According to a study by carVertical, which analysed the historical reports of vehicles purchased by users in 2023 and counted those with historical records from other countries, the largest share of imported cars arrived from France.

Around 32.6% had been imported from France, Germany (31.7%), Belgium (16%), the Netherlands (7.4%), and Italy (5.2%).

"Although a third of the vehicles arriving in Portugal came from France, 3.3% had altered odometers and 41.2% had suffered damage. In relation to vehicles coming from Germany, 3.4% had altered odometers and 22.8% had suffered damage. The situation is no better in the case of Belgian vehicles: 3.6% had falsified mileage and 40.2% had damage records", reads the platform's statement.

According to Matas Buzelis, automotive expert and communications director at carVertical, "Germany is the largest exporter of used cars in Europe. The country has a good road infrastructure and exports many high-end and diesel cars with high mileage."

However, Buzelis left a warning for buyers.

"The buyer may not realize that the car was imported to Portugal because it was already registered at the time of purchase and because it was sold as a vehicle with no foreign history. Sometimes, sellers do not inform buyers about the vehicle's past," he said.