French company Peugeot, founded in 1810, is the oldest car brand in the world. German Karl Benz, meanwhile, created the first gasoline-powered automobile in 1886, which became the prototype for modern vehicles. Benz also founded Benz & Company, which eventually merged with Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG) to form Mercedes-Benz, one of the oldest car manufacturers in the world.
The fact that Europeans were the first manufacturers of automobiles makes it understandable that they are also among the best car brands in the world. In fact, Consumer Reports ranks Germany’s BMW as one of the top vehicles in the world.
European Cars in America
Owning a European car in the U.S. can be an exhilarating experience. With their sleek designs, advanced engineering, and luxurious features, European vehicles are often coveted by automotive enthusiasts. According to Staista, Mercedez Benz was the top-selling European vehicle in the U.S. in 2022, followed closely by BMW and Volkswagen.
So, why exactly are these cars so popular in the U.S., given the excellent quality of all-American vehicles?
As already stated, European companies were among the first manufacturers. They had plenty of time to perfect the process. As they continue to manufacture cars, the process only gets better every year as new techniques are introduced along with the latest manufacturing innovations.
However, before you take the plunge into European car ownership, carefully weigh all the pros and cons. In this blog, we’ll explore the considerations one should take before purchasing a European car in the U.S.
Pros and Cons of Buying European Cars
Here are our top pros of buying European cars.
Pro #1 – Superior Quality
American vehicles are known for their heft, while Asian brands are popular for their affordability. With European cars, quality is always the first thing that comes to mind.
Since automobiles started on the continent, European manufacturers have become more advanced in their manufacturing techniques.
Another reason for that is the workforce. Some 13.8 million Europeans work in the automobile industry, which is already more than 6% of the continent’s employment. With so many people working within the industry, the manufacturing process is sure to get better.
European cars are known for their exceptional performance, handling, and driving dynamics. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or navigating winding country roads, European cars offer a thrilling driving experience that’s hard to match.
Pro #2 – Luxurious
European car manufacturers also know how to do luxury truly well. Auto Express recently named the ten best luxury cars—and they were all from Europe. We are talking about BMW, Range Rover, Bentley, Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, and Porsche.
Pro #3 – Fuel-Efficient
Buoyed by stiffer car manufacturing standards, European vehicles are also known to be more fuel-efficient. This is because they are more compact and have lower displacement engines.
Pro #4 – Better Resale Value
In general, European cars tend to retain their value well compared to domestic or Asian counterparts. This can be advantageous when it comes time to sell or trade-in your vehicle.
Buying European cars also has some disadvantages.
Con #1 – Expensive
One of the reasons European cars are so great is that their manufacturers don’t skimp on parts. These cars are made from the highest-quality parts, resulting in a superior final product.
Con #2 – Higher Maintainance Costs
European cars often come with higher maintenance and repair costs compared to domestic or Asian brands.
Con #3 – Specific OEM Parts Requirements
European cars typically require specific OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts, which you may not readily find at all automotive shops. This means you could have to wait for longer for repairs and potentially incur higher costs for parts and shipping.
Con #4- Finding Qualified Technicians
European cars require specialized knowledge and expertise for maintenance and repairs. Finding qualified technicians who are familiar with your European car model can be challenging, especially in areas where European cars are less common.
Get Your European Car Serviced By the Specialists
The cons listed above should not stop you from owning the European car of your dreams, especially when you can access superior service, original OEM parts, and European car expertise.
Performance Auto Specialists in Wilmington, North Carolina, has been servicing European car owners since 1991. It specializes in the following brands:
● Audi
● BMW
● Jaguar
● Mercedes
● Mini
● Porsche
● Volkswagen
● Volvo
At Performance Auto Specialists, OEM parts come with a 24-month or 24,000-mile warranty. The company also offers the following services suited for your European vehicle:
● Emissions services
● Engine light issues
● Engine repair
● Brake repair
● Airconditioning repair
● Diagnostics
Performance Auto Specialists also takes diagnostics of your European car to the next level with PAS Tech. This is when trained specialists conduct static and dynamic Advanced Driver Assist Systems (ADAS) calibrations.
Don’t trust any other dealership with your European car. Get in touch with a specialist now!
