[91TB78]

German rumors

OK,
I live in Germany and I can get an STi right now, the problem it seems is then do I just lease it for the next 2+ years I am here or should I buy one and have it converted over to US specs?

2 questions:

1) How much is it going to cost to convert it, and where can I find out?

2) If I wait a year I am probably buying a 330i or 325xi for a nice family car, something the wife loves and that would serve us well. Should I wait for a year to get the 330i in US-specs, or lease/buy the German-spec STi in the hopes I can convert it?

 

[Sea of dunes]

Since nothing deifinite has been said, if you need a car right now, get the 330, even though the normal wrx outperforms it. If you dont need a car just yet, I would wait and hold out for the STi US spec.The safest move would be to lease your car's there and in two years when you move out here, buy a new US spec car here, whatever it may be. And as for the cost of the conversion, it might be cheaper and safer buying a five seiries.

 

[BuDDyLeE]

my girlfriends parents imported a Mercedes from Germany and had it converted for like $2000 in a kit from Mercedes. so it can be done. and not terribly expensive, not cheap though either.

but that was for a Mercedes and the have the money and customer base to offer that. i want my Mercedes built in Germany. ya know

id say get the STi and convert it. main reason, exclusivity, who else would have a German STi in the US?

but im a total nutjob when it comes to car collecting.... so pay no attention to me if you think with your head not your clutch foot.

 

[91TB78]

BuddyLee,
I know what you mean..I love cars. Well, we don't NEED a car..I drive a 90 BMW 535i and also a 90 Honda Accord. When we leave Germany we are going to need a new car, US-specs.

I leave in Nov 2004, our original plan was to buy a 2003 330 or 325xi next year this time, then around 2004/2005 buy the STi.

The STi would be great while we are in Europe b/c of the weather and wetness, but then again do I NEED a new car, NO.

Oh, I also asked if I could still order the Prodrive...yup, no problem!

The STi runs 35,230 Euro, Prodrive: 39,xxx Euro.

With a VAT form (excludes the Value Added Tax) the totals come down to 29 and 32 respectively. Then doing a curreny conversion at 1.12 Euro to US dollar: 26,437 and 29,250 respectively. I dunno, he might be able to knock it down a bit more too...he said he would have to speak to his uncle (the owner). I think getting an STi for under $26K would be a very good deal!

The real question is does anybody know who/where I can get this done? I mean phone numbers or links?
Thanks for all the help.

 

[Marine06]

I've noticed that many of you like the 3series BMWs. Why? Maybe in Germany they are cheaper but here in the U.S. they are overpriced for what you get.

 

[91TB78]

Marine06,

Yeah they are cheaper and tax-free here! Reallt good deals!

honestly, I have never liked the image of what BMW drivers do to the name. I own one have have driven several while I am here and although they are not the outright meanest sports car, they are the all-around great package! They handle well, accelerate well, brake well, look great, they are relatively dependable, they have nice amenities, retain their value and the list goes on! Additionally, unlike many Japanese manufactures they use first-gen steel which is stronger and more sturdy!

I own an Accord so I know what I am talking about, but I there is also something about driving even my 1990 honda Accord! I love both cars, and thats why I would like both a 2003 BMW 3xxx AND an STi...of course I'm not going to be back in the states until the end of 04, so I dunno what I am going to do.

Have you ever driven a bimmer?