Buying a new car in Morocco

Hello 526Howard,

Just checking in. Have you had any updates since posting? Have you found out from any recent experiences how long it typically takes to buy and drive away a new car in Marrakesh or Rabat, and how insurance is usually handled?

Cheers,

Cheryl

Expat.com team

Unfortunately the expat.com subscribers have been silent. I have found that the Moroccan ID card is required, not just the receipt proving you have submitted an application. You can walk in with a satchel full of cash but better to use a bank check from a Moroccan bank. The process is not like the US where you drive away in your new car on the same day. Obviously, never put the car’s registration in  a local nationals name to avoid the residence requirement. Still in process, so no after action lessons learned yet.

Quick update, without a residence card, it is possible to purchase a car if you have a company registered here. Don’t quote me on the price but 8,000 MAD to establish a company. Not sure of tax implications. This from a helpful Renault sales rep in Marrakesh trying to close up shop for Eid.