[av8bpilot]

Fellas,

I'm moving to southern Italy next Spring for work and was wondering if I should sell the Cayman beforehand or bring it with me. Specifically, I'll be living in/around Martina Franca in Puglia for about 2 years before moving back to the states.

Pros:
-Cayman S with me in Europe on European roads and all that comes with that. Experience and fun^*

Cons:
-I've heard the car probably won't be very safe from vandalism or theft in that part of Italy.
-There doesn't seem to be a Porsche dealer/shop anywhere near there should something go wrong.
-I can probably sell it for damn near what I paid for it 3 years ago, but then I'd have to buy something once I get over there.

I really, really want to take it with me, but if it's just going to get stolen or destroyed, I'll drive a beater for a couple years.

Anyone with experience or knowledge want to weigh in? Thanks.

 

[Johny029987]

I brought my 2010 GTI when I moved from NY to Germany - later sold my 987 as the GTI seemed the better all-round choice for being here and I don't need to drive much, either.

First question, are you military? If so, the requirements that apply to you in order to do this are different. If not, the first question is whether you own the vehicle free and clear. If there is a lien on your title, I have yet to hear of a bank that would allow a vehicle they hold a lien on to be exported; they just won't anymore. Without written permission from the lien holder, it won't leave the country as that is the first prerequisite that Customs wants to have met, when your car has to go through them at port.

Since I went through the entire process recently, feel free to PM me if you want to go through the details.

As for whether to do it or not, if it's your only car and assuming you're attached to it, why not? No, it's not the most practical car for down there and yes there may be some added risks in southern Italy, but you'll love having it up in the Italian Alps, and obviously any unlimited sections of Autostrada - assuming there are any? as the few sections I've been on had limits. Again, if you're military and I have a hunch you are, then gas prices may not be such a big deal for you, though I don't know how that works when you have to fill up off base. If you're not, the Cayman's appetite for it will be painful. I've never regretted bringing my car, it has been a blast as well as quite practical. And oh, those pass roads in the Dolomites...

 

[av8bpilot]

I brought my 2010 GTI when I moved from NY to Germany - later sold my 987 as the GTI seemed the better all-round choice for being here and I don't need to drive much, either.

First question, are you military? If so, the requirements that apply to you in order to do this are different. If not, the first question is whether you own the vehicle free and clear. If there is a lien on your title, I have yet to hear of a bank that would allow a vehicle they hold a lien on to be exported; they just won't anymore. Without written permission from the lien holder, it won't leave the country as that is the first prerequisite that Customs wants to have met, when your car has to go through them at port.

Since I went through the entire process recently, feel free to PM me if you want to go through the details.

As for whether to do it or not, if it's your only car and assuming you're attached to it, why not? No, it's not the most practical car for down there and yes there may be some added risks in southern Italy, but you'll love having it up in the Italian Alps, and obviously any unlimited sections of Autostrada - assuming there are any? as the few sections I've been on had limits. Again, if you're military and I have a hunch you are, then gas prices may not be such a big deal for you, though I don't know how that works when you have to fill up off base. If you're not, the Cayman's appetite for it will be painful. I've never regretted bringing my car, it has been a blast as well as quite practical. And oh, those pass roads in the Dolomites...

I am active-duty military and I do own the car outright, so those sound like they help. I haven't even looked into the particulars of the export/import process yet though. I know I'd get a tax-free gas card of sorts, but again, haven't bothered to learn the finer points yet.

I don't move till next Feb-Apr timeframe, so I've got a little time to do some research. If I do wind up selling it beforehand, I'll do it a month or two before heading over so as not to be too rushed.

Thanks for the info - I'll take any further info anyone has.

 

[bubbagump]

i live in italy
and for sure you are more safe in martina franca and in puglia than u.s.a.

puglia is a beautyful country with caraibic sea and no problem of vandalism and other

of course you can find like other part of the world stupid people and vandalism

but it's the life.....

take the cayman with you and enjoy !

 

[Baystater]

Cons:
-There doesn't seem to be a Porsche dealer/shop anywhere near there should something go wrong.

There is Porsche dealer/center in Modugno near Bari (named 'Centro Porsche Bari') - that's only about 50 miles from Martina Franca.

 

[rxsevn89]

Hello, Im retired and my wife is active and just moved to Gemany RAB. I brought my turbo cayman with me from the states and I have not had any problems. I have driven it to France and all over Germany and have not had a issue except for all the pics being taken. The shipping company handled the car ok. I would recommend having the window motor disabled about 2 mm down so when you shut it it doesnt hang up on the door. The battery went dead in my cayman and they trucked it with the window an inch down and rain got in it. They paid for a detail but when I ship it back I will do the window thing. If you have anymore ?'s message me and I will give you the best advise.