Buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands: costs you need to know

Buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands comes with a few advantages. They are usually cheaper to buy, more sustainable, and you might find reduced costs elsewhere.

But like the rest of the Netherlands, getting a car (whether it is new, second-hand, electric, hybrid, or fuel) is not always cheap.

If you are looking for something casual to get around or if you are strapped for cash, a €60,000 Tesla might be a bit too much. Most Dutchies buy second-hand cars, so it may be in the cards to purchase one yourself.

So what are the costs you need to know when buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands?

Initial purchase costs of your second-hand car in the Netherlands

An obvious cost, but the most prominent one.

The initial purchase cost is likely to be the biggest expense when buying a second-hand car in the Netherlands.

READ MORE | Buying a car in the Netherlands: 6 things to know

When buying a second-hand car, the price is determined by the vehicle’s condition.

These include the type of engine (internal combustion, hybrid, electric), the size of the car, the age, the mileage, battery health for EVs, and more.

Second-hand cars in the Netherlands can cost anywhere from a few thousand euros to well over €40,000, depending on the model and condition. Market conditions and inflation also influence prices. 

Financing your second-hand car

If you are planning on buying and driving a car in the Netherlands but you are unsure of how much everything will cost, there are a few financial aid options for internationals:

• Bank loan: Some banks are willing to loan you money to buy and even help maintain a second-hand car in the Netherlands. 
• Car dealerships: Some car dealerships make adjustments or deals in their pricing to make it easier for customers to buy their cars.
• Leasing a car: It’s also possible to lease a car. You pay a fixed monthly fee, which includes maintenance, taxes, and insurance, but the car won’t be your property. 

Running costs of your second-hand car in the Netherlands

These are the costs associated with day-to-day driving. While they may not be as hefty as the initial purchase, running costs can rack up over time.

Fuel and charging costs

To make sure your second-hand car actually runs, you will need fuel or electricity.

Fuel prices in the Netherlands remain on the high side and fluctuate frequently. Petrol and diesel currently sit above €2.30 per litre, especially along motorways.

Electric charging costs vary depending on whether you charge at home, at a public charger, or at a fast-charging station, but home charging generally offers the lowest rate.

Your monthly fueling/charging costs depend on a lot of things: how often you’re driving in a week, how far you’re driving, where you’re driving and refuelling/recharging your car, and of course, current fuel/electricity prices. 

Once you have had your car for a few months, it becomes easier to calculate your average monthly spending.

Road tax (MRB)

Road tax in the Netherlands is called motorrijtuigenbelasting (MRB). This is the ongoing tax you pay to keep your vehicle legally on the road.

The rate depends on the vehicle’s weight, province, and fuel type. Petrol cars generally pay less than diesel cars, and fully electric cars currently benefit from a reduced rate.

It is important to note that MRB is not the same as BPM (the Dutch private motor vehicle and motorcycle tax).

BPM is a one-time tax paid when a vehicle is first registered in the Netherlands. When you buy a second-hand car already registered in the country, BPM has usually already been paid by the first owner.

Dutch car insurance 

Getting the right car insurance is an essential part of buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands. Insurance policies cover the car, not the driver, so anyone with a valid licence may drive your insured vehicle.

By law, you must have third-party insurance (WA-verzekering) to cover any damage or injury to others caused by the car. There are a few requirements for getting insurance for your car:

• You must be a Dutch resident
• You have a Dutch car or imported a foreign car
• The car has a valid licence plate

Because the vehicle is insured rather than the person, it’s only possible to insure one vehicle per insurance policy. Some companies offer discounted insurance rates on extra vehicles. 

In the Netherlands, car insurance usually costs between €30 and €100 per month, depending on factors like your age, driving history, postcode, car type, and level of coverage. New drivers and expats without Dutch no-claim years often pay more.

There are three main types of car insurance in the Netherlands:

• Third-party liability (WA-verzekering): This is the mandatory, minimum level of vehicle insurance in the Netherlands. It covers damages caused by your car to other vehicles, property, and injuries to others. This insurance works if you drive an old or inexpensive car, or if you don’t drive often.
• Extended liability (WA beperkt casco): This insurance covers damages caused by your car (as previously mentioned) and damage to your own vehicle in circumstances beyond your control, like theft, vandalism, fire, storm damage, and collision with animals.
• All-risk (allriskverzekering): This is the most comprehensive insurance; it covers all damage done by and to your car. All-risk insurance is a good option if you have a new or expensive car, as the cost of replacement would be too high. 

Parking costs in the Netherlands

While it’s not exactly the easiest or cheapest, parking your car in the Netherlands is relatively accessible.

Parking without a permit

If you have a designated parking space or a garage, you may not need a parking permit. But that does mean you’ll have to pay parking fees if you decide to drive to another part of the city or to an entirely different city. 

Say, you go for a drive and need to park somewhere in the city. You can choose to park in a parking garage or somewhere on the street in a legal space, of course.

Payment is usually required at a ticket machine or via a mobile app, like Yellowbrick, Parkmobile, Park-line, and ANWB Parkeren.

Parking costs in the Netherlands vary hugely depending on where you are.

In smaller towns, you might pay just €1 to €3 per hour, while larger cities like Utrecht, The Hague, and Rotterdam often charge between €4 and €6 per hour for street parking.

In the busiest parts of Amsterdam, parking can cost as much as €7.50 to €8 per hour! (Highway robbery, if you ask us).

Parking permits in the Netherlands

If you don’t have a permanent car parking space or travel with your car often, getting a parking permit is a convenient payment option. This permit is registered to your specific vehicle’s registration number at your municipality. 

READ MORE | 7 things to know before owning a car in the Netherlands in 2026

The quarterly or yearly payments for a parking permit vary depending on where you live and whether or not there is a waitlist.

For example, a parking permit in The Hague costs €97.05 for one car at one address in 2026, whereas it costs between €41.37 and €160.80 per quarter in Utrecht.

Getting a permit for a second car usually costs even more.

Roadside assistance in the Netherlands

When buying and driving any car in the Netherlands, you may sometimes run into trouble when you’re on the road. If you have car problems, you can ask for roadside assistance anywhere in the country.

There are a few companies that offer towing services and repairs that’ll get your car back into shape for driving.

ANWB offers the most popular roadside assistance service with the following rates for regular membership in 2026:

They have other membership offers you might find useful. For example, you can get a youth benefit membership or a partner advantage if you want to have roadside assistance ready for your partner. 

There are also membership options for roadside assistance across all of Europe — but of course, this is more expensive. 

Maintenance costs of your second-hand car in the Netherlands

These are the costs associated with making sure your second-hand car is fit to drive on a day-to-day basis. 

Periodic vehicle inspection (APK)

Algemene periode keuring (APK) or periodic vehicle inspection is an annual or bi-annual maintenance check to make sure your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards. 

APKs are compulsory in Europe and are carried out by professional inspectors (so no worries about doing them yourself). After the APK, you receive an inspection report of your car. 

You can check with the Dutch Vehicle Authority (RDW) to see when, how often, and where to get an APK for your second-hand car. 

The prices for an APK can vary from as low as €20 to as high as €70 every year or every other year.

However, on average, APK costs fall between €30 and €60, depending on where you can take it. 

Most common replacements and maintenance

Part of buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands is maintaining and replacing parts that need a little extra TLC. 

Battery replacement

Batteries are essential to second-hand electric and hybrid cars — and sometimes they need maintenance or even replacement. 

Depending on your second-hand electric/hybrid car model and its battery, the price of replacements varies.

For example, a battery for a Tesla Model S can cost roughly €13,000 to €20,000, while a battery for a Chevy Volt costs between €3,700 to €9,300 instead. 

You can check with your chosen car repair and maintenance shop to see which batteries are available and how much it costs to buy the battery and get it installed in your car. 

Tire replacement and maintenance

In the Netherlands, mechanics usually advise drivers to replace all of their tyres every three to four years, even if there aren’t any obvious signs of wear or damage. 

Of course, you can get the replacement at your usual car repair and maintenance shop. The tyre replacement cost and services depend on your shop, but it ranges between €60 to €360 per tyre. 

Charging system repair and replacement

Likewise, with a car battery, you might find your second-hand car has some hitches with the charging system, especially if the previous owner or you charged the car often. 

For example, the wiring could have corroded or loosened, or a fuse could have blown. Whatever the issue is, car mechanics can resolve it. The exact costs depend on your car repair and maintenance shop. 

You can also completely replace your charging system.

Cost-wise, the charging system depends on your second-hand car as well. A new charging system could cost between €800 to €2,700, depending on which station fits your car best. 

How to estimate total monthly car ownership costs

Before buying a second-hand car, it helps to work out how much you will spend each month. A car comes with several recurring costs, and these can add up quickly.

The main expenses are fuel or charging, road tax, insurance, parking, and general maintenance. Once you know these five figures, you can make a realistic monthly budget.

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Fuel or charging costs depend on how far you drive and current prices.

Road tax varies by weight, province, and fuel type, while insurance depends on your car and coverage level.

Parking can be a major cost if you live or travel in busy cities. Maintenance includes the APK inspection and occasional repairs or replacements.

Add these together, and you will get a rough monthly estimate. For many drivers in the Netherlands, this total sits somewhere between €200 and €450 per month.

This was your comprehensive overview of every cost to keep in mind when buying and driving a second-hand car in the Netherlands.

Once you’ve settled on all these finances, you’re ready to have your own second-hand car. Happy driving!

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