Settling in Reunion Island for a while? Cars cost more here than in mainland France, and good used ones are snapped up fast. Here's how the local import tax works, what to expect to pay, how new and used compare, and six pitfalls to avoid before you buy.
Reunion Island's car market has two big quirks: the octroi de mer(an import tax charged in France's overseas departments, which adds 6-10% on average to new-car prices) and a tighter used-car market than in mainland France (no cars are made locally and new ones take longer to arrive, so people keep them longer and sell them for more).
This page is for anyone moving to or living in Reunion Island. It compares new and used on six criteria (price, warranty, maintenance, depreciation, choice, resale), gives 2026 prices by category and flags six pitfalls to avoid. To browse current listings, try the Occasion Réunion website, which brings together local used-car ads.
Before any purchase,have any used car inspected by an independent garage (€80-150): it's the best money you'll spend, as it can save you thousands in hidden costs and gives you real room to negotiate.
Price, warranty, maintenance, depreciation, choice and resale: six criteria to help you decide what matters most.
| Criterion | New car | Used car |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase price | Higher than in mainland France (+5-12%, due to the octroi de mer import tax and shipping) | Prices drop less than in mainland France: a tight market keeps them high |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer minimum + possible 5-year extensions | Depends on age and who's selling. 6-month legal warranty when bought from a dealer |
| Maintenance costs | Regular and predictable, few surprises | Depends on history and mileage. Check the service book closely |
| Annual depreciation | -15 to -25% in year 1, -10% in following years | Slower after the first 4-5 years, sometimes flat after 8 years |
| Model choice | Built to your spec, 2-4 months' delivery | Available straight away, but limited to what's on the market |
| Future resale | Good within 3-5 years depending on upkeep | Acceptable with a complete file (invoices, inspections, history) |
New, 3 years old (around 30,000km) and 7 years old (around 80,000km). Reunion Island prices in 2026, before options and promotions.
| Category | New | Used, 3 yrs | Used, 7 yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol city car (Clio, 208, Yaris) | €18,000-22,000 | €12,000-16,000 | €6,500-9,000 |
| Hybrid city car (Yaris Hybrid, e-208) | €23,000-28,000 | €15,000-19,000 | €9,000-12,000 |
| Compact (Mégane, 308, Golf) | €25,000-32,000 | €16,000-22,000 | €8,500-12,000 |
| Compact SUV (Duster, Captur, 2008) | €22,000-30,000 | €16,000-22,000 | €9,000-13,000 |
| Family SUV (3008, RAV4, Austral) | €32,000-45,000 | €22,000-32,000 | €13,000-19,000 |
| Van (Trafic, Berlingo, Kangoo) | €20,000-30,000 | €13,000-20,000 | €7,000-11,000 |
The most common mistakes can cost thousands of euros. Here's how to avoid them.
Always ask for the full service book, servicing invoices and previous roadworthiness tests (the French contrôle technique, similar to an MOT). A car with no history is worth 20-30% less, even if the seller claims it was "regularly serviced, just no invoices". In Reunion Island, sea air (corrosion) and rough roads (suspension wear) age cars faster, so a badly maintained car soon gets expensive.
A car driven only along the coast is more exposed to corrosion (sea salt). One driven mostly in the highlands will have had a hard time on its suspension (hairpin bends, steep climbs). Check the underside, rust around the wheel arches and the state of the shock absorbers and suspension.
Local scarcity justifies higher prices in Reunion Island, but a used car shouldn't cost more than 15-25% above the mainland French price for the same model. Beyond that, the seller is overcharging. Check LaCentrale.fr or AutoScout24 for mainland prices on the same model, year and mileage.
Drive the car for at least 30 minutes: on the flat, up a steep hill (towards the highlands), on the dual carriageway (at least 110km/h to check for vibrations), with full stops and hill starts. Test everything (air conditioning, electric windows, sat-nav, radio, heated seats if fitted) and listen for unusual noises.
Check that the registration document (carte grise) is up to date, that the seller is the legal owner and that there's no finance or seizure order on the car. Ask for a certificate showing no outstanding claims, less than 15 days old (free on ANTS.gouv.fr). Don't buy without these documents: you could have to hand the car back with no way of getting your money back.
For €80-150, an independent garage (not the one selling the car) will check the engine, gearbox, chassis, electrics and brakes. It's the best money you'll spend when buying used: it can save you thousands in hidden costs and gives you real room to negotiate.