Swedes have tended to be very patriotic in their car purchases and svenska bilar (Swedish cars) are held in high regard. In recent years, more ‘foreign’ makes have become popular and since the two Swedish greats, Saab and Volvo, are now under US ownership, it is quite acceptable to own a make of your choice.
Swedish safety standards are high and their car companies led the way with seatbelts, airbags and high tech braking systems. In a country where, for much of the year, you’ll be driving on ice and there’s an ever present threat of hitting a moose or deer, this is important.
Swedes are also pioneering environmentally friendly cars, powered by alternatives to petroleum and diesel For example, 80% of all the Saab 9-5s sold in Sweden are Bio Powered. If you are going to be using the car as a run around mainly within towns, it might be worth considering electric cars. Bio-ethanol (made from non-crude oil based ingredients) is also used as a fuel and often used by buses within the cities. Tax, parking, congestion charge and insurance benefits have made it worthwhile considering these alternatives although changes are in the pipeline. Read more about it here on the Vagverket website.
For information about where to fill up with biogas or fordronsgas look here.
When buying a car, the second hand market is less thriving than in other countries (for example, the UK). Swedes opt to buy new and then stick with their trusty steed. If you do buy new, most cars are sold via dealerships.
In big cities, these will normally be out of town (and require a car to get to them – ironically enough). It is worth shopping around for the best deal and noting that car salesmen are the same all over the world – keep your enthusiasm at bay and they just might throw in some extras.
For second hand cars (begagnade bilar), there are a couple of routes.
Internet advertising
Unfortunately most of these sites do not have any information in English so you will have to navigate your way around them in Swedish.
Blocket lists several thousand cars available for private purchases.
Bilbytaren is an interesting subsidiary site which allows you to swap cars with another advertiser.
Tradera is a subsidiary of eBay and offers online auctions of cars (with navigation in English).
Begagnade bilar specialises in second hand cars alone.
Bilauktioner lists cars from bankruptcies.
Publications
There are also publications dedicated to cars to be bought and sold – you will find them where ever magazines are sold.
Dealerships
It is also possible to buy second hand cars through regular car dealerships. Although these are likely to be more expensive than buying privately, you should be able to get a guarantee making it a lot less risky.
Importing a Car
Another option for obtaining a car is to import it. This is easiest if you bring it in from elsewhere in the EU and easier still if you bring it as part of a ‘moving to Sweden’ package along with your other possessions. You must reregister the car which also requires an inspection by the Swedish authorities for road worthiness.
See Vagverkets website for more information.