OWNING AND DRIVING A CAR IN P0RTUGAL

[eyeask]

Hi folks, sorry I know this topic just keeps coming up but I am totally in a fog. I do not live in the Algarve but own a property there. I am UK based but am fed up with paying for car hire every time I come over. I was thinking of buying a cheapish car and keeping it in the Algarve. What are the pros and cons to this. Is it legal? Is it possible? Any info would be gratefully received.

[Silki]

I think that there are many villa owners who keep a car in the Algarve for their own personal use and as far as I am aware, they have encountered no problems. You must tax it at the Finances during the month of its original registration, also MOT it for renewal on the day of its first registration so you would have to arrange someone here at that time to do it for you, your Villa Manager for example. Provided you don't have Portuguese residencia you can drive it on your European/UK driving licence.

[eyeask]

Thanks Silki that looks very possible then. If anyone has a car they are thinking of selling I would be interested to have a look. Nothing flash mind as I am only there about 10 weeks a year but something reliable would be good. Thanks very much for your help, much obliged.

[Al Garb]

The only other point to consider is that you need to give other people written authority to drive a car registered in your name. Portuguese insurance covers any driver but the police will need the confirmation if they stop your car whilst been driven by someone else

[Lesley Jean]

It is a great idea if you have friends who can pick you up from the airport, otherwise, the cost of transfer to cvo or somewhere close is about the same as hiring a car, then you have the insurance on the car plus service and maintenance and the problem of starting it if it is left for any length of time etc. We have found it better to hire for now until we spend a lot more time in Portugal.

[eyeask]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts I have taken note of all of your comments. I must say this is a good site. Re the transfers from Faro, I think you can get a shuttle bus for about 24 euros return or so I am told, though I don't have experience of it as I always hire a car. I realise its not as convenient as having your hire car to take back and may incur having an earlier start but I think it may be more economical in the long run at least. I have reckoned up the cost of hire cars for the weeks I am coming over and its about £1000 for 9 weeks. If I had a little run around I think it would soon pay for itself. Anyone else have any thoughts?????

[charlie65]

Hi,
I think it's a great idea to have your own car. On one hand, you can use it whenever you like. You can buy a cheap car and get a cheap insurance from Seguro directo (http://www.segurodirecto.pt/) or so. On the other hand, if you don't come to Portugal that often, a transfer service is also nice. Sometimes they do short distances to, which is great. Taxis are more expensive, IMO. http://www.algarvetransfersdirect.com/, http://www.algarveresorttransfers.com/ or http://www.faroairporttransfers.com/ do this kind of work. You can also google it. Good luck!

[eyeask]

Thanks Charlie65 that's really helpful.