Long term storage

[JeffW]

Hi all

We are considering an overseas working assignment for an extended time period (5-10 years). In theory we could take our Stag with us as it's just continental Europe, but I am wondering if that is not feasible if it is better to sell it or, getting to the point of this post, is long-term storage feasible/advisable/stupid?

I would hate to sell her after just getting it in July, but don't want to return from our work overseas to find 4 alloys, some nice poly bushes and a pile of rust dust.

Any thoughts welcome.

Thanks

Jeff

[dasadrew]

whereabouts on the continent Jeff?

[JeffW]

Hi Drew

Amsterdam. From what I have been told, very little underground/garage dry parking available in rental accommodation.

[dasadrew]

'fraid I can't help out with Amsterdam Jeff, but garages seem difficult to find in Western Europe full stop. Underground garages in blocks of flats are the way to go in Germany but, for obvious reasons, not so widespread in The Netherlands! In general terms I would shy away from long term storage; even in a secure closed lock-up the car deteriorates in my experience. The best solution for storage I've found is an AirChamber in a lock-up with a small electric fan keeping the air circulating, together with a CTEK charger to keep the battery alive. That made a huge difference and I found less mice in the seats, less nuts hidden in the exhaust by squirrels etc.

I'd definitely find a way to take the car across and use it. I would maybe refrain from that in continental countries east of 15°E but Amsterdam wouldn't worry me (althogh it is a clearing house for exotic and classic cars!).

I'll probably regret this, but have you 'got your 6 covered' in terms of assurances of work and residence permits after March 2019?

Drew

[JeffW]

'fraid I can't help out with Amsterdam Jeff, but garages seem difficult to find in Western Europe full stop. Underground garages in blocks of flats are the way to go in Germany but, for obvious reasons, not so widespread in The Netherlands! In general terms I would shy away from long term storage; even in a secure closed lock-up the car deteriorates in my experience. The best solution for storage I've found is an AirChamber in a lock-up with a small electric fan keeping the air circulating, together with a CTEK charger to keep the battery alive. That made a huge difference and I found less mice in the seats, less nuts hidden in the exhaust by squirrels etc.

I'd definitely find a way to take the car across and use it. I would maybe refrain from that in continental countries east of 15°E but Amsterdam wouldn't worry me (althogh it is a clearing house for exotic and classic cars!).

I'll probably regret this, but have you 'got your 6 covered' in terms of assurances of work and residence permits after March 2019?

Drew

Thanks Drew. I would really like to take the car with us and use it, but the body is not in the best shape and I would worry about it rusting away in Amsterdam if it was parked outside.

Perhaps I should investigate rented garage space in Amsterdam to try and compromise between long term storage and its inherent risks and selling it, which would break my heart.

A more pressing question is indeed March 2019. I have asked a colleague who works there if they have heard anything from the Dutch government about their views of ex-pats/visas etc but they haven't heard a peep. It does worry me as my wife will quitting her job too if we decide to go, so double the risk. It will definitely be one of my first questions to the company.

Thanks very much for your thoughts!

Jeff

[dasadrew]

Only speculating, but I would imagine it would be something like the EEC when I came to Germany; if you've got a permanent job and your employer gives you a letter, then you'll be able to get a residence permit (in those days it was for 5 years) to be able to work. Can't imagine it getting into work permits, visas and the like, but you never know!

[JeffW]

Only speculating, but I would imagine it would be something like the EEC when I came to Germany; if you've got a permanent job and your employer gives you a letter, then you'll be able to get a residence permit (in those days it was for 5 years) to be able to work. Can't imagine it getting into work permits, visas and the like, but you never know!

I hope not...!

[mjheathcote]

You have only had her a few months really, and sounds like she is not perfect, I'd say sell.

[mole42]

Take the car with you, use it daily, be happy you are driving the best car on the planet.

Mine is used pretty much like that in Bristol the wettest port in England and the car loves it. So do I.

My car was exported to Belgium for a few years and survived that well.

[Tdm]

JeffW - Why not try contacting the Netherlands Stag Club, whose address and e-mail is in the mag, they might be able to help/suggest something?

[JeffW]

JeffW - Why not try contacting the Netherlands Stag Club, whose address and e-mail is in the mag, they might be able to help/suggest something?

Great idea, thanks. I just got my latest edition so will look them up.

I am leaning heavily towards taking it with us if we go. Can't bear to part with it so soon and love it so much I think it would be a lot of fun to have in the Netherlands.

[dasadrew]

or pm vivacetenore on this forum ....