Bring my Vehicle to Germany or not?

SSG Jennell Nisewaner — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 22:30:32 -0500

Is it worth selling my older vehicle now before I move to Germany and buy a "for now" car while im there, OR just bring my jeep with me and finish a few repairs so as to pass the emissions testing there? (hopefully pass emissions)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 23 at 2014 10:33 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 23 Jan 2014 22:33:22 -0500

I have heard mix emotions.I know a lot of soldiers sell them for cheap when they are leaving. Could be worth it to not have to deal with the hassle

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2014 7:45 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 19:45:36 -0500

In my experience in Germany emissions was not tested and I don't know if they have changed it or if it is different depending on your region or state. When I was there they just did an overall inspection. Looked for things such as oil leaks, major body damage, rust on brake lines and such. They will throw a fit over a check engine light or having panels of the wrong color but don't really check emissions. My advice is to request a sponsor in advance for someone stationed where you are going and ask them how intense the inspection is. It's done by German civilians that work on post.

Response by Lt Col Luis A. Rojas made Jan 25 at 2014 8:09 PM

Lt Col Luis A. Rojas — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 20:09:39 -0500

SGT Waelty; I've done both when going overseas. If my vehicle is pretty old, I've sold it and just bought a used one overseas from a fellow military member who is returning to the states. Once my tour was over, I sold it to an inbound service member. When my vehicle in the states has been in good condition, I've shipped it to my overseas location.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 7:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:15:08 -0500

I have been in Germany and I can tell you that the German authorities that does the inspection is pretty strict. Like Sir has mentioned if you have a very good car in good condition I would take one if not soldiers buy BMW's and sell them when they leave. I bought a BMW and sold it when I left to another inbound soldier.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 7:23 AM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:23:46 -0500

SGT Waelty,

When I was active duty, I did two tours in Germany. If your car is pretty old, sell it before you PCS. You can buy a 'for now' car there, or you can buy a BMW or a Mercedes at a price significantly less than you'd pay here in the States.

CAVEAT: I don't know if the policy's changed since I left active duty in 2001, but when I last left Germany, if your car wasn't American made, the military wouldn't pay to ship it back, you had to pay for that out of pocket.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 7:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 07:31:16 -0500

SGT Waetly,

I say bring it! But do make sure you have the breaks fixed as well as the E-break checked and new all weather tires plus the spare. If those things are check and are go to go you should have zero problems here.

If you are single I say also bring your 110v appliances most NCO barracks have both voltage plugs in rooms.

Make sure you bring your winter coat as well this year winter will run long so if your reporting before June carry it with you.

Best of luck to you!

Respectfully

1SG Haro

Response by SPC Michael Ramirez made Jan 26 at 2014 11:01 AM

SPC Michael Ramirez — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:01:17 -0500

I just came from Germany a year ago and there is no emissions test. They however check your breaks and suspension. Plus if your driver and passenger side windows are tinted you will fail inspection. No tinted front windows not even factory tint we had a 2009 honda civic and failed inspection because of it i was upset i had to remove the window tint. If you choose to leave your car behind you can pick up a beater. Best of luck to you Sgt. Here is Stars and Stripes you can look to see the cars for sale. http://classifieds.stripes.com/europe/category.php?cat=0142-autos-germany.

Europe Classifieds » » Moving - Storage

Response by CSM Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 11:03 AM

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 11:03:38 -0500

Having served four years in Germany I would wait until you get there and buy a car from the lemon lot. I bought one for 500.00 that lasted me two years and later a BMW that lasted not only the other two years I was there but I turned around and sold it at a profit.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2014 10:53 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:53:33 -0500

Hey battle, I myself am PCSing to Germany. I have a 2004 Chevy Impala which I intend to ship. I know about the strict inspection and snow tire requirement so I'm preparing ahead of time. In my opinion I suggest to connect with a sponsor who can find out for you what your area requires. This was a very good question I myself debated about for some time. But with my wife coming I feel secure with her having my car and myself getting a beater. So the Chevy is coming. All depends on you. I gotta take the tint off however!

Response by 1SG Shane Hansen made Jan 26 at 2014 10:55 PM

1SG Shane Hansen — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 22:55:52 -0500

I sold my truck when I moved to Germany and had a hoopty BMW that lasted me 5 years there, with only minor repairs throughout my time in Germany. I highly recommend that route. And maybe you save your money and buy a nice one to bring back to the states with you. Good luck.

Response by SGT Eric Sotello made Jan 27 at 2014 12:35 PM

SGT Eric Sotello — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 12:35:17 -0500

Can you drive stick shift ? I'm not trying to insult your intelligence but you have a variety of places to pick and choose which vehicle you want to buy. Depending where your stationed at. If your vehicle passes inspection for debarkation then no worries. Right now it's winter time so with that being said all season tires is a must! It's your decision of course plenty of soldiers bring there older vehicles here to Germany because their comfortable with it. In the end they buy an extra car on the side because it's more economical.

Response by SFC James Baber made Jan 27 at 2014 11:19 PM

SFC James Baber — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 23:19:40 -0500

SGT Waelty,

Based on my experience to both Europe and Korea, by a local beater as many are better maintained there than our vehicles are here in the states.

Most can be gotten for a bout $1000 or less for a decent used vehicle, even high end vehicles, or you buy a very good Beamer or Benzo for a decent price, and most of these cars will last you for your tour entirety with minimal if any repairs needed.

Leave the Jeep at home unless you really desire to take it with you for personal comfort and preference.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 7:28 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 07:28:00 -0500

I have an 08 Charger I brought with me from Ft. Hood, and I dont regret bringing it here. That being said, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Parking spots are smaller than what you are used to in the states, and that includes on and off post. My car has a few dings in it because of that. Gas is more expensive here than you are used to, so if its a gas guzzler (like mine), you might want to think about that. In regards to the vehicle inspection, there is no emissions test, but they will check suspension, exhaust, lights, window tint (None allowed on driver and passenger windows), parking brake, and regular brakes. If you think you wont pass, either get it fixed before you get here, or dont bring it. There are tons of beaters driving around here, and sometimes you luck out and pick up a good used vehicle for a decent price.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 8:54 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 08:54:14 -0500

I would and I did when I was stationed at Ramstein AB Germany. It was a big help. Just make sure your tire ratings are right for the Autobahn.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Jan 28 at 2014 9:05 AM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:05:52 -0500

Like I told my oldest when he was leaving to Germany 'Better to have, and not need, than to need, and not have' As a Jeep owner myself I would bring the Jeep and that would save you from having to buy a hoopty that may or may not work out for you. I have a friend who poored money into his hoopty (BMW) while he was there. The best thing about Europe is that you really dont need a vehicle public transporation is more then sufficent. Best of luck and enjoy the assignment.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 28 at 2014 9:56 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 09:56:56 -0500

First thing you have to remember is that you are bringing an American vehicle over to Germany. It is not always easy to get parts for your vehicle should it break down. I spent 6 years in Germany and I bought an American vehicle while I was over there. It was a bad call on my part cause everytime something went wrong, it cost me a little more to repair it since I had to wait for parts to be shipped over. Unless you are really attached to the Jeep, I'd say sell it, buy a hooptie when you get over there. The vehicle standards over there are strict for a reason, because of autobahn driving and the high speeds that take place. Get a hooptie, cause also if you need parts, you can hit up a scrap yard on post and more than likely get the part you need and use the car craft shop and get it repaired for even cheaper than taking to a repair shop off post. While there, you can save your COLA as well as put extra money to the side and get yourself something new when you get back to the states.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2014 2:07 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 14:07:35 -0500

My wife and myself sold both of our cars before heading to Germany, and it was pretty rough for the first month. Once we figured out how to action-on in Germany we got a really cheap BMW that has been perfect. A couple of notes though - German cars are amazing because the people here never really drive so even older cars have great mileage and are super cheap. Passing inspections is the biggest pain in the ass - mainly because inspections for Germany are ridiculous. If you buy over here, know how to drive manual because automatics are few and far between.

Response by SSG Robert Blum made Mar 7 at 2014 1:59 AM

SSG Robert Blum — Fri, 07 Mar 2014 01:59:10 -0500

No emissions inspection. It's a safety inspection, lights, breaks, windows, oil leaks, hubs, drive shafts, seat belts, tint, horn, those kinds of things. Bring it there are some real POS cars on the road that pass inspection with flying colors. Oh I forgot warning lights, none of them can be active. And study for the drivers test before you arrive. Makes life easier. http://www.usareurpracticetest.com

USAREUR Practice Test & Study Guide

On this site you can test your knowledge of the official USAREUR Driver License Test for Germany

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 11:50 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 23:50:38 -0400

Get ride of it. Unless you are a mechanic, the repair cost is expensive. Beside, you will want to drive European standard vehicles anyway, (in my opinion), then again its on you. You can look at vehicles online at http://www.grafyardsales.com and bookoo, just list the installation and you should find what you need.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 21 at 2014 11:52 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 23:52:49 -0400

Get rid of it. Purchase a hoopty here and save the money. Depending on where your assignment is; lets use my location as a start. http://www.grafyardsales.com or go to google and type in Bookoo and the installation. There u will find vehicles for sale. Also, get your insurance thru USAA.

Grafenwoehr bookoo - yard sales and classifieds in Grafenwoehr, GE

graf.bookoo.com is the premium online classifieds community for Grafenwoehr, GE and surrounding areas. The friendliest online yard sale for garage sale lovers.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2014 12:00 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 22 Apr 2014 00:00:37 -0400

SGT Waelty,

When I was stationed in Germany, my American car had a difficult time passing the inspections. The Germans are very strict when it comes to automobiles. If you've ever had brake work, tire problems, or emission concerns on your vehicle stateside, then you can count on failing in Germany. To go into minor details, each brake has to stop within a certain amount of pressure from each other, the window is very small and if one stops more than the other you fail. It gets costly trying to fix your vehicle to their standards.

Just store you car and buy something in Germany. I bought one from an older German guy and it never gave me any problems. My car I took there cost me 2 grand in repairs and still didn't pass and then another 500 dollars to junk it.

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made May 10 at 2014 3:03 AM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 10 May 2014 03:03:21 -0400

From experience, I wouldn't ship my vehicle if I were you. You'll see why once you get there. Trust me, there will be vehicles there being sold for way less than what they are actually worth just so Soldiers can clear. You cannot clear the installation you are station on in Germany or the country unless you get whatever vehicle that's in your name out of your name. So in some cases you will see Soldiers even giving their vehicles away just so they can be cleared.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made May 14 at 2014 9:13 PM

MSG Floyd Williams — Wed, 14 May 2014 21:13:27 -0400

I think you should weigh the cost if it would be cheaper to repair or purchase another vehicle. I would lean more to repairing, than taking a chance buying one in Germany especially from another owner. I wish you well on your tour to Germany, I enjoyed three (3) tours over there.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 23 at 2014 2:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jul 2014 14:33:54 -0400

Same boat here. Moving to Katterbach and even though I will be taking 1 vehicle (it's a new vehicle so not worried about passing inspection). I am wondering how difficult it is to find used VW's like an 03 GTI or Japanese cars?? I've heard mixed things. Anybody from that area that can share some knowledge?

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 26 at 2014 4:41 AM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 26 Jul 2014 04:41:55 -0400

UPDATE: I have left my domestic (now international) Chevy in the states under care of a trusted individual and now driving a 1995 Audi A4! I believe we made the right decision. That Impala would be hurting on these little roads!!! I appreciate all the feedback Battles!!!

Response by SN Jennifer M. made Nov 11 at 2014 3:20 PM

SN Jennifer M. — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:20:06 -0500

Darn this is old. So I will go ahead and respond anyways. We are currently in Germany and the best thing we ever did was sell our oldest vehicle (2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee) before we PCS\d here. We did ship our brand spanking new 2014 Jeep here though. We sold the 05 because we needed a vehicle as soon as we arrived since we are a family of 5. Actually my husband ended up buying a 2nd car (which was a beater) until my (new) Jeep came in. There are ENDLESS possibilities of vehicles in Germany.... especially in the summertime.

There are also TONS of Facebook groups that are set up for selling vehicles when service members PCS back to the states.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 11 at 2014 3:32 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 15:32:00 -0500

What did you wind up doing?

Response by SPC Fred Lytge made Nov 11 at 2014 8:26 PM

SPC Fred Lytge — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:26:22 -0500

I just got one wile I was out there, and when I PCS'ed I donated it to another soldier when I left...I was stationed in Karlsruhe ,Germany 2nd platoon 268th signsl co.

Response by SGT Rick Ash made Dec 20 at 2015 4:50 PM

SGT Rick Ash — Sun, 20 Dec 2015 16:50:16 -0500

A Year old post eh? Well, I aim to please so....
I went to Germany without shipping either of our new vehicles. Upon arrival I bought a great VW sedan you don't see in the US for $50. But I ordered a new Dodge Van from Chrysler Military Sales and took the train up to Bremerhaven from Frankfort. Just the two seats uo front and completely bare in the rear. We traveled to every country where we could drive and had a blast. We used the small 3x5 mattresses that make up German beds stacked in the back for friends. I sold the VW for $100 when I left and the ARMY shipped the van to Charleston, SC. Great all around!