What is the best way to purchase a car overseas while in Germany?

2018-05-31T11:30:41-04:00

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 11:34 AM

2018-05-31T11:34:58-04:00

I wouldn't even bother tbh.

Response by SFC Marc W. made May 31 at 2018 12:11 PM

2018-05-31T12:11:43-04:00

I agree with SSG Private RallyPoint Member , there is so much public transportation that you don't really need it. But I myself do love the independence of a pov, so my only advice to you is save up money and talk to your first line supervisor. Your best bet is to buy from a PCSing service member in addition you must know that you have to either sell, take with you or otherwise dispose of the vehicle before you can clear post, there is no such thing as dumping a vehicle there.

Response by CSM Thomas McGarry made May 31 at 2018 12:36 PM

2018-05-31T12:36:15-04:00

If you decide to do this you will need to get your International Drivers license, even if you have a current US Drivers License. The US Military gives this course and test. Also many soldiers who are ETSing or PCSing often have hopties for sale which are used cars that are generally cheap. Also you may want to consider purchasing a new vehicle if so incline as I know soldiers who purchased new Volvos from the factory and then picked them up in Sweden. The nice thing about buying a new car overseas and driving it is that you will save on import taxes when you have it shipped backed to the US. One caution however is that if you purchase any vehicle with the intent to ship it back to the US it will need to meet US emission standards etc so be forwarned-Hope this info helps!!One other caution I'd like to throw in is be very very careful if you decide to drink and drive overseas. The Polizie in Germany need no probable cause to stop you and when I was there your license plate has USA on it so they will know you are American. Also Drunk Driving is I believe considered to be a BAC of over 0.7(?). A drunk driving offense is a great way to ruin your career and Ive seem Officers and Senior NCOs picked up. Good luck!!

Response by SPC Sheila Lewis made May 31 at 2018 12:54 PM

2018-05-31T12:54:58-04:00

Trains, buses, and bicycles are the best way to get around Germany.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 3:52 PM

2018-05-31T15:52:42-04:00

Public trans is great, but it is often inconvenient, be it crappy weather or German holidays. Buy a car.

Facebook, bookoo, and other sites are great places to buy them from. BUY A EURO SPEC CAR. Much easier to get parts for, much easier to get inspected (You can get it inspected in town vs. the racket USAREUR runs), and they are kept in much, MUCH better condition than US car are because of Germany's strict laws on emissions and stuff.

Wait for someone to PCS and nab theirs. They have to get rid of it, period. Also many of the bases have lemon lots or an auto skills center than does several vehicle auctions a month.

An international drivers permit (not license) is a waste of money and is not required. The majority of the countries in the EU, the ones you can drive to at least, will gladly accept your passport and US drivers license. You will, however, be required to get a USAREUR drivers license. The test is MORBIDLY long and extremely dry. Take the JKO course about a week or so before you PCS to Germany. Otherwise you will take it when you get there, with a German instructor, and it is much harder and more dry.

Don't spend a ton of money on a car. Keep it in good condition, keep the required stuff in the trunk, get it inspected as you are required, and give yourself enough lead time (about 2 months) to sell it. It will be cake.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2018 5:42 PM

2018-05-31T17:42:01-04:00

Find the nearest Soldier about to PCS or ETS that has a car, and if you haggle good enough, you can get a really good car for a really good deal. Basically, the "lemon lots" on your base is where you will find some of your best deals.

Response by SSG David McPherson made May 31 at 2018 6:12 PM

2018-05-31T18:12:36-04:00

While I was stationed in Graf from Aug 2012 thru 2015 I bought a brand new vehicle from the dealer (Military Auto Sales) that is located next the theatre on Graf

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Jun 2 at 2018 12:26 PM

2018-06-02T12:26:05-04:00

Thru AFEES!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 2 at 2018 11:45 PM

2018-06-02T23:45:20-04:00

I was station in Germany for 8 years and loved ever minute of it. If you are going to travel Europe as I highly recommend it is best to get a POV. Being that you are a PVT I think your best bet is to get a good used car from a soldier getting ready to PCS Germany. Something 2 -4 years old and either a hatch back or station wagon as they are small and able to carry all your gear. Enjoy Europe.