Hello guys, I need some help with an important decision.
So I plan to move to Germany in the near future, ideally within the next 2-3 years. I had initially believed that I would not be taking my 2011 VW Jetta (121k with auto) with me since it would be too expensive to do so, but I recently learned that it might not be as expensive as I previously thought. So, I am now debating on whether or not I should take my car with me to Germany.
Some facts to consider:
-The Jetta was bought from new and the maintenance history is known. I just had the car go through its 120k mile service, meaning new brakes, timing belt, etc. so I won't need to worry about something going wrong just yet.
-The Jetta is fully paid off, though it's in my dad's name since he pays for registration and insurance.
-I found a company which does overseas shipping starting from near $800, which is much cheaper than I initially thought.
-If I take the Jetta with me, I won't have to worry about the hassle of buying a used car until I am in a better position to do so (I'm also quite introverted, especially when it comes to dealerships). I am aware that importing the Jetta to Germany has its own hassles, but I'll get to that.
-Despite my personal issues with the car, it is still my first car and it still holds some sentimentality that I am dealing with.
Now here is the problems:
-I would have to modify the Jetta to meet European standards. I could probably do this prior to shipping out.
The modifications that I know I have to do is install EDM outer taillight housings, retrofit mirror turn signals (the Jetta is a base trim and does not have the side turn signals), modify the driver-side inner taillight housing to have a rear foglight (which entails changing out the light switch inside the car), and buying a set of winter tires (the Jetta lived in Florida all its life and never had winter tires).
There might be more modifications that are required, but unfortunately, I do not know which ones I would need to do and I need someone to clarify this.
-Because I live in Florida, the Jetta was never tested for emissions since it was not required. The Jetta has a 2.0L 8v I4 naturally aspirated petrol engine that was not made available to Europe. I do not know how much emissions my car makes and I am unsure if the engine is okay to use in Germany. If someone would clarify, I would be much appreciated.
-The Jetta is also salvage branded due to a minor accident. I don't know how that affects registration in Germany.
I am really torn about this, what should I do?
it is still my first car and it still holds some sentimentality that I am dealing with.
This is the root problem of your situation.
I am really torn about this, what should I do?
Like in the case of losing your first love, don’t worry, there’s plenty of fish in the sea for you to choose from, in Germany.
All the best and enjoy your Jetta while you’re still in the states.
It's not just the sentimentality. I am aware there are plenty of cars to choose from in Germany, but is gambling on a used car more worth than keeping and modding what's known and trusted?
You have already provided multiple reasons which are red flags, the biggest problem being - needing to have your vehicle modified for another country/region. This alone would be reason enough to not have to deal with paperwork and red tape. Why go through all that hassle and waste time/money/energy, when you can just pickup a used car which is ready to be driven away? Yes, it’s a used car, but all you need is a pre purchase inspection by a competent mechanic in your area of residence. Plus, since you love VWs, you won’t find any shortage of them in Germany. You have also not considered one major item - damage to your vehicle during shipping/transit. What if something goes wrong with the car’s electronics during the weeks at sea? It is a relatively old VW after all..
Thank you, I now see your point. I was only looking at the cost of things and not the time and energy bits.