Steve_R

You paid to ship a Hyundai SUV to Germany?

ByRiver

Here is the link for shipping a vehicle overseas. You normally take it to a Navy port base to ship. I had to take mine to Norfolk, VA. I don't leave ANYTHING in the vehicle. It will sit on a ship for weeks, which gives the navy guys plenty of time to steal anything they can remove. They stole my Hurst shifter T-Handle and other things from mine. When I went to Guam, I found out the locals would pay 3-5 times the going rate for American muscle. The military guys could buy Japanese cars for almost 50% off that they would ship back.

https://www.military.com/money/pcs-d...-overseas.html

TXshaggy

ByRiver

I shipped my vehicle in 1983. I took it to the Norfolk Base, and it came back through New Orleans. My assumption was that it was shipped on a military boat because that was where I had to take it. I never actually saw the ship. The link I just posted lists the port locations. I saw a Norfolk on the list.

TXshaggy

C82LT

phileaglesfan

It sounds like your car is registered as American over there if you have base priveledges working for the govt. If it is I believe they went to a German inspection now but all US spec things are allowed. Germans are getting strict on tires so no driving in snow for you there unless you have pure winter tires. A/S even wont be allowed soon.

Driving is safer there as Germans are trained great and license is valuable to them. Very predictable drivers. Parts would be tougher to get but doable. Insurance can be high.

Selling to a German is not much profit since they have to pay VAT, import tax and convert glass and lights.

Would I bring my Vette? Heck yes. Be aware that at 2 meters wide the Vette is very wide over there. Just drive it if you do go. You may not even have a garage. Learn the rules and follow them. Get used to using the mirror as there is ALWAYS someone faster.

JK 23112

Well, I might have dodge the bullet a bit - as one of the two available positions has been filled. That one was in Stuttgart and the other was in Kaiserslautern (closer to the French border). It will be at least until the end of the year before Uncle Sam does the whole selection process and the job would not have a start date until at least April or May of 2019. After getting more information from her, I found out that the "US-spec" car is okay over there, so long as it passes a safety & emissions inspection. We would not have to alter the lights, mirrors, etc., etc.; but a German citizen buying it used from me would likely have to make some modifications before HE could own it.

I have clear title to the Corvette, so that is not an issue. I have USAA for insurance (as I am a former Army Reserve officer) and so does my girlfriend as a retired lieutenant colonel. We would probably have a nice home with a 2-car garage as part of her 'perk' with the job (she's a GS-14). Uncle Sam provides the housing, which would save a lot of ducats every month.

The 'Vette would not be my daily driver, of course, and both of us would likely buy a "beater" to drive around over there. I lived there as a kid and have been back twice to visit. The Germans really do know how to drive and they drive schnell - fast. The only bad thing is that they like to go 90 mph in the fog!

We are not love-struck kids. Both of us are 53 and our kids are pretty much grown. My son is 19 and lives on is own. She has two daughters, one 19 and one 16. None of our kids would be there with us unless they were visiting. We would absolutely be married before going over there - of course.

Great comments from all of you folks -- we kicked the can down the road just a bit. Yaay!

phileaglesfan

I know you were not considering this but back in the 90s at least you couldn't order s Vette thru AAFES over there do if you want one there you should bring it. If you plan on bringing a US spec car make sure you owned it for 6 months or be prepared to pay sales tax when you register it.

JK 23112

I bought it on February 1st, 2017 -- so I am already well past the 6-month interval. What I still wonder about is whether a German citizen buying the car from me (say 2 or 3 years down the road) would have to pay any special taxes, duties or fees on the purchase......since I already would have "imported" the car beforehand. I also am not sure if he would have to make changes to the lights, mirrors, etc., etc. to register it himself.

Anyway, we don't need to worry about it for awhile now - at least until the early part of 2019. Whew!

phileaglesfan

With the military the car is never considered imported. Which is why you don't pay German taxes and registration fees on it. German would have to pay taxes and convert it. Generally around 30-35%. In the end you would make the same profit with an American since I believe they cant be bought new over there. NAV system would need a Europe disc to work and few radio stations would work. Not sure about cell phones since they were not around when I left. We used to get a 400 liter fast allowance also. They were usually around California prices for us. German prices are around $8 a gallon. Oil is 4x as much off base.

fsvoboda

Otherwise he might have gotten stuck in an Audi or BMW.

fumbling

Sounds like an opportunity of a lifetime ... but a good job is hard to find and might be impossible after you get back.

wgood

Don't forget to check out car insurance !!! You are going to be surprised how expensive it is compared to USA prices !!! Good luck !!! Also check out umbrella insurance policies !!! Wayne

phileaglesfan

i agree, although USAA had the best rates over there. Still my new 96 TA was about $250 a month back then. I was 28 but still very high. My base was also in the middle of no where.

m3incorp

I guess the big question should be does she care enough about you to marry you after knowing you for such a short time period? Even so, you only state you want to take your Vette and don't really say what she has or may want to take. Heck she could have a mini van and decide she wants to let the government pay to ship that over. Now this is the harsh part. It doesn't sound like you have a lot to offer in this deal. Quit your job; what are you going to do in Germany for income, have you even researched it? You say that you think the relationship may fall apart if you don't go.....ha, if you think that. Let me tell you, it will fall apart. The other thing is this. She hasn't gotten the job or accepted, so I guess your entire post is a what-if scenario. Sorry for sounding so harsh...but after spending over 30 years in the military, you can darn well believe that if I was looking for someone to marry, that person better be bringing "something worthwhile" to the table.

karmatourer

Is the car titled in her name? If not,just shipping a car over for someone not on orders or assuming a position may be an issue.

karmatourer

Going even farther back,in the early '70s,you could buy a Porsche through AFEES. A friend bought a 914 when we were stationed on Okinawa for delivery stateside. (And keep your "914 isn't a Porsche" comments to yourself).

wbrands

As a civilian employee of the DoD, your girlfriend (and you if legally her spouse) will fall under the German Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Requirements to operate an American spec car in Germany are pretty minimal, DoD issued driver's license, insurance, etc. See http://www.militaryinstallations.dod...180.0.0.0.0,34 for more detail.

I can't help with the potential sale at the end of her tour, but suspect a little Google searching can help find the answers you seek. Wish I could get another opportunity for a tour in Europe and take my Vette!

rmorin1249

Spent several years in Landstuhl. I would definitely take it but be advised GM/Chevy pulled out of Europe so warranty issues could be problematic. Cruising the Autobahn at triple digit speeds and carving the back roads in Europe is an experience you won't forget. Do it!