White Lightnin'

James, I was thinking most (if not all) states only require a 'safety' inspection versus an emissions inspection for cars 1995 and older.... so a conversion to US spec would not entail much. And, cars that old would require a 'import duty' fee? Perhaps things have changed since you brought your '92 over?

Unless it is going to Kommiefornia, there shouldn't be any real changes needed -or am I misinterpreting something?

[edit]: Also remember, he may be able to have the military ship it to the US for a huge discount...

Edgy01

As a retired USAF officer stationed in Germany several times over the decades here's the deal.

You will be able to register more than 1 car with NATO type plates. That will allow you to avoid the stringent German rules (TÜV). More importantly, it will allow you to purchase fuel coupons which work at Esso stations, saving at least 50% off the price on the local economy. (Fuel is at least $7.50/gallon today). Insurance will be expensive, as it always is.

While in Germany, try and get as much done on repairing and maintaining your car that you can while you area there.

I was stationed at one time at Ramstein AB and enjoyed the area very much. You are a short drive to France for lunch or even to Switzerland for lunch!

Follow the German traffic laws carefully. When they impose a speed restriction, take is seriously. They have cameras EVERYWHERE today and you will be caught if you ignore them.

There are many excellent Porsche shops in K-town and in Karlsruhe. Suggest that you avoid traveling in the military circles in and around Ramstein. Sadly, Ramstein has become just another piece of America. Get away from there and spent your time in Germany. Learn German so that you can interact more easily. Most Germans speak excellent ENGLISH (and German, fairly well!), however, learn as much as you can!

Gute Fahrt!

Leon Speed

Nicole

Here is one that's specialized on the 928:

Joachim Neweklowsky
Chrysler,Jeep & Porsche 928
Daimlerstr. 45
76185 Karlsruhe
Telefon: (0721) 75099499

While you're there, ask him to show you his collection of 928 conversions...

shadowknight

I lived in K-Town for 8 years great place. Gas is expensive but typically US government employes and military get gas coupons for the esso stations. Inspections are brutal....

GeorgeM

Recommend shipping the GTS on the govt. We shipped 3 cars when we were stationed in Stuttgart and the one shipped by military was much better treated, and completely covered insurance-wise. Both of the other cars were damaged with little accountability by the shipper. PM me if you'd like more details.

pcar928fan

Barry,

You are missing more than you can imagine... It is NOT the state that is the problem, it is the FEDS my friend! The car will have to be received ONLY by a Registered Importer who will then be required to do ALL CERTIFICATION WORK as if the car were brand new! So no matter how many miles are on the car it MUST meet the EPA requirements for its model year AS IF IT WERE NEW! All lights will have to be changed, possibly glass and tires too. The EPA required emissions test ALONE is over $3000 now! If you fail, guess what... it will cost ANOTHER $3000 to run it again!

Just the way it is. Trust me Barry, you DO NOT WANT TO IMPORT A GTS these days! The dollar is weak compared to the Euro so you will be paying WAY more than it would cost you here and then you STILL have to get it here AND do the EPA/DOT certs. It WILL COST OVER $13,000 to import ANY GTS to the USA today! Not to mention if you look on the web at the German car sale sites what you find is the cheapest ones (and you really probably don't want them) are in the low $20k US range and when you then add $13k to the ticket you are in to the low $30k range for a worn out (more than likely) GTS... You can get a pretty decent GTS here for $35k and a stellar one for $40k.

I have only just scratched the surface here Barry... Adam and Tom up in Seattle and I have all seriously considered importing GTS's to make a little money and ALL of us came to the same conclusion. It can't be done in today's climate... Not even close!

NoVector

Thanks again everyone. I did some checking today, the GTS will ship through the AF at the Vechicle Processing Center in Dallas So, if all you've said about only needing a safety inspection in the mother-land is true, I should be good to go. Sean recently fixed all its drips and stuff--no issues there.

My only concern is the exhaust. I'm leaning towards Andrews suggestion as the shipper does allow having cats/pipes and stuff shipped with the vehicle. So I'm thinking I'll just pack the stock exhaust with the car and swap it if needed. But honestly, if that's the biggest problem... this will be a piece of cake.

I didn't know there were that many GTS' in Germany(?)
Thanks again / Bruce

Nicole

The reason there are so many GTS in Germany is two fold:

1. Company owners can completely write-off the cost of a car within 4 years - a great tax incentive. To the best of my knowledge, there is no limit to the cost of the car.

2. Many Porsche executives got GTS models as company cars before they were downgraded to a 996 (after 928 production ended). Usually those Executive cars were very nicely optioned, not kept overly long, and later sold through Porsche dealerships throughout Germany.

Vilhuer

There were 1338 GTS made with country option C00 Germany. Some of them were sold elsewhere and many have been exported since. 6 of them to Finland alone any many more to Sweden etc. In any case despite all exports and accidents there are still more GTS in Germany than anywhere else in the world. January 1st 2003 there were 973 left on the road. Now maybe 800 which is twice compared to number of GTS sold to US and Canada combined. Still, most of them have at least 50% more miles driven than average US car. Many have been driven all year around in winter salt etc. In general German GTS are on average clearly more worn out than US cars.

GeorgeM

Glad to hear you're figuring it out. I had my '89 911 over there, but would have much rather had my GT... that car came later. You're gonna love it!

If you ship another car on your dime, consider marine insurance. USAA covered the damage (although I think they had to suck it up with no reimbursement from the shipper), but the shipper couldn't have cared less that the cars were damaged - and I'm talking vandalism and theft, not just a scratch here and there or greasy boot marks on the carpets (had those as well).

Unless you have another ride you really want to keep, just get a hooptie for the daily commuting. Plenty of 5 and 7 series Bimmers over there.

You're gonna have a great time - enjoy it and have a safe trip.

pcar928fan

All these stories of damage in trans Atlantic shipping make me feel lucky! My GTS was only scratched a few dozen extra times in the shipping (on the rear qtr panels... and a few in other places) on its trip this direction, so I guess I got lucky.

NoVector

Thanks, Nicole. I honestly thought most went to California... and then slowly migrated to Texas -- I think to be closer to Roger

NoVector

Thanks, George. It's a compromise... We're going to ship one vehicle (the GTS) and CINCSPOUSE is going to buy a Volvo S-60 through AAFES new car sales. Can't wait!

Schocki

As I previously said, take the stock exhaust with you and you will be just fine. Make sure you have the correct speed and load rating tires on your car before you take it on the Autobahn.

Many guys have done this before and I never heard that they had big problems.