[roundhouse22]

Hello all-
New to the forum here and I love it! I'm planning on purchasing a 335i coupe in the next couple months here in England. I'll drive it here for a bit until I move back to the states. Anyone know which states/laws exempt the sales tax for imported cars that you took delivery outside the US? I have heard by word of mouth that around 500 miles or maybe 6 months of driving outside the US will qualify an exemption upon return to the US. I appreciate anyones info/experience with perhaps a Euro Delivery. Thanks

[yuggorf]

Some states won't ask too many questions if it has been 6 months. Some states like to see 6,000 miles or more. Check with the state that you plan on registering it in. Oregon is the most friendly state, no sales tax on vehicles. Are you military? If so, you'll have an easier time not paying tax if registering in state that you are not a resident in.

[EricFother]

Let me guess...Park Lane in Beck Row? That is where I am getting my car from!

Just as the above poster mentioned, it depends on what state you are going to be registering your vehicle in. I found that if you search the web you can find the DMV for the state you are concerned about and then find the apporpriate area that mentions taxes.

I would double check on the European Delivery Option (picking it up at the factory). I have heard horror stories of people who picked up a car in Germany to only be denied entry to the U.K. because their paperwork was not in order. While it would seem like a no-brainer since we only live a few hours away, I chose not to opt for European Delivery (picking it up at the factory).

[boggysv]

So you will be driving a LHD car for a few months in the england?

[DrGP]

There are EXTREMELY strict regulations about bringing in non US spec cars into the US. Perhaps I am wrong on this and regulations to bring a non Us spec car into the US (temporarily) are different than buying one .

[ski360]

Originally Posted by DrGP

There are EXTREMELY strict regulations about bringing in non US spec cars into the US. Perhaps I am wrong on this and regulations to bring a non Us spec car into the US (temporarily) are different than buying one .

Without saying it, he's military. He's most likely buying a US Spec car and bringing it back with him.

To the OP,
It all depends on the state. Pennsylvania sucks ass. They don't care where or when you bought the car, they want the tax on it. Like others have said, check with the state DMV in which you plan on registering it.

[EricFother]

Yes I am purchasing a U.S. spec car through a military sales dealer here in the U.K. I would imagine(read ASSUME) the OP is doing the same.

I don't mind driving an LHD over here...it just sucks that I'm returning to the states in May (Just found out) and now I will only be able to drive my car for a couple of weeks before I have to hand it over to someone to put it on a boat

DrGP is correct...the states are VERY strict on cars (RHD) that can be taken back to the U.S.

[roundhouse22]

Yep, LHD not a big deal in England. I've checked my states DMV website and needless to say it is not user friendly at all. Thanks for all the replies. Either way I'll be driving my bimmer back in the states, just trying to save a couple bucks.

[makoy2]

Register your pov ( military plates ) if you time on station, then have at least over 500 miles when you ship it thru miltary in that way its considered used, by the time you get your pov back to the states.Thats how I did years ago and if I remember right....I PCS'ed from Vicenza to NC ( Ft. Bragg )back in '01, I had 5 days to register and drove over 500 miles then I only paid the registration fee once I got it stateside....I think its the same for some states if not most.

[THE JEDI]

You will have to pay reg fees, but you won't have to pay the 2.5% import duty...other than that you won't have to pay anything else.

[boggysv]

if you are returning in may, why dont you wait and buy the car back in the US??

even with a 17.5% vat exemption, isnt it cheaper to buy it in the states?
Moreover, you dont have to worry about shipping, legislation to bring the car in, and have full local warranty.

[THE JEDI]

no he's buying thru military sales..trust me it's cheaper

[ky_soldier]

yep. military sales plus free shipping courtesy of uncle sam = deal that civilians would drool for. he could sell it for more than he paid for it. :-))

[roundhouse22]

All true..military sales is a very nice perk for being over here for 3 years. I've heard that 500 miles thing before I just can't find it in writing for my state (IL). Thanks for all the info. I'll plan on putting 500 miles on it anyway before I move back and hopefully avoid some taxes. I know the fed one gets waived for military. Happy hunting...

[EricFother]

Very nice perk. I am paying $42,525 delivered. Options listed in my Sig.