Hi,
I am a US resident.
In approximately one year, I will take up residence in Europe.
I am allowed to import my personal possesions free of custom duties.
I am also allowed to import a vehicle free of custom duties, as long
as it has been in my possesion for a minimum of six months.
I am considering purchasing a car, taking it with me and eventually
selling it in Europe. It must remain in my posession for one year
after I arrive.

I would like to know what car makes and models I should consider buying.
In order to be a good deal, I am thinking that the car should be
a) a make and model available in US
b) a make and model not easily available in Europe
c) a make and model for which parts and repair expertise are available in Europe
d) a make and model in high demand in Europe, ie, what's hot?
e) a make and model that does not depreciate rapidly

I am thinking of three options (recent models, not older than 2002):
1) a Ford Mustang
2) a Corvette
3) a Harley Davidson Motorcycle


In summary, my question is: what vehicle should I aim for in order to
maximize a profit? If I had any of the three vehicles I mentioned
(recent models) in my possesion in Europe, what would be a reasonable
sale price? I understand that it will depend on a number of factors,
but I am looking for ballpark figures.

thanks!

You seem very knowledgable as to legalities of your purchase, and
eventual sale.  That is a huge step.  As a US resident who has taken
up residence in Europe before, and taken a car, I think I may be able
to help you.  Although detailed, your question seems to have left out
many necessary facts for me to help. To better help answer your
question,  I'm going to need some of the following information.

a)  This sounds familiar to my military tour.  Is this by any chance a
tour with the US Military?  I need to know this to further help you
with legality and sales issues.

b) What country in Europe will you be taking up residence in?  This is
a very important factor, due to the wide price range for cars and
motorcycles across Europe.  It will also help determine the value of
your car, and the best choice.

c) How do you plan to market the car?  This information is vital, and
although it may seem early to be thinking about, you need to have at
least a vague idea as to how you're going to sell it.  For example,
are you planning to sell it to a dealer, through classified ads to an
individual buyer, or another way?  To me selling it through classified
ads would be the best way to start, and will help maximize your
profit, and probability of finding a generous buyer or collector.

d) If you plan on using the car during your residence in Europe, do
you have the proper identification and qualifications to use it?  If
you do not have a motorcycle license, and wouldn't enjoy riding a
motorcycle in Europe, then I would not recommend buying one just for
it's resale value.  The hassles of getting your license and learning
to drive one won't be worth the resale price.

If you would like me to better help you, please clarify your question,
or leave a regular "Comment" on this page, your question page.  I will
try to work with you.

Sincerely,
Oberholtzer

Hummers (H1) are in short supply