Hi All,

I am a U.S. citizen but would like to spend time in Europe (Western and Eastern to satisfy Shengen visa requirements) and was wondering if it is next to impossible to buy a car when I get there and then resell it when I leave. I know there are leasing companies but even that seems expensive after the initial period (something like $20/day after the initial period which is $600 a month - ouch). I would be happy with a reliable used car. I am afraid the bureaucratic nightmare, especially between Western and Eastern Europe, would be too much for me to handle. But any advice is appreciated.

My mom bought a car in Barcelona and sold it, 6 months later in France...I have heard of lots of others doing it, and if you are lucky you might make a profit They dont check papers like they used too and most of eastern europe is being added to the EU anyway. Also, that 90 days only in Europe is not enforced, if you are American, clean looking and not wearing 'arab clothes' then they never ask you for papers...in fact, its the prefecture that told me this in France that I could stay as long as I wanted, just to say I was vacationing if anyone asked. And after years, I am still waiting for someone to ask....*sigh*

I say go for it, its so much cheaper than renting!!!

have a great trip!!

This is an interesting thread, but I still can't help wondering how one could get the car registered and insured without having some form of non-tourist residence... (ie; student or work)???

It's one thing for a pull-over by the cops or a nonchalant bit of questioning.... but what if you had an accident???

French Toast, did your mother have an address she could on all the paperwork?

My boyfriend is a German native living in Spain. He wanted to buy a Vespa and after two weeks of enquiring everywhere, he still cannot get anyone to insure the scooter without two documents--a proof of local residence and a local bank account or something ( I forget the exact details, but they are kind of astounding when you consider the 'open' EU policies). He's extrememely resourceful and speaks the language, so its not for lack of capability and thoroughness... ?

I'm trying to think what I needed when I got my car and I think I needed a real permanent address over there... at least proof of residence at the address I put down.. but that was in Germany...

Has anyone else done this and have you all searched the message board for past threads on this topic?

I'm just curious about scenarios such as the one put out by the opening poster.

Yes, you do have to have an address, but you can use a friends address, your friend can even do an attestation for you...and yes, you have to have insurance for your car. Should be interesting to see what others say, or that i done this before. My mom had a friend with an address in Barcelona for her car purchase...she bought it for 20 bucks, pretty funny!