Husband and I have a decision to make and I thought that I would pose it to you, my oh-so-reasonable readers.
As some of you may know, in December the Air Force will be moving Husband and I to Japan for 3 years. Exciting, I know. However, an overseas move is filled with numerous complications and considerations, not the least of which is what to do with our vehicle.
We have a fully paid Audi that Husband and I both LOVE. Due to some strict regulations that Japan has against totally awesome vehicles, however, we cannot bring the car with us.
Here are the options that we do have:
1. Let the Air Force store and maintain the car for 3 years, without access to it when we come back to the states for visits.
2. Charge a family member with storage/maintenance for the 3 years, but be able to use it during visits.
3. Sell it, put the money in a CD, and buy a new car when we return.
The first two options do have some costs in addition to maintenance, including keeping some form of insurance on the vehicle as well as the depreciation of the car’s value that would occur regardless.
What would you do? We are already leaning in one direction, but I will withhold it until I hear some of your ideas, and because I am mysterious.
Comments
5 responses to “What Would You Do?”
I’d sell it and buy a new car when you move back. That way you wouldn’t have to worry about it while in Japan. I can’t believe you will be there for 3 years!! That is a long time.
It depends on how old the car is, but I would let the air force store it. If it’s in good shape you can still use it for a few years when you return. Also when you visit, your family and friends will happily drive you around!
Sell it. Save/invest the money & use it upon your return to replace your car.
LARN! If it were me, I’d sell it…invest in something conservative and buy a new car when you return (like you said in option 3). It is a sweet ride, though…I’m sure it would be hard to watch it drive away. PS sweet blog!
Let the Air Force Store it. We were stationed in Japan for 2.5 years. We did not have the option of storing our car as we went there from the UK and sold our British car, but quite a few of our friends stored their vehicles and did not have any problems. They were able to put off buying a new car when they returned. One couple gave the stored car to their Teenager. On the other hand, we had to buy a vehicle the 2nd week we were back in the US as the rental car was draining our budget and we were too far away from family. Also during visits our family drove us or made their extra vehicles available to us. Love your blog!!