Should You Ship Your Car or Buy One in Europe? A Complete Guide for Americans Moving Abroad

Emily Jett
Oct 14
3 min read

When moving from the U.S. to Europe, one big question comes up again and again: Should you ship your car overseas, or should you buy one once you arrive?

This decision impacts your budget, moving timeline, and day-to-day convenience once you settle abroad. To help you decide, we’ll break down the steps, costs, and timelines for both options — plus a side-by-side comparison chart and checklist.

Option 1: Shipping Your Car to Europe

Steps to Ship Your Car

Choose a shipping method – Roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) or container shipping.
Hire a shipping company – Arrange pickup or drop-off at a U.S. port.
Prepare paperwork – Title, proof of ownership, and customs forms.
Arrange insurance – Protect your car during international transport.
Clear customs in Europe – Pay import duties, complete inspections, and register the car.

Average Costs of Shipping

$1,000–$1,500 – RoRo shipping
$2,000–$4,000 – Container shipping
Import duties & VAT – 10–25% of car value (varies by country)
Inspection & registration – €200–€600

Keep in mind: U.S. cars may need modifications for European emission standards or headlights adjusted for opposite-side driving in the UK and Ireland.

Timeline for Shipping

4 to 8 weeks for shipping
+2 weeks for customs and registration
Total wait time: Up to 2 months before you can legally drive your car.

Option 2: Buying a Car in Europe

Steps to Buy a Car Locally

Choose new or used – Used cars are more affordable.
Find listings – Check AutoScout24, local dealerships, or classifieds.
Get insurance – Requires proof of residency, a local address, and sometimes a European license.
Register your car – Complete licensing, taxes, and safety checks (TÜV in Germany, NCT in Ireland, etc.).

Average Costs of Buying

New cars – €20,000–€30,000 for a basic sedan
Used cars – €5,000–€10,000 for a reliable model
Insurance – Depends on driving history and country
Registration fees – €100–€500

Timeline for Buying

Dealership purchase – A few days with insurance and registration.
Private purchase – 1–2 weeks, depending on paperwork.

Buying locally is much faster than waiting for your U.S. car to arrive.

Shipping vs. Buying: Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Shipping Your Car	Buying in Europe
Upfront Cost	$1,000–$4,000 + taxes & fees	€5,000–€30,000 (used or new)
Timeline	6–10 weeks before driving	3–10 days (dealership)
Convenience	Familiar car, but long wait	Immediate access, but new system
Compliance	May need modifications	Already meets EU standards
Resale Value	Harder to resell in EU	Easier to resell locally
Best For	Long-term stays, sentimental value	Quick setup, short-term or flexible stays

Step-by-Step Checklist

✅ Decide whether your car is worth shipping (age, value, and condition).

✅ Research shipping quotes (RoRo vs. container).

✅ Check import duties and VAT for your destination country.

✅ Factor in modifications for EU compliance.

✅ Compare with local car prices in your new city.

✅ Consider your moving timeline: Do you need a car right away?

✅ Weigh resale value — will it be easier to sell locally?

✅ Make your decision before booking movers or flights.

Final Thoughts

Whether you ship your U.S. car overseas or buy a car in Europe, the right choice depends on your budget, timeline, and personal preferences.

If your car is paid off, reliable, and you’re staying long-term, shipping may save you money.
If you need a vehicle quickly and want to avoid paperwork headaches, buying locally is often the smarter move.

Either way, planning ahead will save you time, money, and stress when starting your new life in Europe.