two minutes. Looking for a replacement — browse the stock or order an import.