If you spend extended periods of time in Italy, can you buy a car to use while in the country? The short answer is: if you're a legal resident in Italy, then you can buy a vehicle in Italy. AdvertisementExceptionsThere are two key exceptions to the requirement to provide proof of Italian residency when buying a car in Italy. In general, though, if you want to buy a car in Italy to use during your visits, you’ll need to be registered as a resident. READ ALSO: Reader question: Can I drive a friend or relative's car in Italy?