[s-cars] Purchasing a used Audi in Europe?

[Richard Tanimura]

> Which country (Europe?) would the best deal / best (condition?) car likely
> be purchased?

For my money Germany is the place to look. Large selection of usually
well kept cars at good prices. In my experience, prices are lower and
quality better the further south in Germany you look. (Looking around
Ingolstadt might be a place to start.) Avoid buying from old East
Germany. Because of the relative poverty and high unemployment, there
are a lot of scams in the eastern part.
 
> What is the recommended method to purchase, ie: private party, dealer, USA
> military base, etc. ?

First check Ebay and "mobile.de" to get a feel for the prices. Going
through all the red tape to get paperwork, export plates, etc. is a
PITA. BTDT. A dealer can get it done for you. Transit insurance is
exhorbitant. To avoid it, a friend got the seller to let him drive
with domestic plates to the border and mailed the plates back to the
owner. That way, the sellers plates and insurance could be used.

> How can I find a reliable mechanic to perform a pre-purchase inspection? Is
> it necessary? What should it cost?

Might try an official VAG service center.

> What taxes (or exemptions) apply to a non-resident (purchase of car)? Would
> it make more sense to buy in Europe (Germany?) and (drive it?) back to
> Turkey, or maybe just to buy in Turkey?

Some countries e.g. have extraordinarily high customs and taxes on
imported cars. Check with Turkey first to avoid surprises.


Rich