When it comes to automobiles, there are basically two sides of the track: domestic and foreign models. While many think of both sides of the spectrum as pretty much the same, stepping out of a domestic vehicle and into a European model can be like stepping into a totally different world in a lot of ways. The fact is, if all you have ever owned is a domestic model car or truck, there are a few things you should know before you decide to purchase a European model. Check out these facts about European cars to take into consideration before making a change. 

Maintaining a European car on your own can be tricky. 

It is not at all uncommon for vehicle owners to do a lot of their own regular maintenance to save money. So if you are a DIY mechanic who often changes your own oil, brakes, or spark plugs, you may think you are equipped to handle these basic tasks on a European model just the same. However, working on a European car can be tricky because not all of the components are the same. You will likely find yourself fumbling for parts because they are not where you expect them to be, and you might even have to invest in new tool sets and wrenches because the sizes required are not the same. 

Not every mechanic works on European cars. 

One of the biggest surprises for inexperienced European car owners is often the fact that the mechanic they have always relied on for maintenance and repairs may not help them out with their foreign car. This is not because the mechanic has anything against foreign-made vehicles; it just comes down to the fact that not every mechanic is trained in maintaining and repairing a European vehicle. Therefore, they do not hold the right skill and qualifications to offer service. You will likely have to find a mechanic that specifically specializes in European car maintenance, which may not be available locally. 

It can be a little more costly to maintain some European car models. 

European cars can come with advantages that far outnumber those of domestic, rival models. However, foreign-made vehicles can also be a little more costly to maintain. This is because the parts are not always as readily accessible as those for domestic vehicles. Shipping charges alone can drive up the costs of repairs in some cases.