New Guy - Moving to Italy - Want to Buy First Ferrari - Thoughts?

Not sure if this discussion is relevant, but nevertheless:
Be reminded that there is no VAT on second hand cars sold anywhere inside the European Union: VAT is paid only once (and for all) when the car is sold new to its first buyer.
VAT would not be applicable to a german car, or a swedish car, or a belgian car, etc...sold second hand (= at least six months after its sale as a new car) in any other European Union country.
When you pay for a second-hand car in any country in the European Union, the price as announced (and paid) does NOT include any VAT, because it has already been paid when the car was sold new.

However, VAT would have to be paid on a car entering the European Union, for instance coming from Switzerland, because Switzerland is not member of the EU.

Rgds

 

No matter how much you could work on the car you have to consider how few and small the garages are over there. Does the base at Napals have a service center you can use? I may PCS to Vencenza next year.

 

Hello Scott,

A few thoughts based on the unknown; are both you and your wife currently in the ROK and will be transferring directly to Italy? Or do you need to go stateside to ship your household goods? If the latter, does the DOD still pay to ship at least one POV overseas and back? If so, would it make more sense to buy your Ferrari here first.

When the Air Force sent me to Holland for three years during the mid '80s I took my TR8 conv with me but had to stop by my Dad's house in NJ to pick it up (one year storage while I was at Suwon).

Or, as an alternative and after you're settled in, make an adventure of finding a gem or two somewhere in Europe (barnfind?), the associated road trips and people you'll meet will be memorable to say the least.

 

Prices for cars between 20 and 30 years old might see substantial drops very soon.
In Italy cars are automatically considered historic after 30 years, after which it is not required to pay a tax (bollo) proportional to KW but only a fixed small tax which changes for each region but is in the order of 30€.

Until now it was possible to obtain the same exemption for some cars between 20 and 30 years old eligible as "vehicles of historic interest".
The new budget law which is about to be approved will delete this possibility, meaning that a car like a 348 which required to pay only 30€ until now will end up paying over 800€, each year.

 

You don't fit in a 308/328.
You cannot afford to keep a 348 that you bought for $30K. The first engine out will kill the deal.
That leaves the 456.
Best of luck and have fun.

 

Scott,

AD military here - US Army. Good luck with the search!! I have a 308 QV but have only been in the US.

Keep in mind that you will have one car that is tax exempt. If you use that for your wifes SUV then you will have to pay the full road tax on any other car you might have. The road taxes are very high in my experience compared to what we pay in the states. My 1.6L BMW road taxes ran about 500 euro per year. I would expect a 3.0L engine to run probably in the 1500-2000 per year range. That may or may not factor into your decision, but would make a difference for me.

As far as your current choices - the GT4s are seeing a LOT of movement lately. They are a great drivers car by all accounts. I have not driven one to date to compare with my QV though. At 30k I might expect some roughness with the car. The market really has blown up with all the 3X8 variants.

If I can help in any way please send me a PM.


PDG

 

When I lived in Southern France in the mid 80s', I had a 308 GTB. I thought it was probably the worst car ever made for living in Europe. The turning radius is bad, no power steering so you couldn't park even many times in parking garages and never on the street, it seemed like it would barely fit through many city streets, and kids with moto's ride up and circle you all the time.

Then, it ate gas like crazy and service was more expensive than the US.

I loved the car. I just felt it was out of it's element.

I'm not trying to burst your bubble but owning an older F car in Europe takes some compromises to your wallet, your life style, and your patience.

 

Think FIAT. Narrow streets and motor scooters galore. No the place for a Ferrari. Same for Rome.

 

You've never parallel parked a 308 on a sidewalk in Italy. Trust me-- no fun at all.

Europe was generally not made for cars.
My strong suggestion is go there, rent a car for a month, and then see if you can tolerate an exotic in your budget or lifestyle.

It sounds oh so romantic until it's a pain in your bottom.

 

I wouldn't worry about the mafia... I've seen a thug in front of a supermarket car park forcing people to pay him 2 Euro or he'll smash their car when it's parked (that's Napoli). It's a dodgy place to have a Ferrari. Checkout your surroundings when you get their before buying.

 

What country where you in? When I was in Germany I had 3 vehicles, had them registered via US Army and didn't pay taxes.

I just got my USAA insurance quotes for Italy, damn.

 

I'm taking my 308 to Vincenza in May, but I will be able to have a place with two car garage.

 

I was in Belgium. Its all written in the SOFA which may have changed quite a bit. I left in December 2008.



PDG

 

Each country is different, I'll double check with Italy.

 

You can register up to 3 cars in Italy with the Armed Forces, no Italian taxes, which is good as the ins rates are high and include an Italian tax in them.