Hi Frank,
Do you you have a plan for how to register the van you buy? To register in Germany I was asked for proof of residence. (I had legal residence since I worked there for a year, but it might be more difficult as a tourist)

A tip: Insurance for me in Germany (with AXA) would have been less expensive (40-50%) if I had "parked" one of my cars in Canada and brought proof from the insurance company that 
a. I had a long accident free insurance and driving recordb. I was "parking" one vehicle in Canada (ie taking it off the road/liability insurance) for the period I was insuring the Westy I bought in Germany.
This sounds wierd, but has to do with how European insurance gives discount on a per vehicle basis. 

Martin (85 Westy in Europe and 82 in Canada)
   

Frank Condelli wrote:
>          Mark & Ann, wonderful adventure stories.  We plan on visiting Europe for our winter get-a-way this year instead of Mexico.  We will most likely purchase a van there and bring it back here for resale as we did five or so years ago.  Probably go to Germany first as that’s where I have contacts to find a van then we will head to Portugal, France and Italy.
>