Buying a car in Germany or eastern europe (travel)

[McDub]

I've been on the rd for 9 months using public transport across asia, and am almost in Europe (Georgia atm).
I'm focusing on photography (see sig), and want some more freedom to go where i want, when i want, hence wanting a car.

First question, if you were buying in Germany, what car would (or could) you get if you only wanted to spend one or maybe two grand?
Needs to be fuel efficient, and preferably a hatch so i could sleep in it (though i do have a tent)

Second question, I think in Germany you need to be a resident to buy a car though i do have a family friend who might be able to help out. I'd prefer it if i could pick up a car before i get to Germany (i'm not flying so going all overland), so does anyone have any idea on countries in south eastern europe where it'd be easy to get a car? (eg. bulgaria, ukraine, romania, slovakia, greece)

And then selling it, do you need to be in the same country you bought the car?

[gecko2k]

Buying a car in eastern europe can be dodgy, i personally wouldn't buy in romania etc. As these places are well known for their chop shops, stolen cars from western and central europe etc. Guess why so many 'new' spare parts come from those countries? Yep...

In order to get a car registered on germany you have to organize plates (if the car comes without them) and insurance before you are going to register it otherwise you won't have much success. For your budget you might be looking at sth like a passat wagon with high kms etc. Have a look on mobile.de and autoscout24.de both sites should have some kind of faq on how to buy/register a car.

Good luck

[McDub]

OK cheers for the advice. Sounds expensive to register in Germany, but I'll check out those sites when I get closer.
Anyone have more information on buying elsewhere in Europe other than the UK and Germany?

[gecko2k]

Yeah can't tell you about prices, but you need the same stuff as here in OZ: CTP (insurance), RWC (TUV), plates and a car (dah). I believe TUV is annually done, so make sure there is enough left or that the car can pass it next time without problems. I mean you can also buy in the uk, but insurances is friggin' expensive there and you need a MOT (TUV/RWC) anyway....