Importing Prius from US to Germany

Just a thought:
Why not sell your Prius and then buy a German-spec Prius over there instead?

The Euro Prius packs more 'goodies' as Standards than in the US one: 16" Wheels (Touring), EV mode, 4-disc brakes and even optional Park-Assist (Auto-Park System).

 

A few differences to know about...

The US odometer reads in miles. Changing it to kilometers probably requires replacing the combination meter. Or a software download that nobody knows about.

The US radio can't tune in all of the European stations. The signal spacing is different. It's probably just a single trace or jumper on the circuit board, but finding someone who can change it is probably impossible. Your best bet is probably to replace it with a unit from a wrecking yard.

I don't know if driving lights are required in Germany, but that is a standard modification made to US cars exported to Canada. Side marker lights are another issue.

If you ever want to sell the car over there, the rear drum brakes are going to really depress the resale value. If you figure out what it takes to convert to discs, please post it here because there are a lot of us that would like to do the conversion. I just saw a Scion with rear discs. Scheesh!

Overall, my guess is that it's worth doing. The US cars are generally less expensive than the same car in other markets. Just assume that it's going to take a few Euros to convert the things that bother you the most. The radio strikes me as the biggest PIA, but you may not care about losing a few stations.

Service may be a problem. The Prius is much more popular in the US than in Europe. You'll end up with a foreign version of a car that is already rarely seen by the local dealers. The maintenance light is still going to go ON every 5000 miles. You'll have to decide whether to use the US or European maintenance intervals. If you've been using dino oil, then I'd recommend staying with the US service interval. If you've been using synthetic oil, then the European service interval make more sense.

You'll hear a lot about how diesel is a better solution. I guess you'll develop your own opinion about what they call clean diesel.

 

My wife and I have moved to Germany (and back) twice. We were in Germany from 1989-93 (Frankfurt) and again from 1999-2002 (Wuezburg). We moved both times to work as civilians for the the Army. So the first question is whether you're going to be affiliated with the US Army (or the US government). If so, they'll ship your car for free and you get access to much cheaper gas and US facilities for parts and service.

As you probably know, the US dollar is in the toilet right now, which makes purchasing a car in Europe much more expensive than here. When I left Germany in January 2002 the Euro cost around 90 cents, now it costs around $1.50. So I would buy your car here and ship it. If you have to pay for shipping, the last time I shipped a car it cost under $1000.

I owned primarily US spec cars while in Germany and I serviced them at the local German dealerships (VW, Audi and Saab). They had no problem working on my cars. The VW dealership wouldn't fix my check engine light on my Eurovan - telling me all of the emissions control stuff was a US thing.

The km vs miles is a non-issue. My 2008 Prius has a button to change from miles to km.

The radio issue is real. US and European radios do tune differently and this does effect reception. So you might want to buy a new radio or better yet get new one that has a switch that goes back and forth between US and European tuning. They make these - I've seen them. This way your radio is good for when you return.

You don't need to make any modifications to use the car in Germany. The high mpgs will help with the higher gas prices. Even if you work for the Army, gas is a bit more expensive than here. When I was in Germany in November, gas was around $8.70 per gallon!! If you aren't working for the US government, then you need to find out the German regulations in terms of registering a US spec car.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if I can help with any other questions.

 

A note on the radio frequencies. I don't know if it is available the other way around but if you bring a JDM car in the US or Canada you can buy an adapter. So maybe with a US car going to Germany you can find something similar.

FM Expander:

 

Besides all the changes mentioned, I do not know if the Prius' max speed of ~105 mph would be adequate if you drive on the Autobahn (not that I've ever been to Germany though).

On a Modern Marvels documentary on the Autobahn, a RUF driver responsible for finding out a car's max speed took a modified Porsche (for a Brit up) to 212 mph at night on the Autobahn.

I think if I lived there, I'd want a fast car.

 

When I've driven on the Autobahn top speed wasn't an issue, since it was stop and go. Traffic is getting to be a problem over there too.

Tom

 

The Km/Miles switch changes the speedometer. The odometer, however, is stuck on miles. It's probably a legal thing to avoid problems when a car is sold.

 

One annoying feature with the euro-spec cars is that the reverse beep on our vehicles is impossible to disable. The limited top speed is not an issue, even when the autobahn is free of traffic, just keep to the right and drive as fast as you feel comfortable with and have one eye on the road and one eye in the rear view mirror. Just pay attention to driving and you'll be fine.

You might want to look into the option of buying a popular car that is normally not offered for sale in Europe, like the Challenger for example. When you sell it, you'll have money for a new Prius.

 

Hi Tracy -

Since you're not affiliated with the US government, if it was me I would check to see what the German laws are regarding registering a US Spec vehicle. That's the make-or-break question. You don't want to get there and find out there is some problem. US military can register US spec cars but this is under a special status of forces agreement and they get their own license plates and US military registrations.

The autobahn speed is a non-issue. I usually cruised between 80 and 90 mph on stretches where I could. Many spots have speed limits like 130 km/hr (around 72 mph).

Since you are probably going to be paid in Euros (?) then that should cushion the shock of the high gas prices and maybe even the high cost of purchasing a car there.

And the radio piece isn't a big issue either. You can listen to your US radio and get good enough reception.

 

Here's some info I got from a quick internet search. You've probably seen it as well. It's written for Canadians. Here is the link: MaP Support - Importing a Car into Germany

Here are some relevant sections:

3. REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES with GERMAN AUTHORITIES & DOCUMENT DETAILS​

This paragraph summarizes the legal procedures and prerequisites of bringing a motor vehicle into Germany. If this area does not apply to you, please continue with Part II.
Note: Foreigners staying temporarily are allowed to drive their imported motor vehicles with their home license plates and registrations in Germany for a period of up to 12 months, as long as the registration does not expire. A registration document with a German translation is required. The use of the vehicle is duty and tax free for 6 months only. (see Section 2 b Customs, Tariffs and lmport Taxes).

Reasons for obtaining a German registration:

• The car was bought in Germany
• You plan to stay longer than 12 months
• Your home registration has expired

a. General Operating License (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis)
Motor vehicles can only be registered if they are officially licensed by the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority (Kraftfahrtbundesamt / KBA).
Each motor vehicle is subject to a general inspection including a safety and emissions test. After successful completion an operation permit (Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis) is granted. Normally, the manufacturer or importer initiates the procedure for a certain model line. This inspection ensures that the performance of the vehicle meets with German regulations for technical, environmental, and safety standards. The KBA issues a title (Kfz-Brief) for every vehicle, listing all its technical features. The title is automatically issued by the car manufacturer or importer.
A certified expert (Kfz-Sachverständiger) is also permitted to issue the title after carrying out a technical inspection (see Section 3.b. Technical Inspection). This is usually necessary when the technical data of used cars have changed.
Note; Don't add any modifications or special features to licensed motor vehicles without consulting a certified German expert; otherwise you might lose the operating license, as well as the insurance coverage. Furthermore, you may have difficulties registering a car which has not previously been registered.
Foreign vehicles imported on private initiative usually do not have the required German title. This must be obtained at the beginning of the registration procedure (see Section 3.b. Technical Inspection) at the Local Motor Vehicle Branch (KfzZulassungsstelle). The title has to be issued with the car's technical data by a certified expert.
Note: It is the sole responsibility of the owner or otherwise legitimated person to supply all the required technical data of the imported motor vehicle if a general operating permit for the vehicle has not previously been granted.
Very few American cars and only some Japanese models are popular in Germany. These cars have already passed the general vehicle inspection and have been granted a general operating permit.
To meet the German motor vehicle standards several modifications to the imported car will be necessary. Be aware of costs for required modifications (see Section 3 b Technical Inspection)!
Note: The date of the vehicle's first registration determines the applicable legal standard. That date must be supplied by the applicant.

Note: To avoid the time-consuming and expensive procedure of gathering the technical features of your car through a general inspection, contact the manufacturer or importer of your car prior to the shipping date for information on the VIN (vehicle identification number), year of manufacture, type, and technical data such as:

• Engine type ~ displacement,
• Power (if available DIN hp / kW) at rpm,
• Maximum speed,
• Emissions results,
• Admissible wheel and tire sizes,
• Admissible gross front / rear axle weight.

Note: If the vehicle does not have any other valid plates, special license plates can be obtained to drive the vehicle to the place of inspection. Ask for "red license plates" (rote Kennzeichen) at the Local Motor Vehicle Branch.
b. Technical Inspection
Technical Inspections (Fahrzeug-Hauptuntersuchung, common "TUV") through a certified expert are required by law for each vehicle, The TUV and DEKRA organizations maintain local test centres in most German towns and cities, where they perform the necessary inspections. Costs are approximately DM 65 per car. Addresses are listed in the telephone directory. Many gas stations and car repair shops also offer this service for a reasonable fee.
The car's mechanical condition and fittings are checked to comply with the data in the certificate (see Section 3 a General Operating License). The vehicle is also checked for its roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards. e.g. brakes, lights, rust perforation of the chassis, shock absorber, and tire condition.
After any major changes, the vehicle is checked to determine whether the modifications influence the handling or operating characteristics of the car. This will determine whether the operating permit may be kept (see Section 3 a. General Operating License).
A little round sticker (TÃœV-Plakette) affixed to the rear license plate by the test centre and a certificate are proof of a successful inspection and bear an expiry date.
The certificate for cars and motorcycles expires two years after the inspection and it is the sole responsibility of the owner to renew it. Special regulations exist for trucks and buses.
Note: Pay special attention to the renewal date, as one may be fined for exceeding it.
A yearly emissions check (Abgassonderuntersuchung / ASU) is also required for gasoline powered cars. At the moment, there is no comparable ruling for diesel powered vehicles, but one is expected to come into force soon.
Both certificates are required at the time of registration of a motor vehicle. Therefore imported cars usually pass the technical inspection together with the above mentioned general inspection, when such is required.
Note: To avoid high expenses and disappointment contact a German certified expert prior to the shipping date for the requirements of your car.
"TÃœV Rheinland of North America'' (see the Appendix) will supply the newest technical requirements for each car model available on the US or Canadian market, for a fee of U.S.$ 30 (payable by cheque in advance).
c. Registration Procedure (Zulassung)
The registration of each motor vehicle has to be applied for at the Local Motor Vehicle Branch (Kfz-Zulassungsstelle) in the town of residence of the owner or legitimated person.
In the countryside, the Motor Vehicle Branch is usually a department of the county authorities, in cities it is a department of the community authorities.

The following documents are required:

• Proof of identity and residence e.g. passport and residence registration receipt. Only residents and resident companies may register a car, either by themselves or through an authorized representative, who must submit a letter of attorney,
• Customs clearance certificate (Zollbescheinigung) stating payment of or exemption of relevant taxes and duties (see Section 2.b Customs Tariffs and Import Taxes),
• Proof of ownership, e.g. through a bill of sale or commercial invoice,
• Proof of liability insurance coverage through presentation of the so-called insurance doublecard (Versicherungsdoppelkarte, see Section 3.d. Insurance Coverage),
• Export permit required for the export of all new and used Canadian and U.S. made vehicles from Canada (see Section 2.a. Export Permit),
• Motor vehicle documents, these are.

The title (Kfz-Brief), if one has been issued before. Otherwise a blank title will be issued which must be completed by a certified expert (see Sections 3.a. General 0perating License & 3.b. Technical Inspection)
The technical inspection and the emissions test certificates, if such were completed. Otherwise you will be instructed as to how and where to get them (see Section 3.b. Technical Inspection).
​

A fee of approximately DM 30 - DM 60 must be paid in cash.
Note: German authorities do not accept credit cards.
German license plates (front and rear) have to be purchased. The clerk will advise you where to obtain them. The costs vary between about DM 35 and DM 50, depending on the required size of the plates.
After presenting the receipts of payment, the registration certificate (Kfz-Schein) will be issued and three round stickers will be affixed to the license plates. These show the validity of the vehicle registration, the passing of the last technical inspection (on the rear plate) and the passing of the emissions test (on the front plate). Be prepared to put the plates on before leaving.
Note: By German law, you are required to carry the registration certificate, the emissions test certificate, and your driver's license with you while driving your vehicle.
Do not worry about the apparent length of this procedure. Normally, it does not take too much of your time, if you have collected all the above mentioned documents before approaching the Motor Vehicle Branch.

 

Hi Eurosteve: Did you actually ship a us-spec prius over? That's precisely what we are looking at, and we are with the us military... If so, I've got a couple other questions...

 

At $8.70 per gallon as mentioned above, I'd think the Prius would be more than fast enough for me......

 

danno612:

Sorry for any confusion. I didn't ship a Prius over to Germany. I shipped a Saab 900 and a Plymouth Colt (Mitsubishi Mirage). Glad to answer any questions you might have...

Steve

 

First, the Prius has a simple button which switches to KM, no hardware change needed.
Second, if you plan to return to the US with your Prius do not get a European spec one. I had one and was quoted $12,00.00 to make it US specs in order to get it into the US. I had to sell the Prius.