Hi guys,

I'm moving to Indiana next year and consider taking my car with me. I love my car I could not find any information yet about importing a car from germany to the US. I think the biggest problem is the fact, that this car is not avaiable in the US.
Can you send me some helpfull links or other information about importing a ford focus ST to Indiana? the shipping is no problem, i think more about the "registration" / "insurance" and things like that.

thank you very much!
PhiL

 

Hi Phil,

I came to US from Europe myself 11 years ago (although now I live in Canada). Back then I thought nobody else in the world has cars like we had in Europe. It turns out I was wrong, you can get a lot more car for the same buck here, especially in the US. Buying a car here may cost you more than you would spend to ship your own from Europe, but, as far as I know, the "fine print" will empty your pockets in no time. The insurance companies will take great pride in quoting you enormous amounts because you'll be driving an "import" car that's not certified safe for the US market. I don't mean to disappoint you, but you will most likely spend a fortune in having the car "certified" for the US market so you can register it. Unless you're sitting on a coffer full of gold and you're anxious to get rid of it, you're probably better off selling your car there (or storing it if your relocation to Indiana is temporary) and buying a car from the US. I suspect this is not what you wanted to hear - and I may as well be plainly wrong - but I hope it helps.

Here's some of my own experience: my first car in the US, back in 2000, was a 1990 Mercury Cougar LS (3.8 liter V6). It had 80kmiles when I bought it, and it kept running amazingly fine until the undercarriage rusted to death in Canada, five years, one water pump, one alternator and 120kmiles later. I paid $1800 for it in NY, tax included. I'm still driving a Cougar (well, a 94 XR7 V8, in great shape and, IMO, the best-looking model of the 89-97 MYs of the Big Cats). Bottom line: don't waste your money on shipping, needless inspections and legal hurdles for your existing car just because you love it. A car is just that: a car ... have another beer and forget about the car

Good luck!

Cheers,
cougar_fan

 

Hi Cougar_fan,
I think your right. Thats the reason I've visited Indiana the last 2 weeks and had some testdrives with some SUVs. I'm living there for 3-4 years, dont know whats next then. I think i will sell or save my car here in germany and lease an american car in america. Dont want to have more problems than minimum
cheers,
PHiL