Moving Scion FRS from California to Germany

[hthought]

Hi there,
I have bought a 2013 Scion FRS in the US (original owner) and I will soon be moving to Germany. I love the car and was contemplating moving it to Germany instead of selling it here in the US before I leave.

It seems that the cost of moving it will be around 2.5-3.0k total, including port handling+taxes (hopefully there won't be surprises).

I am wondering though, has anyone done that ? If so, did you need to do any modifications to the car so that it can drive in Germany ? I have no modifications, the car is the stock version.

Thanks !

[Tcoat]

There are a few threads on here about guys moving to Germany. The majority seem to have found that by the time you are done with the shipping, inspection, permits and other costs involved it is better off to sell it and buy something there.

[Clutch Dog]

Bring back a 190e cosworth!

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

There are a few threads on here about guys moving to Germany. The majority seem to have found that by the time you are done with the shipping, inspection, permits and other costs involved it is better off to sell it and buy something there.

Yep, I concur.

I brought a car from Germany to the US, but, the US Army made the arrangements and paid for it.

humfrz

[yurikaze]

Is it a permanent move? Then a Scion FRS could be really cool and unique there, I know the Euro market GT86 is rare enough over there. As far as I know if the car is completely stock and in good condition, you should be good to go, just check to see if Germany requires a rear fog light, as some european countries do. The good news is, the FRS already has the lens (which most people mistakenly refer to as a "fourth brake light", and you can get it wired up correctly as a rear fog.

If it's a temporary move, I'd say sell it here and buy something really cool we can't get in the US, like a BMW 1-series hatchback, Smart Roadster, Renault Clio RS, any Alfa Romeo, Audi S1, any number of hot wagons, etc, and enjoy your time in Europe to it's fullest.

Also check to see if your state qualifies for a German driver's license waiver if it's a permanent move. Some states do, otherwise it will take many months and several thousand dollars.
If you're military, things will be much easier.

[JD001]

Sell and buy something nice in Germany. Lots and lots of lovely cars that don't make Stateside and you'll find that they'll be better spec'd.

[humfrz]

If you are military and it is a PCS move, check and see if you can bring a car back, after your tour is over, duty free.

If so, I'd suggest you buy a Porsche, drive it in Germany, have it shipped back, duty free, at government expense and most likely sell it in the US for what you paid for it -


humfrz

[yurikaze]

Originally Posted by humfrz

If you are military and it is a PCS move, check and see if you can bring a car back, after your tour is over, duty free.

If so, I'd suggest you buy a Porsche, drive it in Germany, have it shipped back, duty free, at government expense and most likely sell it in the US for what you paid for it -


humfrz

Some manufacturers have diplomatic programs too, with good discounts.
My parents brought back a brand new SAAB 9000 turbo this way when we moved from Germany to the US.

[hthought]

I actually do get relocation help for that from my company, a set amount of 3k. I have gotten a few quotes, best one being from west coast shipping for about 2.5k from door to door, although I am anticipating that there may be some extra cost in the end. I may still potentially sell, but I really like the car and since I am getting this amount, I was thinking why not do it

[hthought]

Originally Posted by yurikaze

Is it a permanent move? Then a Scion FRS could be really cool and unique there, I know the Euro market GT86 is rare enough over there. As far as I know if the car is completely stock and in good condition, you should be good to go, just check to see if Germany requires a rear fog light, as some european countries do. The good news is, the FRS already has the lens (which most people mistakenly refer to as a "fourth brake light", and you can get it wired up correctly as a rear fog.

If it's a temporary move, I'd say sell it here and buy something really cool we can't get in the US, like a BMW 1-series hatchback, Smart Roadster, Renault Clio RS, any Alfa Romeo, Audi S1, any number of hot wagons, etc, and enjoy your time in Europe to it's fullest.

Also check to see if your state qualifies for a German driver's license waiver if it's a permanent move. Some states do, otherwise it will take many months and several thousand dollars.
If you're military, things will be much easier.

It is permanent, unless I decide to move at some point lol But yeah, I am transferring with my company, so I will be getting an apartment here and basically live here. Nice to hear that the stock one would probably work, some minor fixes are not a big deal. I am European and have a european driver's license, maybe that somehow affects it, but I will definitely check. For the first few weeks I will probably just have it delivered to a garage or something, will look to get an apartment with a parking spot and just deliver there till I can actually operate it.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by hthought

I actually do get relocation help for that from my company, a set amount of 3k. I have gotten a few quotes, best one being from west coast shipping for about 2.5k from door to door, although I am anticipating that there may be some extra cost in the end. I may still potentially sell, but I really like the car and since I am getting this amount, I was thinking why not do it

Ya if they are paying at least part of the costs then it may very well be worth shipping it.