Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Italy Forum

5 years ago

long term car lease

5 years ago
I'm trying to figure out transportation options for after I move to Italy, and I need some advice/insight. I am a dual US/Italy citizen, moving to Italy permanently at the end of January 2019. I understand that I will have to get my Italian driver's license within about a yr after I establish residence and that I'll be subject to restrictions about what kind of car I'll be allowed to drive for about a year.

I'm trying to figure out what to do about transportation during the first year or 2 I'm in Italy. I'm leaning towards doing one of the "short term" car leases to start with. If I initiate that before I establish permanent residency, will I get in trouble? If I'm allowed to do that (or can get away with it!), it would give me a few months to look around and figure out what I might need more permanently.

Those leases aren't exactly cheap, though. So, since I'm planning to stay, would it make more sense for me to just buy a car soon after I move? I'd rather not do that because I'm totally ignorant about Italian cars at this point! I'd rather just do something like a 2 year lease to give me a chance to settle in, get my license, get through the first year post-license restrictions, and improve my Italian. However, every time I try to search the web for long term car leases in Italy, I just pull up car rentals (not doing that) and short term leases (Renault, Peugeot). Are there long term car leases in Italy?

If it weren't completely stupid, I'd ship my old pickup truck over to avoid all this hassle! I love my 18 year old Ford Ranger! It has no frills, smells like dogs, & goes from 0 to 60 in about 5 minutes, but it gets me where I need to go! Shipping it would cost more than it's worth, HOWEVER, if I factor in the cost of having to rent/lease/buy a car in Italy right away, maybe it's not so stupid...

Opinions? Suggestions? Ideas? Jokes?

Grazie!

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Italy GuideLiving in Italy Guide

Expats in Italy discuss the pros and cons of living in Italy. From bureaucracy to expensive cities, Italy can be a challenge. Most expats find that the amazing food, charming countryside, beautiful beaches and public healthcare make up for the cons.

Italy Forum Italy Forum
Join our Italy forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Italy.

Contribute to Italy Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy.

Best Places to Live in Italy Best Places to Live in Italy

If you're considering a move to Italy, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Italy in 2023.

Healthcare in ItalyHealthcare in Italy

An overview of the healthcare system in Italy - public and private hospitals, Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), getting your Tessera Sanitaria (healthcare card), Covid-19 entry requirements, vaccinations for Italy, prescription medication availability and more.

Cost of Living in ItalyCost of Living in Italy

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Italy.

Moving to ItalyMoving to Italy Guide

Expats moving to Italy envision a romantic lifestyle in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. However, it is important to make sure that you do comprehensive research and fully understand what it will mean to move to the city, town or village you choose.

Real Estate in ItalyReal Estate in Italy

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Italy.

Pros Cons of Living in ItalyPros & Cons of Living in Italy

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Italy.

Retiring in ItalyRetiring in Italy

Advice for people retiring in Italy.

Visa and Residency ItalyItaly Visa & Residency Guide

Expats share their experiences obtaining residency in Italy. They discuss the ins and outs of the applying for the permesso di soggiorno, recent travel issues, permanent residency in Italy and more.

10 Tips for Living in Italy10 Tips for Living in Italy

If you've recently arrived in Italy, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Italy.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Italy Network Contribute
Help others in Italy by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Italy.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal