Importing car

[minerva]

I am serving with the British Forces in Germany (arrive in July). I want to get over the mediocre car I have been driving whilst in Cyprus and get either an R8 or a Nissan GTR. Both of these models seem to be more expensive in Germany (on mobile.de) than in the UK. Thus, I was going to purchase in the UK and drive it over there. However, I need to register it with BFG (British Forces Germany) NOT the German state. It will still, therefore, have british number plates. I still do need to purchase continental headlights.

I have found cheaper vehicles in Denmark. Would I need to pay tax to import the vehicle into Germnay/BFG?? I am assuming there must be a pit fall, since other German citizens would purchase them..?

Also, does anyone know of an equivalent of Litchfields (cheaper alternative to service your Nissan GTR) in Northern Germany (Hamburg or Hannover)?

Many thanks

[zasker]

Are you looking at buying new or second-hand. BFG registering a car can be a bit of a nightmare but in answer to your question if you BFG register it and jump through all the hoops you won't be liable for German taxes. You will need to apply for a BFG 80 to entitle you to import it into the country though.

[minerva]

zasker,

Thank you very much! I thought that there may be a loop hole with BFG; I hope so. I think that I will try and get this one:

http://home.mobile.de/XLCARS#des_156665916

over the border and registered with BFG before the bureaucratic red tape officials catch up with me....

[JMGS4]

IIRR there is no real BFG registration any more, as there are no Berlin plates either, they are all local plates due to the mad paddies activities. Obviously the BFG has some deal with the locals to get these plates, they are indistinguishable from normal german plates.