Hi to all,

we live with my wife in France, but we are moving "back" to Basel (we used to live in Basel until 2 years ago). In France we have a car lease which has another two years to go and we were wondering what are our options. Has anyone faced a similar problem? We are inclined to ditch the car, but this is depending on the penalty obvisously. Also - has anyone moved to Switzerland continuing a French lease?

cheers,

It greatly depends on how big your up front deposit was, a car in it's first 2 years may well depreciate 50% & that needs to be paid. Importing the car is probably an issue as you did not own it for 6 months before coming to CH so import taxes will probably be payable.

Thanks for that fatmanfilms. Actually, we own the car for two years now (it on a 4 hear lease, 2 more to go until the end of the lease).

You can't really import the car if it's still on the lease because you don't actually own the car.

Your three options really are: sell the car in France, give it back to the dealer, or buy it and then import it to Switzerland. Call the company and ask them how much you need to pay out. From there you can decide what is the best option.

Good luck.

You might be able to import even if leased:
http://www.ezv.admin.ch/zollinfo_pri...x.html?lang=en
Leased vehicles
Vehicles financed by a bank (leasing) are treated in the same way as those paid for in cash. The financial institution must consent to the exportation of the vehicle. The financing can impact the registration of the vehicle in Switzerland. Information on this can be obtained from vehicle licensing offices: asa - Association of Vehicle Licensing Offices.

If you can get the leasing company/bank to agree to let you take the car. I believe the car will have to be registered to the company/bank since they are the owners. I don't think it's going to be that easy. But I'd be happy to be proven wrong. I love when things go easy!