We are in the process of shopping for our second car. There are so many things to consider when buying a car in Belgium. I don't quite understand all of the rules and regulations, so you will get the quick version. Sorry to all of you reading this that actually understand the correct lingo.
1. Engine size - You are taxed at the sale of the car for the size of the engine. The bigger the engine, the more the tax. In addition, you pay an annual tax based on the same criteria. Let me tell you. This can get quite expensive.
2. Automatic Transmission - Not so easy to find here. We've liked several cars, but they are manual transmissions. I know some people like them...but I don't...I just can't drive them.
3. Diesel vs. Gasoline - You want diesel. It goes the distance and is cheaper.
4. Price - We are only going to be here 3-5 years. Not such a good idea to buy the car of our dreams and then have to turn around and sell it.
5. Kilometers - We are looking for something with lower kilometers to use for traveling when we don't need the Touran, which has more seats for visitors.
Here's what we test drove today....
Chris was super excited (ecstatic rather) about this BMW. The dealers calls it a BM...and I giggle every time. Anyway, it was a great price and a very sweet ride. But...it's rear wheel drive. I've owned rear wheel drive vehicles, and I'm not a fan. We don't get ice and snow often, but when we do, we would have to buy winter tires. They are mandatory when driving in Germany. And, it did not have any cupholders! Sorry, but this girl needs a spot for her Coca Cola Light. Yep, that decision was based on cupholders. Poor Chris. :(
Here's the Volvo S60. This was also a very nice ride. It drove really nice and was the kids' favorite. It's a longer car, and I am a little nervous about parking it in the very tight European spaces. But, this is a very common car here, and if everyone else can do it, then I can do it too. It also had a very nice navigation system...and plenty of cupholders. It has very low kilometers and is only a year old. Also has a great price and falls in the very manageable tax bracket.
And then there is the Volvo XC60. I swore that when I moved here I would be driving the XC90. And, then I found out what the taxes were on that thing, and my tune quickly changed. Well, the taxes would be high on the XC60 as well. It also doesn't have a navigation system. And, it's pretty pricey. The dealer said we would be better off with the S60. That's saying something when the dealer says to go with the lower priced vehicle. The XC60 is only two years old, but it has 30,000 km more. And, it's almost 7,000 euros more too. I must admit...it didn't drive as nicely as the S60. I could just tell it was going to guzzle the fuel. *sigh* So, my dream of owning one of these beauties will be saved for my return to the states. Maybe someday I will have one.
So, as you can see, the decision has pretty much been made. We will be driving the black Volvo. I'm excited. I've wanted a Volvo since I was 16 years old. I've always loved them. They are very safe, and I know it's a great economical decision. I'll keep you posted though on the final decision.
Wendy
