Hi, I would like to buy a Prius, but may be moving to France in the near future. Would a Prius bought in the US meet the standards required for autos in France? How can I find out about getting a certificate of conformity to take with me if and when I move? Thank you
Is France a left or right side driver? Don't they sell Prii in France? How much would it cost to transport a Prius to France? You realize the reason the French hate Americans so much is we buy our Croutons in a box, rather than make them yourself? Interesting question, the responses should be good!
Start by looking for "import car france" on sites for ex-pats and learn from their experience. France Guide: Vehicle import, How to bring your car in France: A new or used vehicle (including boats and Streetwise-France.com: Living & Working in France: Buying or Importing a Car, Driving Licence Find a broker who moves cars (and other stuff) to Europe. Once your car is acceptable in the EU, that should make import and registration in France much more straightforward. Or if you will only be there temporarily, you might be able to maintain US registration as long as you promise to take the car out again. However, insurance may be much cheaper if the car is registered in the EU. BTW France has one of the best military records by country and they have taken part in more wars than any other country in the world. Out of 168 battles fought since 387 BC, France has won 109, lost 49 and drawn 10. (QI Series F S06E05 France)
Why bother shipping it? They have Prius in France. By the time you've paid shipping fees, import duty and probably their sales tax equivalent it'll be an expensive idea. You would also have a slightly non standard car which might cause problems selling it and insuring it locally. You might have problems with the headlights despite both Countries being lhd. Euro compliant cars must have a certain type of beam pattern. You will also need a rear fog light (which utilizes one of the reversing lamps on Euro cars), on an import you'll have to attach a separate lamp and switch which looks naff. Also, your car is new - The French don't care if a parking space isn't big enough for their car - they make room and it matters not a jot whether your brand new car is in the way. When I was there in my Prius a few years ago I had to choose my parking places with care! Finally, ignore all that stuff about the French hating Americans. The French hate jerks - it matters not where you come from, but if you're loud and rude they'll take that as a challenge and will be louder and ruder. The French almost insist on manners - please, thank you etc and from my experience of Americans you can be a little brash sometimes and that will guarantee to wind up the French. When entering a petrol station for example, it is required to say a cheery "Bonjour" even if that's all the French you know. If you're nice and polite and try to speak even a little French you will have a fabulous time. Virtually all the French under 40 can speak English and will fall over backwards to help you - all you have to do is make a little effort. Enjoy your stay and keep us all updated as to how you get on and what you decide to do. p.s. If you're staying in Paris ignore all the above - the Parisians are grumpier than me!
Croutons in a box could be considered a necessary evil, if you apologise to your dinner guests in advance. But aerosol cheese is utterly unforgivable. A good ex-pat book is "Almost French: Love and a New Life in Paris" by Sarah Turnbull.
Considering the freight costs, the documentation costs, the issues over competing certifications, the tax issues wouldn't it make more sense to buy one in France, sell it when you leave? Better yet, lease it for the time you are there if it is short term, 3 years or less. Be fun to get one of the high mileage Diesels available in Europe but not available in the US. Drive that and compare it to a Prius.
...or consider one of the new diesel hybrids from Peugeot or Citroën DS5 (or Volvo, etc.) that combined turbo diesel engines with start-stop, 4WD and EV mode.
