Moving to Germany

happos2 · 10-30-2014, 02:38 PM

Work is moving me to Germany (Berlin) and I am looking to purchase a car overseas! I am not well versed in the offerings unfortunately and looking for some suggestions that will help me start my research.

I am looking for something completely different than my M3...

A car that is good on gas (can be diesel or gas)
Something that is relatively fun to drive (maybe a sporty hatchback?)
Something that handles road trips well
Prefer AWD but not a necessity
No bigger than a 3 series
Something different that I can't get in the USA
Money - Don't want to spend much - 25k euro max
Car can be new or used

Any suggestions on what I should look towards?

Thanks!!

hellrotm · 10-30-2014, 03:00 PM

Ok some are not good on gas and/or bigger than a 3-series. Threw in a couple hot hatches. Most likely you will just want to get a nice diesel commuter with really good mpg.

All the Alpinas we don't get.
M135i
A45 AMG
C63 Estate
Audi RS4 Avant
Audi RS3 (soon)
Audi S5 Sportback
Scirocco R
Renault Megane RS
Audi RS6 Avant
M550d

Just go find a well cared for real CSL E46 M3. Then import it back to US

.

Schm · 10-30-2014, 03:49 PM

You should look at a 330d. Very economical, good to to drive and something we don''t get in the US.

While you said no bigger than a 3 series, you've GOT to at least test drive an M550xd, triple turbo all wheel drive 5 series.

BMW269 · 10-30-2014, 04:27 PM

Every guy and his mom drives a BMW 120d Hatch: rwd, torquy, economic but sporty.

happos2 · 10-30-2014, 04:59 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Twix · 10-30-2014, 05:59 PM

UNIMOG. Might not be good on gas, but it's definitely cool.

F1Venom · 10-30-2014, 07:40 PM

A45 AMG but I'm sure those are over $30k Euros.

BMW269 · 10-30-2014, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F1Venom

A45 AMG but I'm sure those are over $30k Euros.

It is more like €50K including taxes and before any option, in Germany. To that you have to add car/road tax and insurance.

happos2 · 10-31-2014, 09:31 AM

Yep, think the A45 will be out of the range I am looking for. I will probably be looking more into a Focus ST or something similar that we can't get in the US. My money needs to be spent on traveling and doing things, not the car since I will have it a few years and then be selling it.

TSM330i · 10-31-2014, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Levi

Every guy and his mom drives a BMW 120d Hatch: rwd, torquy, economic but sporty.

+1
Definitely go for a diesel. Fuel costs will kill you in Germany otherwise! It's cheaper than gas for one and the mileage advantage is huge.

A 120d hatch would be just what you're looking for. Plus you may be able to save a couple bucks on your budget.

Someone else said a 330d, which we do not get here in the states and it can be had with a manual trans if you'd like.

Also, definitely look into a Golf 1.6 TDI. Roomy and good torque to boot.

Do some research. It may be based in the UK, but at least it's in English and most of the cars are available in Europe. This may give you insights to cars you're not aware of. Remember, the European cycle for fuel mileage is different than our EPA ratings, so there will be a difference even if we get the same car with the same engine.
http://www.nextgreencar.com/best-mpg-cars/

DSB335d · 10-31-2014, 03:06 PM

I had a Opel Mokka as a rental when I was in Europe. It was comfortable 1.4 turbo 6spd decent on gas. I enjoyed driving. Definitely within your budget.

happos2 · 10-31-2014, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TSM330i

+1
Definitely go for a diesel. Fuel costs will kill you in Germany otherwise! It's cheaper than gas for one and the mileage advantage is huge.

A 120d hatch would be just what you're looking for. Plus you may be able to save a couple bucks on your budget.

Someone else said a 330d, which we do not get here in the states and it can be had with a manual trans if you'd like.

Also, definitely look into a Golf 1.6 TDI. Roomy and good torque to boot.

Do some research. It may be based in the UK, but at least it's in English and most of the cars are available in Europe. This may give you insights to cars you're not aware of. Remember, the European cycle for fuel mileage is different than our EPA ratings, so there will be a difference even if we get the same car with the same engine.
http://www.nextgreencar.com/best-mpg-cars/

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSB335d

I had a Opel Mokka as a rental when I was in Europe. It was comfortable 1.4 turbo 6spd decent on gas. I enjoyed driving. Definitely within your budget.

Thank you! Will check out that website as well.

jbraslins · 10-31-2014, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Levi

Every guy and his mom drives a BMW 120d Hatch: rwd, torquy, economic but sporty.

What he said.

Dackelone · 10-31-2014, 08:01 PM

You should get a Trabi!

Name: Trabant_601-s?.jpg
Views: 739
Size: 192.4 KB

Ok, ok... I'm kidding.

Will you have a garage? You know most Germans park their cars on the street. You will also need ~1,500 euros to get a German driver's license.

Also... what ever car you do end up getting... you will be paying tax and insurance on it. The tax for a small 1.0liter micro car is about 150 euros per year. For a 1M its around 800 euros. I think for a V8 M3, its over 1K. So take that into account.

Fuel is expensive over here. Its around $9 per gallon. And with no speed limits, its hard to conserve fuel. IF you get a diesel, the fuel does costs less, but the yearly tax is higher - so it all kind of balances out. Right now a liter of diesel costs 1.30. Super will run you about 1.50. But in the summer time(driving months) its more around 1.50 and 1.75(respectively).

Oil is very expensive too. Most oil sells for 10 to 35 euros PER liter! An oil change at any dealer will run around 300 to 400 euros(for four of five liters of oil!). Most Germans only change their oil once per year.

You can look on www.mobile.de for German cars and see the prices. Just select ENGLISH tab, on the top right corner. Also make sure only to search in Germany.

I would say look at a two year old car, that is a certified used car. A lot of the cars for sale have been in accidents. Its hard to tell. Also... many have their speedo's rolled back. Look at the tell tell signs like worn steering wheels and seat belts and driver's seat wear. I think three out of five cars have been "messed" with. Also having a car checked out by TUV or DEKRA is a good idea. You'll likely pay 100+ euros for a ppi, but its worth it.

Also join ADAC, the German car club. Pay for the extra PLUS membership. It will save your a$$ one day.

Hope this help you out. Maybe rent a car for a month until you decide what you want to drive.

Dackel

hellrotm · 10-31-2014, 09:31 PM

A couple inexpensive fun hot hatches.

Renaultsport Clio 200
Peugeot 208 Gti
Fiesta or Focus ST (but you can get those here)
Used Focus RS - Mk2 (never brought those here)

comar1979 · 11-01-2014, 05:34 AM

130i or 123d !?

Aapparition90 · 11-01-2014, 06:28 AM

Alpina d3 biturbo is what I would buy and i actually would if they offered it here in Aus no questions asked.
http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/en...bo/highlights/

Greyfox · 11-01-2014, 07:42 AM

Can't really help you with what. But when my company was looking at relocating me to Germany I used the following site to start looking for cars and motorcycles.

http://www.mobile.de/?lang=en

Red Bread · 11-01-2014, 11:29 AM

Buy a used Boxster or Cayman if you don't need rear seats. Being able to go (even slightly) over 250kph is great for the few times the Autobahn allows.

happos2 · 11-03-2014, 08:16 AM

Thanks you for all of the advice. I have been scouring mobile.de to find my next car! I think the 1 series is definitely a possibility, will look into the 3 series diesels as it would be nice to have that extra room compared to the 1 series.

I think I want the back seats so a 2 seater is out (that is the wife talking through me...).

Greyfox · 11-03-2014, 09:07 AM

On a side note... if you buy something it needs to be something that you can easily resell or bring back with you if and when you leave.

You can't really abandon or turn in a vehicle without paying someone to "recycle" it. If you bring it back to the states, you will have to be able to convert lights, windshield, instrumentation, etc to US standards.

That's why, when I was looking, I just stuck with gasoline E90 and E91 over there.

10-30-2014, 02:38 PM	#1
happos2 Dingleberries 76 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (3)	Moving to Germany - Car Suggestions Work is moving me to Germany (Berlin) and I am looking to purchase a car overseas! I am not well versed in the offerings unfortunately and looking for some suggestions that will help me start my research. I am looking for something completely different than my M3... A car that is good on gas (can be diesel or gas) Something that is relatively fun to drive (maybe a sporty hatchback?) Something that handles road trips well Prefer AWD but not a necessity No bigger than a 3 series Something different that I can't get in the USA Money - Don't want to spend much - 25k euro max Car can be new or used Any suggestions on what I should look towards? Thanks!! Last edited by happos2; 10-30-2014 at 03:58 PM..
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10-30-2014, 03:00 PM	#2
hellrotm Banned 4141 Rep 6,924 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: ...Location...Location iTrader: (0)	Ok some are not good on gas and/or bigger than a 3-series. Threw in a couple hot hatches. Most likely you will just want to get a nice diesel commuter with really good mpg. All the Alpinas we don't get. M135i A45 AMG C63 Estate Audi RS4 Avant Audi RS3 (soon) Audi S5 Sportback Scirocco R Renault Megane RS Audi RS6 Avant M550d Just go find a well cared for real CSL E46 M3. Then import it back to US.
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10-30-2014, 03:49 PM	#3
Schm Colonel 165 Rep 2,731 Posts Drives: e90 330i Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri iTrader: (3)	You should look at a 330d. Very economical, good to to drive and something we don''t get in the US. While you said no bigger than a 3 series, you've GOT to at least test drive an M550xd, triple turbo all wheel drive 5 series. __________________ 2006 E90 330i.
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10-30-2014, 04:27 PM	#4
BMW269 Brigadier General 445 Rep 3,888 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Every guy and his mom drives a BMW 120d Hatch: rwd, torquy, economic but sporty.
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10-30-2014, 04:59 PM	#5
happos2 Dingleberries 76 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (3)	Thanks for all the suggestions.
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10-30-2014, 05:59 PM	#6
Twix Lieutenant Colonel 659 Rep 1,922 Posts Drives: 2011 e91 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Calgary, AB, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i xDriv ... [0.00] 2002 Land Rover Dis ... [0.00]	UNIMOG. Might not be good on gas, but it's definitely cool. __________________ 2011 E91 2016 M2 - Sold 2014 X1 - Sold 2002 Land Rover Discovery II - 3" lift & 33s
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10-30-2014, 07:40 PM	#7
F1Venom Banned 76 Rep 961 Posts Drives: ZCP E90 M3 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	A45 AMG but I'm sure those are over $30k Euros.
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10-31-2014, 09:31 AM	#9
happos2 Dingleberries 76 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (3)	Yep, think the A45 will be out of the range I am looking for. I will probably be looking more into a Focus ST or something similar that we can't get in the US. My money needs to be spent on traveling and doing things, not the car since I will have it a few years and then be selling it.
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10-31-2014, 03:06 PM	#11
DSB335d Captain 1318 Rep 700 Posts Drives: '11 335d DSB/oyster&black/navi Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: West palm beach iTrader: (0)	I had a Opel Mokka as a rental when I was in Europe. It was comfortable 1.4 turbo 6spd decent on gas. I enjoyed driving. Definitely within your budget.
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10-31-2014, 08:01 PM	#14
Dackelone European Editor 10805 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Trabant 601... You should get a Trabi! Ok, ok... I'm kidding. Will you have a garage? You know most Germans park their cars on the street. You will also need ~1,500 euros to get a German driver's license. Also... what ever car you do end up getting... you will be paying tax and insurance on it. The tax for a small 1.0liter micro car is about 150 euros per year. For a 1M its around 800 euros. I think for a V8 M3, its over 1K. So take that into account. Fuel is expensive over here. Its around $9 per gallon. And with no speed limits, its hard to conserve fuel. IF you get a diesel, the fuel does costs less, but the yearly tax is higher - so it all kind of balances out. Right now a liter of diesel costs 1.30. Super will run you about 1.50. But in the summer time(driving months) its more around 1.50 and 1.75(respectively). Oil is very expensive too. Most oil sells for 10 to 35 euros PER liter! An oil change at any dealer will run around 300 to 400 euros(for four of five liters of oil!). Most Germans only change their oil once per year. You can look on www.mobile.de for German cars and see the prices. Just select ENGLISH tab, on the top right corner. Also make sure only to search in Germany. I would say look at a two year old car, that is a certified used car. A lot of the cars for sale have been in accidents. Its hard to tell. Also... many have their speedo's rolled back. Look at the tell tell signs like worn steering wheels and seat belts and driver's seat wear. I think three out of five cars have been "messed" with. Also having a car checked out by TUV or DEKRA is a good idea. You'll likely pay 100+ euros for a ppi, but its worth it. Also join ADAC, the German car club. Pay for the extra PLUS membership. It will save your a$$ one day. Hope this help you out. Maybe rent a car for a month until you decide what you want to drive. Dackel __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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10-31-2014, 09:31 PM	#15
hellrotm Banned 4141 Rep 6,924 Posts Drives: F80 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: ...Location...Location iTrader: (0)	A couple inexpensive fun hot hatches. Renaultsport Clio 200 Peugeot 208 Gti Fiesta or Focus ST (but you can get those here) Used Focus RS - Mk2 (never brought those here)
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11-01-2014, 05:34 AM	#16
comar1979 130i Treiber 122 Rep 1,432 Posts Drives: BMW 130i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Munich,Germany iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 130i E87 [0.00]	130i or 123d !? __________________ # BMW 130i /// + SPARCO Assetto Gara 8x18 bronze + KW + PP SteeringWheel II +PP Exhaust +PP Kidneys + PP AirFilter + PP Style Flaps + PP SS Kit + *AC-Schnitzer* Gear Knob + MorVision Diffusor + LCI Blacklines high + GroundZero-Audio #
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11-01-2014, 06:28 AM	#17
Aapparition90 Captain 193 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2016 lci m3 mw Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: sydney iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 bmw 328i [0.00] 2012 bmw 328i [0.00]	Alpina d3 biturbo is what I would buy and i actually would if they offered it here in Aus no questions asked. http://www.alpina-automobiles.com/en...bo/highlights/
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11-01-2014, 07:42 AM	#18
Greyfox Colonel 1227 Rep 2,840 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E91 - 330k+ (miles) Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	Can't really help you with what. But when my company was looking at relocating me to Germany I used the following site to start looking for cars and motorcycles. http://www.mobile.de/?lang=en
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11-01-2014, 11:29 AM	#19
Red Bread Major General 4457 Rep 9,160 Posts Drives: Smog machines Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	Buy a used Boxster or Cayman if you don't need rear seats. Being able to go (even slightly) over 250kph is great for the few times the Autobahn allows.
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11-03-2014, 08:16 AM	#20
happos2 Dingleberries 76 Rep 1,246 Posts Drives: Gray E92 M3 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (3)	Thanks you for all of the advice. I have been scouring mobile.de to find my next car! I think the 1 series is definitely a possibility, will look into the 3 series diesels as it would be nice to have that extra room compared to the 1 series. I think I want the back seats so a 2 seater is out (that is the wife talking through me...).
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11-03-2014, 09:07 AM	#21
Greyfox Colonel 1227 Rep 2,840 Posts Drives: 2007 328xi E91 - 330k+ (miles) Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	On a side note... if you buy something it needs to be something that you can easily resell or bring back with you if and when you leave. You can't really abandon or turn in a vehicle without paying someone to "recycle" it. If you bring it back to the states, you will have to be able to convert lights, windshield, instrumentation, etc to US standards. That's why, when I was looking, I just stuck with gasoline E90 and E91 over there.
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