I am coming to live in Zug in a few weeks, Should I dump my rh drive merc in the uk and buy a lh drive one in Germany (en route, presumably I will not have to pay import duty?) or Switzerland or is there another cheaper solution? If I do nothing I will have to part-ex my rh drive merc in Zug sometime, presumably for not very much dosh?

I came to Switzerland 12 years ago having bought my new RHD Rover 827 Coupé just a year previously. I still have it and use it regularly in Switzerland on Swiss plates. I've never had any issues with inspections, insurance or anything.

If you import your car as part of your "household goods" there's no duty payable and there's even a simplified procedure for the Swiss equivalent of the MOT, after which they will give you Swiss papers for your car and solemnly take your UK plates to send back to Swansea, where someone will duly dump them in the bin. You'll get plates too, but they belong to you, not the car!

Cars are cheaper in Switzerland than the UK or even Germany so if you want LHD I wouldn't buy in Germany. Also I seem to remember you have to have owned the car for a while or it will be liable for duty.
Don't forget you must swap your UK drivers license for a Swiss one within (I think) 12 months.
RS

You need to have owned a car for 6 months in order that it is duty free. In Germany you can buy one VAT free which makes it maybe worthwhile but be aware the guarantees are not the same on many cars...

Richard -
I am in the same position and looking to sell my current car in the UK and purchase a LHD vehicle. The issue is timing ... all the manufacturers want me to purchase and have it built to order rather than providing one from new stock. This means a 12 week wait as minimum.

Do you have any information on dealerships in Germany that will sell a vehicle VAT free (and ideally can negotiate in English)?

Otherwise I will probably purchase or lease on arrival.

Thanks
PT