Yes, an American can absolutely buy a new or used car in Germany. The process is straightforward but involves specific steps for legal registration, tax, and shipping if you plan to bring the vehicle back to the United States. The key is understanding the differences between buying a car for use within Europe versus exporting it stateside.
The primary requirement is having a valid passport and a German address for registration, which can often be arranged through the dealer or a shipping agent. You'll be purchasing the car as a non-resident. A significant advantage is access to German Manufacturer Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP), which can be lower than U.S. pricing for equivalent models, especially for premium brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi.
However, you must navigate German regulations and U.S. import laws. The car must be modified to meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards before it can be legally driven in America. These modifications, which include things like headlights and emissions controls, can be costly.
| Vehicle Model (German MSRP) | Estimated U.S. Customs Duty | Estimated EPA/DOT Compliance Cost | Approximate Shipping Cost (Container) |
|---|
| BMW 3 Series (€45,000) | 2.5% | $4,000 - $7,000 | $1,500 - $3,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC (€52,000) | 2.5% | $5,000 - $8,000 | $1,800 - $3,500 |
| Porsche 911 (€120,000) | 2.5% | $7,000 - $12,000 | $2,000 - $4,000 |
| Volkswagen Golf (€30,000) | 2.5% | $3,000 - $6,000 | $1,500 - $2,800 |
| Audi Q5 (€48,000) | 2.5% | $4,500 - $7,500 | $1,700 - $3,200 |
For use solely in Europe, you can get a temporary export plate. For importing to the U.S., you must work with a registered Independent Commercial Importer (ICI) to handle the complex certification process. Factor in all these costs—purchase price, VAT refund, shipping, duties, and compliance—to see if the total is truly a savings over buying the same car domestically.
