European Delivery

[sparky216]

So it's that time in my life to purchase a new vehicle. With the gas prices projecting to hit $4 a gallon here on the left coast we are considering a more economical car. My wife is in love with the Audi A4 and I'm more partial to the Saab 9-5 Aero....Saab turbo's are unmatched IMHO. We are also coming up on our 10 year anniversary and my wife is wanting to go back to Italy for our anniversary.....so.....doing a little research I found that you can pick your car up in Germany/Sweden, use it for 15 days, and ship it back to the States. Saves you about 5-7% on MSRP plus Saab gives you a 2-1 plane ticket and $2k travel cash. One night lodging, free shipping, meal, tour of factory, and 15 days insurance in Europe. This seems like the way to do it!

Has anyone picked up their car at the factory? Any tips or advice? I'd love to kill two birds with one stone and save money on the car, negate rental car, give the woman her Europe trip, and cruise the Autobahn in my OWN car.

[NICKYPOO]

Sounds like you got it all figured out. I wonder what BMW can do?

[dogbert]

My parents did this years ago, although the programs back then were less generous. Recently, another executive at our company did this with his BMW and loved the experience.

BTW, I'd go with the Audi. We've had several people get Audis here at our company and they're much nicer and have better quality than Saab. Dealer will also play a role in getting the car serviced, so I'd check around some to see what your friends say.

My CEO has an Audi RS6...he can get whatever he wants and he says it's the best car he's ever owned. Go with the RS4, if you can swing it. You won't be sorry!

[sparky216]

Sounds like you got it all figured out. I wonder what BMW can do?

No I don't have it figured out, just getting started!!

BMW will do the same, plus they have some track that you can drive on, so that's cool. My only problem with BMW is that EVERYONE around here drives BMW's,and as cool as they are, I'm getting a bit sick of seeing them.

[dogbert]

Well, Saab is not even in the same class as BMW or Audi, especially now that they're part of GM.

[sparky216]

My parents did this years ago, although the programs back then were less generous. Recently, another executive at our company did this with his BMW and loved the experience.

BTW, I'd go with the Audi. We've had several people get Audis here at our company and they're much nicer and have better quality than Saab. Dealer will also play a role in getting the car serviced, so I'd check around some to see what your friends say.

My CEO has an Audi RS6...he can get whatever he wants and he says it's the best car he's ever owned. Go with the RS4, if you can swing it. You won't be sorry!

Dog,
Thanks for the input. Did you parent's enjoy the experience, or was it a hassle. I guess I'm afraid that I have something built up in my head that will be cool, only to be let down when I get over there and have it be more of a headache than a vacation.

And no I probably cannot swing the RS4......*sighs*

[sparky216]

Well, Saab is not even in the same class as BMW or Audi, especially now that they're part of GM.

I couldn't disagree more Dog. Go test drive a 9-5 Aero, there is no turbo like the Saab turbo. Fit and finish is maybe not as nice as the Audi, but it is no GM car.

[dogbert]

Sparky,

I've heard no bad experiences with this type of delivery, only good. It does require planning, but that's about it.
As for Saab, I agree about the turbo, but my comments were about fit/finish. I'd go with the Audi. It's a very solid car and you can get the turbo there also.

[NICKYPOO]

No I don't have it figured out, just getting started!!

BMW will do the same, plus they have some track that you can drive on, so that's cool. My only problem with BMW is that EVERYONE around here drives BMW's,and as cool as they are, I'm getting a bit sick of seeing them.

Some Track?! Dude that's the Nuremburgring. It ain't just "some track".

Man, I think I'm gonna plan this. The wife really wants the 325xi and I would kill to drive the Nurembergring.

[sparky216]

Some Track?! Dude that's the Nuremburgring. It ain't just "some track".

Man, I think I'm gonna plan this. The wife really wants the 325xi and I would kill to drive the Nurembergring.

I'll meet ya at the Hofbrauhaus for a liter, then we can race....Audi vs BMW...sound like a plan??!!

here is the link for the BMW European Delivery:

http://www.bmwusa.com/bmwexperience/europeandelivery/

[sparky216]

oh yea....Nuremburgring.....whatever hehe

[sparky216]

Just thinking....maybe I'll call Audi and BMW and try to work a group purchase...haha...then we all can meet in Germany to pick up our rides

[dogbert]

Some Track?! Dude that's the Nuremburgring. It ain't just "some track".

Man, I think I'm gonna plan this. The wife really wants the 325xi and I would kill to drive the Nurembergring.

Really, it's only like one of the most famous tracks in the world and has enormous historical signficance. That's where all the fast sports cars earn their stripes...

[tarheeler]

Well, Saab is not even in the same class as BMW or Audi, especially now that they're part of GM.

still pretty dang good.

[chpthril]

What did they say about bringing it up to US emission standards before it will pass through US customs? Or is it a US bound model that you are buying direct?