Need help/advice on buying a car in Europe

ANY ADVICE WOULD BE VERY APPRECIATED!

My boyfriend and I will be headed out for a 3-month adventure in Europe this coming April - June.

Our plan is to climb for about a 1.5 months in Spain and then roadtrip to Austria, Switzerland to meet up with friends.

It's a long shot- but we were wondering if there was anyone who might be selling or renting their car out for those months. We just need something that will get us A-B... a van would be great but reliability is more important. We both are from America and have valid driver's license with clean records.

We also aren't completely competent on the rules/regulations for driving there so if anyone has any experience it would be appreciated!

Thanks for all your help!!

Since you mentioned a 3 month adventure, I trust you're aware that 90 days is the maximum time you can spend in the various European countries known as the Schengen area in any 6 month period. Google on "Schengen agreement" or check the US State Department website for more information. Austria, Spain and Switzerland are all part of the Schengen zone, so your 3 month adventure will put you right at the maximum time you can spend in those three countries together.

AAA should be able to help you with traffic laws in various countries- definitely do the research and don't expect to be let off the hook because you're foreign visitors.

You need to be a resident of an EU country to buy a car and insure it. As a tourist you cannot become a resident.
Some countries require an International drivers licence which you get from the AAA
There´s a more detailed thread here mountainproject.com/v/car-i…

You should lease a car. Several companies specialize in leasing brand new cars to tourists. Search for auto lease Europe. Rates are far less than rentals.

I've done this twice and both times we got a brand-new car which we picked up at the airport (Charles de Gaul/Geneva). It worked out perfectly. But be aware YOU are responsible for periodic service and all maintenance.

Have fun.

Buy a new BMW and do the Euro delivery. You can get up to 5 months of insurance ... zoooom.

bmwusa.com/Standard/Content…

More seriously, though Austria requires international drivers license as well as vignette on the car. A lease would be your best option.