I plan to order an 06 MCS in two weeks from Hendricks Mini, however, a job opportunity in Europe just became available for next spring. As I mull over this job, I'm also debating whether to buy the Mini now and shipping it over or holding off and buy a US spec Mini overseas. I know nothing of the pain/ease of ordering US spec, taxes, registration, shipping, service, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.

Cheers!

 

Buy it here! The cost of Minis in europe is incredibly high. It is much cheeper to get the Mini now and enjoy it then ship it over.

 

As far as I know, because of the exchange rates the mini is significantly less expensive in the US than in europe... plus some features like a/c are standard in the US and you pay extra for them in europe.

 

Are there any mechanical differences between US and Euro spec MINIs?

 

Don't you have to be in the US armed forces or government to be able to spec and purchase a US spec MINI overseas? Look into this possibility as I know many people stationed in Europe have done this and I believe they get same pricing as if buying from US dealers or even a discount.

Remember that MINIs in Europe have LESS standard factory equipment than their North American counterparts. For instance, the side airbags, airconditioning, Boost CD stereo, etc all are optional items in Europe. Also if you purchase a non-US spec MINI you will not be able to legally import that car into the US without making expensive/costly modifications to make it "Federal" legal. Cars newer than 25 years old are very tough to import into the US.

However, if you buy the car here, you can take it into the European Union without much fuss and upon your return to the US you can bring it back and the car will already be US DOT approved by customs.

Talk to NAM member McGear. he used to live in the USA and recently he moved to England. He took with him his US spec 2002 MCS.

Also do a search on his posts which are very informative. I believe yet another ex-Hawaii resident also moved to Europe and took with her a US spec MCS.

 

No. Mostly they way the headlights are aimed, the obvious RHD-LHD differences (Only cars in the UK are RHD, LHD for main Europe), additional lights, different speedo clusters and standard factory equipment differences. Other than that the MINI is a MINI here or in the streets of Paris. The MINI was designed from the get go to be a "World car".

Also keep in mind the MINI is sold in 53 countries accross the globe.

 

If you want to see the spec differences among different world markets where the MINI is currently sold, just go to: www.mini.com (MINI's International website).

 

Actually there are a number of manufacturing differences mainly to do with safty regulations in each region. The US MINI's have side markers and also more side impact reinforcements in the doors. The Canadian MINI's fog lights are only held on with one screw. MiniGuy on Mini2 posted a list sometime ago.

Luke

 

Before you buy, investigate the host country's policies regarding importation of vehicles and subsequest taxation. What you "save" by purchasing your MINI here may be more than lost due to duties, registration fees and specification modifications required (lighting, vehicle height, bumpers, safety equipment).

I have several horror stories concerning friends who thought it would be great to bring their US spec. Mercedes Benz back to Europe when they relocated. Being without the car for the six months and $$$$$ it cost to get the thing modified and registered soured their experience.

 

I'll jump into this thread. I am working in Heidelberg Germany for the US Army (Contractor). So, will this be in support of the US Gov, or will you be working as an expat? The reason that I ask is going to depend on what options that you have. Yes, there are many differences between US and European spec cars. Some better, some not. This is not an issue though depending on YOUR plans.... Where is this job opprotunity going to take you?

Ask your questions and I will answer them the best that I can. :smile:

 

I appreciate everyone's responses!

I understand that there are mechanical differences between a US spec vs. non-US and plan on purchasing the former; however, I was more concered about the kabuki dance involved with the shipping, importation, registration, etc., of a Mini into Europe, specificly Belgium, the Netherlands or Germany in support of the USG.

Nothing is set as of yet; still mulling the options over and wanted to start collecting as much information (and as early) as possible to make a solid decision. Thanks for the help!

Cheers!!

 

The shipping is easy, at least for military/USG personnel. We just take it to a port, drop it off, and then pick it up on base when we get there.

I think the only difference is the price. Over there you can buy them through Pentagon car sales and they sell the MINI's at invoice. All options are the same price as here. So, you'll save $1500 or so buying over there.
Just remember, in '07 they change the engine to a Peugot and put a turbo instead of the supercharger. So, if you wait too long that's what you'll have to get.

 

As DB said, for military it is very easy. Just drop it off and it is taken care of for you. As a contractor here, my company paid to have one vehicle shipped and they came and got it for me and took care of the paperwork (General Dynamics). Registration is handled via the military, so if you are going to be connected with the military in some fashion, you will have to get your European drivers license via the military and you will get plates from them as well (cost is about 30 USD for two years). Cost is cheap and the good news is that they are finally issuing German plates for the location that you live rather than the US ones that make us stand out from the crowd. So, if you live in Heidelberg, you will be getting HD plates. Yea!!!!

Now, if you are planning on coming over without military, it will be much more expensive. Your American spec car can be registered in Germany without modification. You will have to pay taxes and registration fees that are quite high. On top of that, you will have to get your German drivers license as the US one is only good for 6 months. You could get an International Drivers License before you leave, but that is only good for a year. The last time I checked, drivers training and testing ran about 2000 Euro. Shipping and import fees are also expensive.

Pentagon Car Sales will not sell to non-military members. You have to have a valid ID. Bottom line, if you want a US spec vehicle, you should bring it with if you are not going to be associated with the military or you will have to deal with a local dealership. If you are associated with the military, you can buy here with no problems and tax free.

FYI, make sure that whatever country that you are planning to move to that you determine the taxes that you are going to pay. VAT here in Germany is very high as well as gas prices being high. Just be ready for it.

 

I lived in Belgium for four years, and 1) decided to sell my car prior to moving to Europe (my friends with the Mercedes didn't and regret that choice); and 2) purchased a car in Europe that I brought back to the USA. Again, KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! Check out the host nation's laws and regs on importing. Some require all non-citizens (and repatriating citizens who've owned the vehicle for less than a year) to pay full import duties on the appraised value of the car (OUCH!).

Shipping is generally easy. I recommend that you go the 20' container route, which should be around $1,000 East Coast port to Antwerp/Rotterdam/Bremerhaven.

I was a non-government employee expat. The govt. may have special status for its employees that allow for reduction / exemption of duties depending upon your particular status. INVESTIGATE BEFORE MAKING ANY COSTLY DECISIONS.

I'd hate to see someone else get burned like my friends did with their car.

 

Totally agree.... GREAT advice.

 

Take a small roll of duct tape to the port for the trip OVER and the trip BACK. For some strange reason, I had to remove my wiper blades on my car at the port in Germany for the trip back to the states (years ago - they had a rash of them getting stolen at the time), and the wiper blades were put in the trunk (boot). Needless to say, when they moved my car from the ship to the port, the driver turned on the wipers and etched two "nice" archs (arches? aerks? areks? aurks?... damn!... GROVES) across the windshield.


Anyway, when you remove the wipers (if you have to), put a small ball of duct tape on the exposed wiper end arm where it rests on the windshield.

I'm not saying to tape the arm to the windshield - just something to cover the exposed tip of the wiper arm.