by "tpw_rules" (tpwrules)
Published 08/02/2017 at 17:46
by "tpw_rules" (tpwrules)
Published 08/02/2017 at 17:46
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STARS: 0
So. I am a 20 year old American from Tennessee and I will be going to be studying abroad at the Hochschule Ulm in Germany from March through June 2018. I rather want a set of sexy German wheels, even though everyone says the train is more fashionable. How feasible is it to pick something up for a few thousand dollars, hoon it for four months, and sell it again? Where would I find such a car? How would I even become licensed to drive in Germany?
"SilentButNotReallyDeadly...killed by G/O Media" (silentbutnotreallydeadly)
08/02/2017 at 19:08, STARS: 1
Possible but not practical. Catch the train. Or get an e-bike.
For starters, unleaded is roughly 1.3 euros per litre (about US$1.50). And then there’s registration and other costs...
...and then there’s the distinct lack of sexy German wheels at your likely price point.
"tpw_rules" (tpwrules)
08/02/2017 at 19:18, STARS: 0
Well isn’t money ever the issue :) I was just curious about all the steps involved, or where I could look and dream. Does Germany have buy-here pay-here lots? /s
"pip bip - choose Corrour" (hhgttg69)
08/03/2017 at 07:10, STARS: 0
get an Opel Calibra
8)
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/03/2017 at 07:57, STARS: 1
You probably won’t need a car, but you can own one just the same. As a luxury.
Yes, fuel is going to more expensive than what you’re used to, but you probably won’t be driving much, so who cares?
As an American who only stays in Germany for a few months you (as far as I know) can simply keep using your American license. It would probably be different if you were to stay for more than a few months though. American drivers licenses aren’t that well regarded internationally, due to the lack of testing requirements in the US. But right now you’re a bit like a tourist and not a full resident. Do look up the stay limit for being allowed the usage of your US license.
I read someone mentioning taxation. Taxation (as in ownership tax) in Germany isn’t much at all. Nothing to worry about, although you might want to stay away from higher displacement engines. (3+ liters?) For tax, but especially due to insurance.
You can find cars on websites like mobile.de and autoscout24.de. Both are in German as standard, but have an English option. Secondary would be www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de which is more like craigslist, where the former two are specifically for vehicles. No English option.
Finding something for a few thousand should not be a problem at all. Including cars that are likely to keep running during the length of your stay. See the 3 websites above. Do pick a car with an inspection that’ll expire long after you’re gone. It’ll mean less hassle and an easier sale when you leave.
The biggest hurdle will be insurance. You’re young and you come from a country with laughable licensing requirements. Those two factors combined will be seen as a risk by insurers.
You won’t be the first American student trying to buy/license a car in Germany. Use google, especially regarding insurance.
/I’m currently living in Munich. I’m not American (nor German) though.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/03/2017 at 08:03, STARS: 0
Meh. When you don’t drive much the price of gas is moot. Also, almost all cars will eventually depreciate within the ‘a few thousand dollar’ bracket. He didn’t say ‘a few hundred’. As long as you have no issues with older cars with lots of kms and maybe an issue or two unrelated to its driveability ‘a few thousand dollars’ will get you an interesting (running and street legal) car in Germany.
"duurtlang" (duurtlang)
08/03/2017 at 08:18, STARS: 0
Wouldn’t be my first pick, but will work within the budget. Nice ones are appreciating though. This one is, well, okay. It’s also close to Ulm, no serious issues and with a valid inspection and it’s only €1199. So it would qualify. Perfect car for what tpw_rules is looking for.
