What car to get in Europe not available in the US?

bickatl · 07-10-2008, 09:13 AM

My wife and I are looking into moving to Spain for a year or so, which got me thinking about the most important part of the move. Which car should I get? For sure something not available in the states, engine wise anyway.

What are the best cars that Europeans enjoy but us Yanks don't have access to?

Tycoon · 07-10-2008, 09:14 AM

BMW 535d.

bickatl · 07-10-2008, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tycoon

BMW 535d.

I was thinking BMW diesels, but what about Alpina?

How much are cars in Spain?

Tycoon · 07-10-2008, 09:17 AM

No clue how much are (Alpina) cars in Spain, i think you should 1st check the dealer network and then ask for some price.

dr Dunkel · 07-10-2008, 10:15 AM

You should go for some nice diesel. Look at - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for prices across Europe.

klier · 07-10-2008, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bickatl

I was thinking BMW diesels, but what about Alpina?

How much are cars in Spain?

A base BMW 535d costs €55.800 in Spain.

cawimmer430 · 07-10-2008, 11:28 AM

It depends where you're going to live in Spain. If you're going to live in a major city where parking spaces are rare and small (this is generally the case all over Europe) then you could always opt for a diesel BMW 1-Series, MB A/B-Class CDI or Audi A3 TDI small car if you want a premium car. These cars are also available with efficient gasoline engines and a gasoline engine might actually make more sense if you're not going to drive a lot. Currently diesel prices in Spain are so outrageous that their truckers are complaining and protesting on the highways about it.

We have a 2007 BMW 118i A/T in the family and it's a great car. Very agile in the city and perfect for finding small parking spaces. It's only major shortcomings are a very small and tight cabin and poor comfort for long distance traveling. If you select the 1-Series and want to tour Europe, make sure you either order the sport seats which are more comfortable than the standard thin ones or bring along lots of small pillows, they help somewhat.

I've driven all A- and B-Classes (except the A200 Turbo) and they're also great city cars but have the added bonus of being the most comfortable out of the three German premium mini sedans, especially the B-Class (A-Class is average here). Long distance journeys are no problem in these cars. I myself prefer the A-Class but the B-Class is more comfortable, a bit more spacious and more practical. Avoid the Autotronic (CVT) transmission on the smaller engines (A/B150, 170, 160 CDI and 180 CDI).

You also can't go wrong with an Opel or Volkswagen product, which also includes Skoda and Seat. In fact, if you're in Spain you might as well drive Spanish. SEAT.

How about the new Ibiza?

bickatl · 07-10-2008, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cawimmer430

It depends where you're going to live in Spain. If you're going to live in a major city where parking spaces are rare and small (this is generally the case all over Europe) then you could always opt for a diesel BMW 1-Series, MB A/B-Class CDI or Audi A3 TDI small car if you want a premium car. These cars are also available with efficient gasoline engines and a gasoline engine might actually make more sense if you're not going to drive a lot. Currently diesel prices in Spain are so outrageous that their truckers are complaining and protesting on the highways about it.

We have a 2007 BMW 118i A/T in the family and it's a great car. Very agile in the city and perfect for finding small parking spaces. It's only major shortcomings are a very small and tight cabin and poor comfort for long distance traveling. If you select the 1-Series and want to tour Europe, make sure you either order the sport seats which are more comfortable than the standard thin ones or bring along lots of small pillows, they help somewhat.

I've driven all A- and B-Classes (except the A200 Turbo) and they're also great city cars but have the added bonus of being the most comfortable out of the three German premium mini sedans, especially the B-Class (A-Class is average here). Long distance journeys are no problem in these cars. I myself prefer the A-Class but the B-Class is more comfortable, a bit more spacious and more practical. Avoid the Autotronic (CVT) transmission on the smaller engines (A/B150, 170, 160 CDI and 180 CDI).

You also can't go wrong with an Opel or Volkswagen product, which also includes Skoda and Seat. In fact, if you're in Spain you might as well drive Spanish. SEAT.

How about the new Ibiza?

A 135 3 door hatch, or whatever they're called would be great. I'd buy that here if I could.

We're looking at Barcelona right now, but that could change. Honestly one of the most exciting things to me about living in Europe is getting a car that I cannot have here. Well, and nude beaches.

BMW///MPower · 07-10-2008, 01:46 PM

Well I'm guessing that if you know and ask for Alpina that money is not really an issue right? Then it all depends on what you want... . The D10 is no longer available and the D3 is less powerfull than the 335d... . If you are looking for a 5series then I would also go for the 535d. If you want a 3 series and something exclusive the D3 would be a good option. I have no idea about prices in spain, but maybe on - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER you will be able to find what you are looking for. I don't speak no spanish, but I hope you do

BMW///MPower · 07-10-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bickatl

A 135 3 door hatch, or whatever they're called would be great. I'd buy that here if I could.

We're looking at Barcelona right now, but that could change. Honestly one of the most exciting things to me about living in Europe is getting a car that I cannot have here. Well, and nude beaches.

Yes the 135i is a great car to, but that's a petrol engine, there's no such thing as a 135d. Would be an idea though