| Author | Message | ||
     Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 1 Registered: 05-2003 |
Alright, here is the deal. I'm moving from Buffalo, down to Northern Virginia for a job. The problem I'm having is that I will only be there for about 6 months, then I'm overseas (I have no idea where but they said a 4x4 could help). Anyway, I want to get a vehicle that can be repaired and serviced basically world wide and Land Rover Discoveries seem to fit the bill pretty well. More than likely I will be in Western Europe. Now I'm looking to hopefully get one around $20,000 and wonder if it's worth it to look into getting one with a little warranty left just in case things go wrong before I leave, or should I look into getting a little older one, saving upfront cash, and putting in work into it? I think I would like to stick with the Discovery II's just because of some of the improvements made, but am definitely unclear. Any suggestions on where to look or possible dealers that are helpful would be great. -kovert | ||
| Adam Gandy (Jp2rvr) New Member Username: Jp2rvr Post Number: 26 Registered: 04-2003 |
I can't give any good advice as far as your other concerns, but some good sites to search for a DII would be lrx.com, bvlr.com, huntingridgemotors.com, and of course autotrader.com and ebaymotors.com. HTH Adam | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2170 Registered: 02-2002 |
IMHO, don't buy a vehicle here, then ship it over there to use. In northern VA, just get anything. Once you go overseas, then find a Tdi110, or a TdiDisco instead of a petrol one. IMHO, FWIW..... -L | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 2 Registered: 05-2003 |
Not a bad idea but the problem would be with getting the vehicle back. Eventhough the shipping is free, the conversion would be big $$$. I'm looking for a vehicle that I can beat up for a long time but has luxury of a daily driver with the ability to go wherever I need it. I'll only be overseas 3 years max. My wife will by a car wherever we go. Probably some small crap to putter around in. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 432 Registered: 09-2002 |
Yea, if you're going overseas to Europe, get a Tdi diesel LR over there. Petrol prices over there will kill you. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 433 Registered: 09-2002 |
Conversion of what? | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 3 Registered: 05-2003 |
Ah I must first off say Thanks a lot for the quick replies. Let me throw a coupl other problems in the mix. I need to get a car within 2 months. I currently have a Jetta Lease (HATE IT) that a friend is taking off my hands. Has to be done by June 31st though. So I would need something from then until about January 31st. Anyway, the conversion of the bumpers and crash items. I was told any car built out of the US must be inspected and items changed due to our strict crash ratings. This can really add up. Plus would cars really be much cheaper there? | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 434 Registered: 09-2002 |
Well, petrol prices are quite a bit higher in Europe than NA so that may be a big economic hit if you decide to go with petrol over there, especially if you do a lot of driving. Also, Europe is more geared towards diesel vehicles. You're also over there for 3 years which is a fair amount of time. I say buy a beater now or hang onto your current car, it's only 6 months, then buy a LR over there for the 3 years, sell it when you leave if you don't want to do the conversions. That'd probably be the most economic thing to do. Also, are you going to want to drive a left hand drive vehicle over there? | ||
| Jason Bard (Jbard) Member Username: Jbard Post Number: 188 Registered: 10-2002 |
I agree with Leslie. Buy a beater here, dump it when you head overseas. Buy a diesel while in Europe because trust me, you don't want to buy petrol in Europe. Last time I was there it was about 3 bucks a gallon. That's why Europeans drive little cars. Most vehicles and countries in Europe outside of the UK are Left Drive so that shouldn't be an issue for you. 3 years is a long time. 3 years ago I couldn't tell you where I am today. When your tour is over, you may want to stay! Or you may get assigned in another region where your sweet ass 110 tdi would come in handy. But besides, I don't think the conversions you mention to get it back to the US are nearly as steep as you suspect. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2172 Registered: 02-2002 |
A Rover over there would be cheaper than a Rover over here. True, you won't be able to ship it back. Find something for here for the shorth-term, then get rid of it (stick it out w/ the Jetta for a couple more months?) Buy something there, drive it there, sell it there before you come back, then buy something else once you're here again. Alan, LHD wouldn't be an issue, unless he's heading to the UK or Australia, I think... Petrol is REALLY expensive abroad.... -L | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2173 Registered: 02-2002 |
Jason slipped in there while I was typing... It's not the costs of conversion as far as parts, labor, etc., that will get you. It's that only certain years are currently eligble, ie, a '93 D110; the bear of it is the EPA/DOT certifications... won't get 'em on other years newer than 25-years-old, unless they're on the list. IMHO, FWIW.... -L | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 4 Registered: 05-2003 |
Like I said before you guys rock... That might be my best course of action. The reason I have to get rid of the Jetta is that VW Credit only allows lease transfers until 12 months before the end of the terms. So I have to do it now or end up stuck with this thing. Either way taking a big hit on this piece of crap (My old 325i was a beast and never should have sold it.) Alright, maybe I'll just by a beater and kill it. Wish I still had the K car sitting in the garage. So anywhere I can find prices on Rovers in other countries. Let's say Germany or possibly the UK? Just trying to plan ahead as much as I can. Last thing, now from what I've heard though, honestly I thought prices were much higher for cars in general in europe? I know Australia is pretty pricey. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Senior Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2175 Registered: 02-2002 |
Aussie prices seem really high, but realize that they're in Aussie dollars.... do the currency conversion, and they're not too scary. Maybe try http://www.autotrader.co.uk/ or http://www.ebaymotors.co.uk/ -L | ||
| Jason Bard (Jbard) Member Username: Jbard Post Number: 189 Registered: 10-2002 |
My understanding is that it's not really the price of the car that's high...it's the taxes. I've spent allot of time Denmark where they pay almost 160% of the vehicle price in taxes. That's right...160%! Not sure if there would be any sort of exemption for you as a non-citizen though... | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 5 Registered: 05-2003 |
Well the tax thing is definitely something that I worry about. I get one car shipped to and from free. Since I would already own the car, I wonder if taxes would be exempt. The problem is I have no idea where I'll be going until about a month before I leave. I don't all of a sudden want to be stuck without something. Even if I buy a nice Disco here, I wonder if I would lose much by selling if I wanted to when I get to wherever. My wifes car is already spoken for right before we leave (97 Plymouth Breeze, going to her little sister), and I can't obviously take the leased car. | ||
| Jason Bard (Jbard) Member Username: Jbard Post Number: 190 Registered: 10-2002 |
Here's a link to a very informative PDF file from 2002 regarding taxation on motor vehicles broken down by European country. Check out Denmark, the first $4500 is taxed at 105% and the remainder is at 180%. Germany looks favorable though..... | ||
| Jason Bard (Jbard) Member Username: Jbard Post Number: 191 Registered: 10-2002 |
http://www.acea.be/ACEA/20020506PublicationsTaxguideIntro.pdf | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 6 Registered: 05-2003 |
Example of comparable vehicle to what I want here.. Land Rover TD 5 GS, Oxford Blue Registration: T reg Date Introduced: 2003/01/20 Engine: 2.5TDi, 60,000 miles. Year: 1999 Alloys, ABS, Traction Control, S.L.S, Cruise Control, Twin Sunroofs, Roof Bars, Heated Front Screen, Tow Pack,Full Service History, 12 Months M.O.T Price: £15495 15,495 British Pound = 24,857.1 US Dollar 15,495 US Dollar (USD) = 9,659.02 British Pound (GBP) So apples to apples, seems pricey when I can get a similar truck around 18-20K right? | ||
| Jack Quinlan (Jsq) Senior Member Username: Jsq Post Number: 263 Registered: 10-2002 |
First off, buy a diesel there. (period) secondly, figure out where you are going to be. it should make a big difference in what you buy. If you end up in germany there is really no reason to buy a Land Rover. You should be looking at a GE280 Gelandewagen. turbo diesel similar functions. Obviously the used market and service centers to support it. If you are in England buy a landy. If you are in France, go to england and buy a landy. etc. gotta know exactly where you are going to be to see what will be an effective choice. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 7 Registered: 05-2003 |
Call me crazy but comparing a G-Class MB to a Land Rover Discovery isn't exactly fair is it? Considering the prices would be more on par with a Range Rover. And this vehicle wouldn't just be a grocery town driver. With my wife and I being on what I look at as a 3 year vacation, exploration of foreign lands can be a major part of my time. Who knows, I could end up anywhere, but the mideast? I just look at it this way. I want a truck. I want a truck that I can probably get serviced no matter where I am. Land Rover seems pretty popular, well designed, and rugged. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 9 Registered: 05-2003 |
Alright I found this website with gas prices in the UK. Take a quick look if you want... http://www.yrl.co.uk/~tony/fuel2/fuel2.html#view Doesn't look very recent though | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 10 Registered: 05-2003 |
Sorry for extending this again but I found updated data. ANyone from the UK tell me if this is BS. If this is the case, honestly I would buy here and buy Unleaded at that. Look Region 4 Star Diesel LPG Super Unleaded Unleaded East Anglia 82.89p 80.34p 39.11p 82.13p 77.72p East Midlands 81.49p 80.10p 39.94p 82.06p 77.55p London 81.52p 79.84p 39.47p 82.95p 77.62p North 80.63p 79.78p 37.44p 81.84p 77.14p North West 79.77p 79.32p 38.90p 81.37p 76.67p Northern Ireland 80.90p 81.80p 39.70p 80.18p 79.21p Scotland 80.96p 79.83p 39.45p 81.78p 77.03p South East 81.93p 80.49p 39.97p 83.06p 78.16p South West 81.44p 80.54p 38.72p 82.31p 78.07p Wales 80.80p 80.35p 39.19p 81.66p 77.62p West Midlands 81.53p 80.00p 38.71p 82.50p 77.47p Yorkshire and Humberside 80.57p 79.58p 38.03p 81.30p 77.01p Sorry if hard to read | ||
| Eric Pena (Evalp) Senior Member Username: Evalp Post Number: 491 Registered: 06-2002 |
Kevin, you might try a search in the archives, there has been a few past threads regarding gas prices in various parts of the world. Regarding the car situation, I would not pass up the opprotunity to go to the UK and buy a Land Rover, cheaper. I would sooo go after a 110, or something, and sell it when you come back. My .02 c | ||
| Todd W. McLain (Ganryu) Member Username: Ganryu Post Number: 203 Registered: 10-2002 |
Kevin, It all sort of depends on wehre you are going ..... if it's Europe, yeah go for a Landy or a Gwagon. If it's anywhere else, go for a Land Cruiser. If, as you said, you want a truck that can be fixed almost anywhere, then your going to have better luck with a cruiser than a rover. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 11 Registered: 05-2003 |
Everyone keeps saying that Disco's in the UK will be cheaper but for all intensive purposes, they don't seem it. looking on that Autotrader and EBAY UK, they actually seem quite a bit more expensive. I would by a Land Cruiser but I honestly don't like them. My Wife is trying to convince me to get that new Honda Element. | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 98 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Kevin Those figures look about right for fuel in the UK. What you have to remember that is per LITRE, multiply roughly by 5 to get a comparable price for a gallon. Now you know why we all drive diesels. Once you have driven a new diesel LR you will be sold, find out how much it will cost to get it back into the States, and then decide. You will never have a problem selling a diesel Land Rover in America. Best of luck Pete S | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 12 Registered: 05-2003 |
Yeah I understand the definite desire for a diesel, I honestly just want to have a car and stick with it. I put so much time and work into my 325i then I sold it. I can see the land rover I want, all decked out with bars and lights, but still refined enough. I want to have it for a long time, and I just don't want to have to get rid of it the second I get back. Although it is looking more like 3 years in Europe, then another 2 somewhere else, possibly Africa. I just wish I could buy one now so I could make sure it is on the up and up before I take it some where. How much better is the gas mileage on the diesel anyway. Like I said I plan on something like a 99 or higher, so I believe that is the newer style diesel. | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 435 Registered: 09-2002 |
Petrol ones probably average between 12 - 15 mpg. I'm guessing the diesel is about twice that but I'm sure the diesel folks will chime in. | ||
| Toby Walsh (Toby) New Member Username: Toby Post Number: 1 Registered: 02-2003 |
G'day Kevin, I've got a 98 Tdi300 automatic in Oz. I get around 30mpg with mine. It's probably around 28mpg around town and up to around 32mpg for long highway cruises (70-75mph cruising). So you're effectively paying half as much for fuel. I haven't driven a TD5, but they're supposed to be a sweet engine. Too many electronics for me, though. I don't mind the weaker Tdi300. It's no sports car, but it's great offroad. Bear in mind that I'm used to diesels, though, so the less powerful engine doesn't bother me. The Tdi300 is nowhere near as sluggish as some diesels I've driven, like Landcruiser 75 series 4.2L (non-turbo), Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2L (non-turbo). If it was up to me, and I was going to England and had the money, I'd be looking at getting a cheaper Disco I Tdi and transplanting the International 2.8L diesel. Same power/better torque than the TD5 and no pesky computers. It would be a one-off when you get back to the U.S., even rarer than a Tdi or TD5, and hopefully worth a fortune. I don't know what prices are like in the U.K. for a 2.8L diesel engine, but it might be worth looking into. Here's a bit of info in case you've never seen it: http://www.britrest.com/HS28L.htm Hope that helps. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 13 Registered: 05-2003 |
I'll tell you, thanks everybody for the help so far. I have no doubt that I would love a TD5, and could wait until I get somewhere. I will tell, from what I gathered, UK is probably not where I'm going. Instead, it'll be something like Germany, Romania, or Russia. I have no problem buying a car there unless the initial cost is very prohibitive. For example, if I have to pay about 7-8K USD more when I get there, I would just buy here and take it with. If prices are comparable, well then the obvious choice is to wait until I get there. I really do NEED a truck now honestly, with my huge sheepdog always getting dragged everywhere. I guess my only option is to wait, but like I said, I won't know exactly until about a month before I go so that just leaves me with so little time. Now if I knew I could import a TD5 without any problems, then damn I would have no questions what so ever  . But from the looks of it, the only Discovery listed is a 94-98 Discovery and it says nothing about TD5 engines. The cost of DOT and NTSA inspections and conversions can easily run about 6-8K from all the importers that I checked out last night. If you can't tell, I'm a research freak. So after all this, I still don't know what to do -Kevin | ||
| Richard Dekkard (Richard_dekkard) New Member Username: Richard_dekkard Post Number: 32 Registered: 04-2003 |
Kevin, as was mentioned, those prices you found are per litre. so about 4.5 x that number to a gallon. Also, you will get hit with the huge taxes unless you or your company has any sort of diplomatic exemption. If they do have a diplomatic exemption you can get special license plates which will also allow you to buy the gas at cheaper prices as a lot of the huge gas prices are taxes as well. Also, all these cost, both the taxes on the vehicle and taxes on gasoline, will be fully tax deductable in addition to your foreign earned income tax exemption of the first $70,000 of income while being resident outside the USA. You will however have to play dodgem with the income taxes in your area, but a good accountant can help you there. There are certain rules regarding ex-pats that are overseas being allowed to bring over one vehicle back to the USA after working over seas, but you will never be able to sell it ever. I suggest taking over as high a mileage a Disco II as you can find purchased here in the USA, and then spending about $4,000 - $6,000 having a shop in the UK or Germany throw a TD5 or 300TDI in it while its in Europe. You can then have the best of both worlds.. Diesel conversions in Europe and the UK are very common, and there are lots of experienced shops. It wont be difficult at all, and engines in wrecking yards will be common. Then you can bring back the vehicle with no legal issues, and have a diesel to save on gas prices while your over seas. good luck.. | ||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1245 Registered: 04-2002 |
After reading the above posts, Kevin, it sounds like your mind is pretty made up. You asked for advice, which the thread seems to be pretty uniform in recommending buying overseas, yet you have an argument for not doing it on every single post. My opinion is, somewhere deep inside your head, you have made a decision that you need to buy a truck here, and are just looking for someone to go along with you so you feel better about that decision.................. So, go ahead and buy a truck here for $20,000.00. Get a good V8 Disco2, like mine. Maybe even one with a rack and lights. Then, haul it overseas and pay their prices for petrol while getting a cherry 10 or 11 mpg. It will be great fun. Not to mention the cost of getting the truck shipped over. The hassles you may meet in the overseas country regarding importing a US truck, the troubles of getting a modern electrical system and computer worked on in that D2, the fact that US Disco's area step down from a nice diesel Defender that you could get overseas, etc. My advice is that you should buy the truck here like you want to............. Hope my sarcastic comments help clear that subconcious block you have going there. LOL | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 14 Registered: 05-2003 |
Hahaha, I know, I know, I understand my hard nosed opinion is just waiting for someone to agree with me. I appreciate your honesty. Remember though, I don't pay any shipping or customs cost (thank you US GOVT), but I do have to abide by the same importation rules. So the shipping cost is not an issue. The only issue I have really seems to be diesel versus petrol. And yes everyone has convinced me I'm better off with diesel. I believe all you guys, but at the same time I'm stuck with this Jetta of mine. (LEASE) If I don't transfer the lease by the end of July, I can't transfer at all (VW Credit only allows transfer before the last 12 payments). So if I don't get rid of it before that I'm stuck with a HUGE hit (looking around 4K) Or I could get rid of it now and buy a beater. I'm sure you guys now how it is. I just want a LR so bad I can taste it. Even my wife fell in love with them and can't wait. So not only is my enthusiasm overwhelming, her constant elbow nudging is getting to me. I feel lucky though But I more than likely will wait till I get them. Since I'll be 3 years in one area, and possibly another 2-3 in another area (middle east, northern africa more than likely), so diesel for 6 years would be best then just drop it on someone before I come back permanently. Thanks though, I guess I'll just have to stick it out and droll at every LR I see... Last thing, aren't the defenders smaller. I do love them, I used to have a Wrangler, and always envied them, but I do want a larger truck. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 15 Registered: 05-2003 |
Pardon my ignorance, I did just look at a few pics of Defender 110's. Now I'm really aggravated with you for throwing more options at me, but so happy that I have something else to find out about. DAMN YOU informative helper people types | ||
| Alan Yim (Alan) Senior Member Username: Alan Post Number: 438 Registered: 09-2002 |
The D90's are a bit smaller (90 inch wheelbase) than a Disco and more for pure off-roading than long distance driving but the D110's are the big boys. Wheelbase is 10 inches longer (110 inches vs 100 inches) than a Disco, not to mention the extra overhang after it so it's not a small truck and I'm sure big enough for you if you were considering a Disco to begin with. If you were looking for a truck that can off-road and do exploration type driving, the D110 can more than do that as can the Disco. Just depends on whether you want the creature comforts of a Disco or not. But a Tdi D110 would be ideal as it doesn't have the electronics that a TD5 has so less hassles and if you decide to keep it and ship it back to the US, you will have a very sought after vehicle should you choose to sell it. | ||
| Neil Flanagan (Electriceel) Member Username: Electriceel Post Number: 97 Registered: 02-2002 |
Everyone always jumps to recommend the diesel... If you are set on purchasing a vehicle here, you can always have the US spec gas truck converted to run LPG over there. From what I read, conversions are pretty simple and inexpensive(especially compared to a diesel swap) and it is reversable if you decide to bring it back to the states. With LPG you get almost the same power and milage with the existing V8(lol! power...Rover V8), burns cleaner, and is cheaper than gas AND diesel. Perhaps there are some UK lurkers that can chime in on what it involves. | ||
| Neil Flanagan (Electriceel) Member Username: Electriceel Post Number: 98 Registered: 02-2002 |
Though I don't know how I would feel about an LPG cylinder in my back seat unless I'm gonna take it out and hook it up to the grill... And range is probably not a good with LPG due to the small tanks. | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 647 Registered: 02-2002 |
Kevin, We were in a similiar situation when transferred to Japan. Initially I wanted to buy a US vehicle and ship it over. Because of the short timing, I couldn't find all the shipping, insurance, taxes, yada yada to it. Actually called LR in GB for help. Ended up buying a RHD Disco in Tokyo, using it for 3 years, and then selling it. If doing it again, I would DEFINATELY buy a US vehicle, take it with me, and bring it back with me. If you're going as an Expat, gas prices are not going to kill you. e-mail offline for more info if you like - jthomp2917 @ aol . com Jaime | ||
| Garth Petch (Garth) New Member Username: Garth Post Number: 5 Registered: 02-2003 |
In Australia, LPG is so common (especially in Metropolitan areas), you can almost say with certainty that any large 4WD more than 3 years old without an LPG sticker on the number plate is a diesel. It does have some downsides, but its also safe and economical. A diesel's safer and even more economical though. Why take a US car to Europe though? Can you import it without tax, will you have to modify it to register it in the country you're going to? Surely it would be cheaper to buy a used one that has already gone through the major depreciation, keep it for 3 years, and sell it as a used vehicle, or if you can take it back to the US, ship it back. Remember though, driving in Europe is not like driving in the US (or Australia), the distances are less, 130kph is almost the minimum speed on autobahns, parking is non existant in cities and big towns, and the streets in those areas are narrow. Its bloody cold during winter, you have to go out of your way to find dirt roads, let alone challenging ones and most importantly, fuel is grossly expensive (even to an Australian) Garth | ||
| eric johnson (Eric2) New Member Username: Eric2 Post Number: 6 Registered: 05-2003 |
If you want to buy a diesel 110 in the States, go to East Coast Rovers. They can supply a 2.8 Powerstroke Turbo Diesel or 300tdi's. Price may be more than what you want to fork out, but you can buy it here, and ship it over and back. Done. They have a D90 with the 2.8 Powerstroke featured on their website. If I wasn't in Calif., I'd seriously think about it. | ||
| Jack Quinlan (Jsq) Senior Member Username: Jsq Post Number: 266 Registered: 10-2002 |
I think you need to figure out what a GE280 actually is. You also need to realize that there are a lot more mercedes benz in n.africa and the middle east than Land Rovers. As greg said, you couldn't be more determined to ignore all the advice you get. | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 712 Registered: 09-2002 |
Don't know about ex-pat and diplomatic exemptions in the UK or Germany - but the LAST thing one would want in Russia is a U.S.-made or spec'ed truck. The custom duty is imposed per liter of engine displacement, and it takes off like Concorde past 2+ liters. On top of that, the mainstay gasoline in Russia sports octane rating of 76, and it is leaded, so if you stray ~10-20 mi off the main highway, you'll enjoy the orange-colored brew used in old trucks. While diesel fuel is of crappy quality there, too, it is still useable. Extra water filters in fuel line help. Gelaendewagens are aplenty anywhere in continental Europe, and cheap. diesel-powered Patrols are very common, too. | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 648 Registered: 02-2002 |
Garth, One reason people take US cars to Europe is they are less expensive here. Most of the Expats for our company working in the US buy a US version of the model with many options to take back with them. Example is one guy is buying a X5 loaded because its cheaper here. Necessary changes to the vehicles to import back in most of Europe/Asia is negligible. Even the US manufactures like Ford. Jaime | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 102 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Jaime While I am sure cars are cheaper in the States, the main reason people buying them and going home is down to the exchange rate. We have no problems bringing in cars and trucks, as long as they are roadworthy. And Kevin, buy a diesel in Europe! get yourself a 300Tdi and tour Africa, whatever, this is one of those once in a lifetime opportunities, why are you worrying about getting you car back home? Drive it for 3-5 years, enjoy it and say goodbye, it is just a car, you want something cheap to run and able to get fuel anywhere, that way nothing holds you back. Get yourself a real cheap set of wheels in the meantime, save your money. Pete S. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 16 Registered: 05-2003 |
Thanks for all the help, and sarcasm. I understand the differences and availability of diesel versus petrol, and have to look beyond one factor alone. As some have posted, comparable models can actually be bought cheaper in the US, and that factors into my economic breakdown. Yes something might be cheaper to operate when there, but does that come at the cost of $7K upfront cost. Or do cars depreciate faster there so will my return on a purchased vehicle there be lower than if I just bought one here. There are always multiple factors to every decision and I just want to make a wise one that's all. So please stop telling me I'm not listening. I am absorbing like a sponge, and everytime I respond it's because I have a different idea or question. Don't think I'm not taking everything from this post. I appreciate the info and opinions, but just remember, I also have opinions. Basically my options are this: 1. Get rid of my Jetta (have to no matter what anyway) AND a. Buy a LR Disco II here and just beat it b. Wait until I get there, and buy a local type vehicle c. Buy a LR Defender 110, bring it back with me, and pay all the conversion costs d. Buy a beater and then decide right before I have a clue as to where I'll end up. Honestly d. is probably the way to go, coupled with b. when the time comes. That way I don't lose no matter what. c. Does seem like a nice option, but I like the 2002 Defender 110 I saw too ...Unfortunately, can't bring'em back | ||
| Brad Noviski (Bradnoviski) Member Username: Bradnoviski Post Number: 47 Registered: 02-2003 |
In 3 years you may be able to bring back a D110 because the UK is going to inact new safety laws. I read that at this link. http://www.thelandroverchronicle.com/new_page_431.htm Quote from site: OF NOTE: If a replacement Defender is pushed back past 2006 Land Rover may be forced to modify the current model for new UK safety regulations which take effect around the same time. Of course if this happens there is a very good chance Defender will be available in North America - Finally. you never know what will happen and should keep your options open. | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 649 Registered: 02-2002 |
Kevin, eric came up a possible solution if you like 110s. last I looked ECR had a D90 they were selling to change into a 110 based upon what the customer wanted. you would have a certified US vehicle you would have a 110 you could take it with you and bring it back you could have any 110 you want as ECR can make anything downside is they are relatively expensive time to construct yet, you could get a cheap car where you land and have the 110 shipped when its finished. Jaime | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 17 Registered: 05-2003 |
Alright, looking at Gelaendewagens on the web, I've found them to be about 2-3 times more than a LR Disco or Defender for that matter. Am I correct in that assumption? | ||
| Peter Matusov (Pmatusov) Senior Member Username: Pmatusov Post Number: 720 Registered: 09-2002 |
Kevin, are you looking at the U.S. prices? in Europe, you can get yourself a G for 10k DM. peter | ||
| Richard Dekkard (Richard_dekkard) New Member Username: Richard_dekkard Post Number: 39 Registered: 04-2003 |
The 110 isnt barred from the US for safety reasons as much as it is EPA issues. If it was just safety, all you would have to do is put the roll bars on it, which look dope anyways.. the 110 wont make it here again till its emmissions are specced for the USA. The EU emissions requirements are getting better, but still behind the US, and also, the EU, France in particular, is having a horrible time meeting their current standards so its not like they are on a forward track... I still say, get a D2 here in the US, take it over.. then get it converted to diesel while your there, maybe after youve been there for a few months and settled.. then you can bring it back with no problems..and it will still be a diesel. If I remember correctly the only thing you need to have done to US vehicles taken to Europe is have the spedometer changed to KPH as the primary ring, and a basic emissions test. There is generally no tax , or a lower tax for US vehicles brought in if you sign the forms declaring you will take it with you when you leave.. either way you said your company was paying for it. | ||
| Kevin Fedyk (Kovert) New Member Username: Kovert Post Number: 18 Registered: 05-2003 |
I was actually looking at some dealers in the UK... http://www.g-wagen.co.uk/ Seems like a nice machine also. | ||
| Peter Sharratt (Gummikuh) Member Username: Gummikuh Post Number: 105 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hi Richard You do not need to change the speedo head as such, all you would need is to get it marked up, this can even be with a felt tip! We have imported enough foriegn bikes, and got them through MOT`s to know. My only concern with Gwagens is servicing and cost of parts, most Land Rover independents here are more than happy to ship parts all over the world, and even to other garages . You can convert a LR to suit yourself far easier than a Gwagen. Best of luck Pete S |
