Hi there! This forum seems like a great resource and I'll be reading through it all.

For now I have a dilemma I'd need your help with. Our familiy of 3 is moving to Geneva from the U.S. at the end of the summer and will be living there for a long time, most likely (10+ years). So we're basically starting over a new life...

I need to decide wether we should ship our car over there or buy one there. It is a 2006 Suzuki Grand Vitara with a 2.7L V6 and Auto transmission. It's fully loaded so it's a nice vehicle. It is also a capable off-roader with locking center diff and low range. It has been christened already on some moderate trails around here... We generally like it and it's been reliable but not very good on gas and I have some issues with driver comfort.

The shipping cost would be paid for if we decide to ship it and we would get diplomatic plates that would exempt us from needed modifications as well as some discount on gasoline in country (not in other countries though).

However, I'm not sure about any warranty or service. Here in the U.S. Suzuki has a great 100000 miles/7 year warranty that is transferrable upon sale and reasonable service costs. So far what I've heard is that it won't be valid in Europe. Also we could only sell the vehicle once we're done with it to other diplomats since it won't be Swiss spec.

So those are the downs as I see it and of course that a smiliar vehicle would be quite a bit more expensive there.

Now on the other hand if we're to get a new car in Switzerland we would be exempt from paying VAT so that would help. Plus, it would have a proper warranty, could get a more fuel efficient diesel, easier service and would be re-sellable when we're ready for a new one.

So what do you think?

As for cars over there these are the models I've thought of so far:

Toyota Corolla Verso w/ 2.2 Diesel
Skoda Octavia Combi w/2.0 Diesel or the nice 2.0 Turbo ( )
Seat Altea XL
Citroen C4 Picasso
Maybe even the new style Honda CR-V if we find one slightly used.

Any opinions on these models or other recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I need to make a decision fast as I already have the Suzuki advertised but I'm having second thoughts.

Thanks for your help!

how long will you be staying here?

"Now on the other hand if we're to get a new car in Switzerland we would be exempt from paying VAT so that would help. Plus, it would have a proper warranty, could get a more fuel efficient diesel, easier service and would be re-sellable when we're ready for a new one."

They sound like pretty compelling arguments to me!!

Also, with regard to bringing your present car over, there are some anti 4x4 campaigners who enjoy putting stickers on any 4x4's that they find in towns. They can be a pain in the a**e to scrape off!

OP: will be living there for a long time, most likely (10+ years). So we're basically starting over a new life...

ah yes.
Junk the softroader!

Agree with Lob.

Not only will you save the VAT when buying a new car, but many of the up market makes (BMW, Merceds, Volvo etc) give special diplomatic discount which works out at about 30%

If you bring your car over it will have to pass the strict car serviceability control test within a year. This will involve having the car serviced and steam cleaned first. The test is strict - for instance even if the tyres are legal if they think the they will not last until the test test in two years you will have to replace them.

Personally we opted to buy a new one here.

you can pick up a 96 model CR-V for under 20K€ with just delvery mileage on it Much more comfortable than the Suzuki

Well, the question of buying our first car there are many fold: we can buy new and get the VAT and diplomat discount. Or get used and not get any of that, in fact wouldn't used car prices include the amortized VAT amount? So, am I right thinking that (new - discounts) = (a few years old, used) ? So, then might as well get a new one, right?

Then there is the issue of warranty and not have to deal with issues (hopefully) for a few years until we get aquainted to life there. Some piece of mind.

So what about the list of models there? I kind of like the idea of the Skoda Octavia 4x4 Combi...

LOL Sorry my bad, that should read an 06 model, not 96

How do you double the value of a skoda? Fill the petrol tank.
What do you call a convertible skoda? A skip!
What do you call a skoda with twin exhaust pipes? A wheelbarrow!

OK, so I take it you don't think much of Skoda's? That's a skoda (er.. pity).

I thought they're were basically VWs. But the 06 CR-V for that amount sounds good too.

How about SEAT Altea or Citroen C4 Picasso?

As others have said, you may get a very nice discount in addition to the exemption on VAT (and other taxes) when buying a new car. Since just about everyone and their grandmother in Geneva has CD plates, the process for buying cars on these terms is very streamlined in my experience. What I would do is to just send a quick e-mail to some official dealers in Geneva and ask for prices. Some dealers have people dedicated to diplomatic sales, which means they know the system and, perhaps as important, speak English. Also, if you happen to have access to a paper copy of th UN Special magazine, dealers frequently advertise diplomatic services and discounts there.

Skodas are basically Volkswagens. They are built on the same floorplan use the same parts. They even come with the same keyfobs!!! (For that matter Audi use the same floorplans and parts too!).

If you read around on some car related internet forums it is even suggested that Skoda is the best of all VAG (Volgswagen Audi Group) cars. The Volkswagens are built in the same factories that they were built in for years, the Seats (YES part of the same company!) had all their factories refitted, Audi continues as normal, but Skoda had brand new state of the art facilities built in the Chezch Republic, Some people rekon that the employees are proud that Skoda keeps its production there and so work better... Whether this is true or not, if you look at the forums regarding complaints you will find many for Volkswagen and Audi and mainly very happy customers with Skoda.

My girlfriend drives a Fabia Combi. Its got the same 1.9 Tdi engine that is in all the Volkswagens and Audis, the car is reliable, efficient, solid and very nice to drive. We did quite a lot of research before she bought it, and after I had a problem with my wheels (Renault) I did some more checking to see if we could expect any problems from hers. Only to find that they seem to be very well liked cars by all who own them.

If I was buying a car at the moment my choice would definitely be the Octavia combi Tdi (Prob 4x4 version).

My 2 cents.

Both Renault Scenic and Citroen C4 Picaso are good cars. If you planning to expand your family then do consider a 5+2 seater version.

That's a good idea. However, since I don't speak french or german (yet) I'm having a hard time finding Skoda and SEAT dealerships in Geneva on the net. Any tips there?

Skoda Dealers in Geneva
http://www.petit-lancy.amag.ch/dachr....jsp?webId=662

http://www.gervaix.geneve.skoda.ch/s...jsp?webId=1517

Seat Dealers in Geneva
http://www.legrand-saconnex.amag.sea....jsp?webId=543

http://www.gervaix.geneve.seat.ch/se....jsp?webId=135

You could try phoning or filling out a contact form in English and see if they reply.

There's always this option:

http://www.suzukiautomobile.ch/index.php?id=118&L=2

Suzukis are quite popular over here as well, and they tend to come with a wider range of engines and options.

I'm personally a fan of the Jimny, which can be a slightly more serious off-roader. But I don't have a family to cart around.