Dalema

So - looks like I have be moving from the Bay Area to Zurich, Switzerland. Most likely a 3 year deal and then returning back here.

I'm thinking about my car options - and thoughts. I know there are a few people on the boards (at least the 997 one) that live over there.

Currently have a 6 mth old leased C2 and love it! I assume my work will buy out the lease or something. Unless I want to take it with me which I doubt given it's leased.

Few options I was thinking:
- buy one over there - are they more expensive there?
- lease one over there - is that even a concept in Ch?
- buy one in Germany - are they more expensive there?
- suck it up with something else and at the end buy one from a US dealer with German delivery so I can pick it up at the end of my stint and drive it around for the max allowable time before sending back to the US for when I get back.

Any other ideas?

One other question - have only driven in snow around Tahoe in an SUV - should I even be contemplating a 911 over there - or at least a C4?

Thanks!

duxsi

A LOT MORE EXPENSIVE - Prices in Europe are insane compared to the US market.
You can't lease one over there either- It's simply not an option for you.
If you decide to buy a used one in Holland or Belgium, you'll save on price and the depreciation.
Obviously Switzerland is not part of the EU, so you'll have to research import restrictions, duties and resale laws, in spite of the fact that they implement 90% of EU directives.

Buying in the US with Germany delivery will only buy you a very limited amount of time before the car has to be exported.

Depending where you live and how the roads are maintained, you may want to consider a C4.

If you decide to buy out the lease, you could look at a temporary import (with the required modifications) but you'll have issues with Porsche dealers servicing your car. (I have first hand experience with this challenge.)

You have options, but you really need to do extensive research and work with very good relocation specialist.

John 996 TT Cab

Over on 6 Speed and also in this forum there is a prolific member who lives in Switzerland and might be able to help you. Name is "Suzy991" She is extremely knowlegible on pricing issues in Switzerland/Germany and the Netherlands. Suggest you track her down and pm her.

Dalema

Oh I didn't know that Susie was in Switzerland -for some reason assumed Germany. I follow her posts!

Seems like it's a no go to buy one there. Bummer.

Suzy991

They are a lot more expensive over here!!!

Germany is a little bit cheaper, but when imported into Switzerland, the difference will be a lot less. Imported cars depreciate more than original Swiss cars.

Here are base prices for the models, converted to USD (1 CHF = $1.12)

991 Carrera: $137,760
991 Carrera S: $158,256
991 Carrera 4: $148,176
991 Carrera 4S: $168,784

Alternatives:
Cayman: $79,744
Cayman S: $98,896

What you do get is the Swiss Package. This is includes an extra 2 years warranty (toyal 4 years) and depending on the model a couple of extras ( a lot of these are already standard in US):

For 991 Carrera (4) (S) models:
- Parkassist rear
- Cruise control
- Automatic dimming mirrors incl. Rainsensor
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Bi-Xenon incl. PDLS
- Heated seats
- PCM
Total worth of CHF 9,060

For Cayman (S)
- Parkassist rear
- Cruise control
- Bi-Xenon incl. PDLS
- Floormats (yes, we normally have to pay for floormats)
- Dual-zone airconditioning
Total worth of CHF 6,160 for Cayman and CHF 4,970 for Cayman S.

All prices are incl. 8% VAT

Suzy (via iOS app)

Suzy991

Regarding the other questions:

Leasing is a concept here. Porsche has some leasing examples on their website. Personally I have never done any research on this subject, but this is their example for a 991:

991 Carrera 2 (baseprice CHF 123,000)
48 months, 10000km/year
First payment 20% of vehicle price
Monthly payment CHF 1,325 (4.4% rate)



Regarding the driving in snow, I would definitely recommend a C4 or C4S for that. I think something around 85% of all 911s that sold here, are 4 or 4S models. (Not completely sure about the number)

My Boxster is in hibernation now. I don't use it in winter, but as long as the roads are free of snow, you could easily drive with a 2WD 911, or 981.
An AWD model just gives you more safety, not only in snow, but also in wet or damp conditions, which we have often.


If I was you I would consider a Macan. I think that is the perfect vehicle to use all year long here and it still is a Porsche. Pricing will be in the range of the Boxster/Cayman I guess (probably a little bit cheaper).

Oh and something to think about. Gas prices here are a little bit more expensive than in US. Somewhere about $7-8/gallon. ($2/liter).

Suzy (via iOS app)

008

While a direct conversion is considerably more you'll be getting a cost of living adjustment that should be equivalent to what you have now. Comparing prices between countries and currencies is usually wasted time. If product Y cost x amount more in a different place in your currency the equivalent revenue you receive for like kind work is generally very close in vale to that x amount more percentage. Put simply if you work for a sophisticated global company and can afford a 911 in the Bay Area but when they relocate you, you can no longer afford the same car in relative terms, you're not likely getting a good deal unless there is some other carrot that comes into play.

MarcusG

Suzy to the rescue again !

Kinda like Sabine the ring taxi of Rennlist! lol.

008 made some good points.

What's the take away from moving you to Europe for 3 years? Maybe you can negotiate the "Porsche factor" into it! lol.

$7-8 USD per gallon. Again, God Bless America. I hate it when people start complaining at $4 per gallon here. Just travel through Europe for a month and you will kiss the dirt when you return. Some things are less expensive. Others are more. You just have to take the good with the bad.

To Dalema. Look at the bright side. By the time you return you will be able to lease a nice widebody GTS with 440 hp right off the showroom floor. That's assuming no more delays with Turbos or GT3's.

Don't worry. We'll leave the light on for you!

duxsi

Please re-read my post.
I said leasing is not an option for you.
I presume you don't have a home in Switzerland, nor a financial history or ties to Switzerland. So while leasing does exist, for a temporary resident like you it is most likely off the table.

Not sure if you're getting a car allowance (very common) but my monthly allowance in England was approx $1000+, so buying used out of country is probably your best bet (and selling the same way). You'll have to pay cash as you can't finance.

You won't be able to bring the car back to the US with you without extensive DOT conversion requirements, which would need to be done within a year of import into the USA. (Don't waste your time with this option as I tried it and it is an impossible nightmare and will cost you a small fortune).

Your US license won't cut the mustard either (good for a year max) and your insurance will be much higher during this period.

So you can buy used, enjoy it for 3 years and sell it when you depart.

The truth is that you simply HAVE to have a 991 or 993 to drive through the Alps. There literally is no substitute...

Suzy991

I agree that buying used and sell after 3 years, is probably the best option, but still pretty expensive.
I do not agree that a 991 or 993 is a must have to drive through the alps.
IMO a 981 Cayman S or Boxster S is a very good alternative, if not better, to a 991 C2. I personally would prefer a 981S over a 991 C2 and certainly over a 993.

A used, 2012 Boxster S starts around CHF 75k ($84k), an early 2013 Boxster/Cayman S starts around CHF 90k ($100k).
A used 2012 991 C2 starts around CHF 100k ($112k)

I don't know how things here work with private leasing or financing. Never done that, so no experience.

Importing from other European countries is possible, but will not save you a lot of money.

MarcusG

Sorry. Couldn't help myself.

Suzy991

duxsi

If I said anything other than a 911 on this forum, I'd probably be risking my life and the flames that come with making such a statement.

Suzy991

Hahaha! i don't care if people flame at me.
I speak from experience with my own Boxster S and ut is a lot of fun to drive through the alps. (As long as it's driven inspired). However, for daily driver, the C2 is the better choice, but I would get an S in that case. C2 feels underpowered going up a mountain pass. (Boxster S also to be completely honest, that's why I want a 991 Turbo S )

Suzy (via iOS app)

MarcusG

I knew you could handle it.