'Need' an Exige, where do I buy?

[Nevinear]

Hey All,

Been lurking these forums for a while saving up for an Exige, I'm getting close enough budget-wise to start thinking about how to get my hands on one

Complicated part is; I'm from the US but I live in Germany and I'll probably stay here for a few more years and then would like to be able to take the car back to the US with me.

So... as far as I can tell I have these options:

1. Buy a LHD, EU spec car here in Germany (expensive and not sure what it would take to import to the US).
2. Buy a RHD UK car (probably the cheapest for now but still not sure how to import to the US).
3. Buy a US car and import it to Germany and then presumably have an easier time bringing it back with me.
Anything else I should consider?

In case anyone is interested or has input, my preferred specs are:

Max £26k (although low £20's would be more comfortable)
Supercharged (stock or done by a good shop)
A/C
Harness bar
+Has to be a variant that was sold in the US for easier ability to import?
Again, anything else I should consider?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

[Eiffel]

I think it is very difficult to import a car to the US these days. In fact I've been told that it's almost impossible to re-import a US car which has been registered abroad (of course this doesn't apply for people who use their US registered car abroad and bring it back home).

I'd suggest getting a EU car while you're here and, if and when you go back home, buy another car there.

my $0.02

[gentlemangreen]

Agree with the above, I think it may be a challenge to get a EU car to the states.

check out www.lotustalk.com who are our US chapter to see if anyone has done simular and SELOC which is the UK hub of Loti info.

As for purchases I think the classifieds here offer the best array and comparison of what is avaliable. Most dealers are on here as are the respected indi sellers.

Good Luck, they are wonderful machines.

[Nevinear]

Thanks for the replies! I'll have to ask around on Lotus talk as well...

I was worried that this might be the case, sounds like I should get one from the UK and enjoy it for now and then just not get my hopes up for bringing it back, plus who knows maybe I'll be able to upgrade to a newer model by then :P

I've seen the Will Blackham listings and it sounds like a good deal for getting a UK spec car over to Germany. Has anyone gone through him for their car? I'm mostly interested in getting help with all of the crazy German paperwork (they love that stuff it seems) and of course whatever I need on the UK side.

Also, am I correct in my calculations that most Exiges are cheaper in the UK even after the export tax/EU spec mods? I read somewhere that there is a 8% export tax?

[Stephanie Plum]

Have a chat to Scott Walker - he's sent cars to most countries over the years, including a fully restored Esprit to Florida. He's in the classifieds usually or pm me for his details.

[Nevinear]

I've taken a look at Scott Walkers' website, thanks! Looks like I might go to him for a UK car for use here in Germany and then might be able to at least have a UK resource for bringing it to the US later. For those looking to do something similar, this is what I've found so far:

From:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/trade/basic_trade/impor...

I found: "Re-Importing A Previously Exported Vehicle
A vehicle taken from the United States for non-commercial, private use may be returned duty free by proving to U.S. Customs that it was previously owned and registered in the United States. This proof may be a state-issued registration card for the automobile or a bill of sale for the car from a U.S. dealer. Repairs or accessories acquired abroad for your vehicle must be declared on your return and may be subject to duty."

So, looks like it would be easier to grab a US one and bring it here and then back based on the TÜV website and the info above. But what's the fun in that? I'd rather have an authentic UK car that is RHD and no ugly extra reflectors, etc. and then if possible, import it to the US as a "relocation good" (makes it slightly easier from what I've read) and have a very special unique car

I'll keep the forums posted with progress when I finally start the process (still saving...) in case someone finds this info helpful!

[SteveS Cup]

Stephanie Plum said:

Have a chat to Scott Walker - he's sent cars to most countries over the years, including a fully restored Esprit to Florida. He's in the classifieds usually or pm me for his details.

I was going through his website the other day... sounds like a cool guy with a very nice Exige for sale sub £20k.