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German National in the US Importing Corolla SE to Europe

Hi,

I am a German national currently living in New Hampshire. I plan to stay here for 4 more years for work and I am a defensive driver who would do maybe 15k miles a year max. I just bought an excellent reliable new car Toyota Corolla SE 2023. After 4 years, I don't want to sell my car e.g. $8000 lower for depreciation and get another new car in the EU. I would much rather pay e.g. $2000 for shipping with some stuff in the seat/trunk and I can wait for up to 3 months for my car to arrive (container sharing or any inexpensive & reliable shipping option). By that time I would have completed the customs-free category to import my own car from the US to Germany/EU by having lived in the US for at least 1 year and having owned a car for at least 6 months.

The only thing apart from shipping is to make sure my Corolla conforms to EU standards. Because it's Corolla 2023, it comes with Amber style indicators/blinkers/turn signals and the emission standards should be up to the EU regulation.

Am I missing something obvious? Although the US is fun, I look forward to going back home in 4 years with my reliable car.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
34079 posts

does it have European side turn indicators, on the side in front of the door or on the mirrors?

Posted by
11974 posts

and the emission standards should be up to the EU regulation.

I would make this step 1 to be sure it meets the standards. Will it be conforming 4 years from now.... ?

4 years from now you may not lose as much as $8k. or you may want an electric car.

Posted by
1906 posts

I have owned Toyota cars for over 25 years. Sell it before you leave and get the high resale value and just buy when you go back to Germany. In 4 years it will not be worth the shipping cost then. Why are you asking these questions now? I am sure auto standards will change in the next 4 years in the EU.