Buy a car
A car is not a necessity in Grenoble unless you plan on exploring the mountains and countryside as the public transport system is very good.
Purchasing from a car dealershipAs with most countries, you have the choice of purchasing your vehicle (new or second hand) from a dealership or from a private seller. Buying a car from a dealer is a simple matter as they handle most of the details for you (vehicle registration etc) and can offer warranties on the vehicles but you will pay a higher price for the vehicle than if you had purchased it from a private seller.
It is a requirement in France to have car insurance in place prior to finalising the purchase of your car.
Things needed to buy a car in France (from a car dealer)
Things to consider when driving in and around Grenoble
A car is not a necessity in Grenoble unless you plan on exploring the mountains and countryside as the public transport system is very good.
Purchasing from a car dealershipAs with most countries, you have the choice of purchasing your vehicle (new or second hand) from a dealership or from a private seller. Buying a car from a dealer is a simple matter as they handle most of the details for you (vehicle registration etc) and can offer warranties on the vehicles but you will pay a higher price for the vehicle than if you had purchased it from a private seller.
It is a requirement in France to have car insurance in place prior to finalising the purchase of your car.
Things needed to buy a car in France (from a car dealer)
- Proof of residence (eg electricity bill, rent agreement, letter from home owner if renting a room, letter from residence if renting at a residence)
- ID (Identity card, passport etc)
- Bank account
- Car Insurance
Things to consider when driving in and around Grenoble
- Using snow tires in winter – it is an obligation to install snow tires on your car from November – April as it gives you much better traction in cold temperatures (<5°C) even if there is no snow on the road. If you purchase the tires with rims, it becomes a simple case of changing your tyres yourself and your costs are relatively low.
- French drivers licence – check to see if France will allow you to swap your drivers licence from your native country for a French one. International drivers licences are only valid for 1 year and if you’re planning on living in France longer than this you will need to get a French drivers licence. Exchanging your existing licence for a French one is the simplest (and cheapest) way to legally drive in France.
- Car Insurance – check with your car insurance company to see if they will take into account your previous driving history when issuing you with your cover as this could save you a lot of money. Some companies will do this if you furnish them with your driving history from your previous insurance company along with a French translation.
