I have an opportunity to take a 1 year assignment in Paris. I'm currently in negotiations, and was wondering if it were possible to take my s2k with me. I know parking is a bitch, people don't care about denting other peoples' cars, etc., but I'd rather bring it than leave it undriven for a full year. What are the average transportation costs and legal issues involved? Has anyone done this before?

 

Siepel did to the netherlands, maybe he could point you in the right direction.

https://www.s2ki.com/forums/showthread.php?...light=fog+light

 

DJ Qube:

For only one year, I would not even bother with trying to import the car officially, as you would have to (very probably) add the rear foglamp and other silly local requirements. Also the 'hassle' with taxes and such and later exporting it out of France will be a tad too much, imho.

I notice you have cleared out your lenses, so the one important requirement that the front parking lamps are white, is already ok. Don't even think about your blue indicaters though! That's a big no-no over here

In my county (Netherlands) you could get a special temporary registration when you have the car with you, but also take it back to the country of origin, however still the rear foglamp must be fitted!! I am not sure if France does the same thing though! You'd have to check with the DOT in France.

Shipping is fairly easy. You can do a RORO (Roll On, Roll Off) for not much more than $800.- from your door to the port in France. If you are moving more stuff, you might consider a full container (which I did) but that runs up to $2500.- with insurance. One way!!!

If I'd leave only for one year, I'd stongly consider keeping the car at home, and storing it properly. That should not put any damage on your car/engine. No wear either! For the savings for shipping, insurance and all that crap, I'd just buy a beater car over here. No parking worries than too!!

But, in the end it is all up to you! Good luck!!!!!

 

Siepel, did you clear your headlights or did you buy eurospecs??

 

Apparently US Honda's are programmed to explode if they come into contact with European Tarmac

 

Hi Bruinlax:

I cleared them out myself! With the orange indicator bulb, it is street legal (enough) for here!

Regards,


Siepel

PS
Should I be afraid mine will explode

 

I was just wondering if they had to have some form of clear reflector in them to be street legal, or if clearing them was good enough. I think the look great. and if your's explode, so will mine and half the rest of the board

 

I think you should bring it, at least to experience european driving - germany, the alps, the riviera - nothing is more than 7-8 hours away from paris, and you'll miss your car if you don't bring it over.

I've seen US cars in france a few times (with US plates), so I think you can probably bring it here without too many problems.

Just get an underground parking spot in Paris, a scooter for daytime transport, and use your S2000 for the evenings and week-ends outside of town.

If you need more advice, just ask me or other European members (on the euro forum)