Tag Archives: expat

Buying a Car in Europe

So as some of you know I have been looking for a car for my wife. We want to be smart and not spend a lot so we are looking at used cars. Amazingly there are tons, the problem… I know nothing about the market here. Most cars, something in the neighborhood of 80%, are company cars on the road. Which means asking around has been tough. Plus unlike the US there is no Kelly Blue Book or Edmunds to go compare and do research. Needless to say its frustrating. Then there is the whole process around getting the plates. Apparently your insurance company does that once you buy a car, but only after you have an Identification card. Needless to say, even if I find a car I can take delivery until both are done.

The other major issue that has been in all of this is finding a car with less horsepower and smaller engine. Here in Belgium the faster the car and bigger the engine, the more you pay in yearly registration fees. Example, looked at a Nissan today with a 2.1 engine in it. I think it was a 2007 priced at 5,550 euros… Sounds good! The problem, besides the fact that my wife did not like the car, The yearly registration fee on this… 849.00 euros! Each year!

So if you move to Belgium, request a company car.

Finally Here

We arrived this week in Waterloo Belgium and I must say it has been a crazy journey to get here. There have been so many events that have made me laugh as well as a few that have simply made me shake my head and wonder, “why in the world did I agree to this!”, But overall I have been learning a lot about myself and how to be more patient. I really hope that as people have said, this time here will forever change my perspective on things. Already I have liked talking with my neighbors and getting to meet their children. Even being without some of the things like TV have been refreshing.

All in all the only thing missing are Elle and Jake. I really miss them and hope that they will take advantage of coming out soon.