Debi Lander's purchase of a 2008 BMW 550i funds a family road trip vacation in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic.

"Want a new BMW?" my husband Jay asked. Who wouldn't? "Of course," I replied. Then he revealed the catch: "Mind if we go to Germany to pick it up?" "Mind?" I replied, immediately imagining castles and cathedrals, Bavarian villages, and Rhine wine. Jay's thoughts zoomed to powerful, fast cars, the Autobahn...and beer. (Surely our interests overlap somewhere?)

Plans proceeded to purchase a 2008 BMW 550i, take possession of it in Munich, drive it around for two weeks, return it to the factory, and then let BMW ship the car to the United States. This process is called taking European delivery, and each weekday, approximately eight to ten Americans scoot away from the factory behind the wheel of their brand-new Bimmer. Many European manufacturers offer such a delivery option.

Vehicles accepted abroad enter the States as used cars, with a reduced tax rate. Hence, the automakers can pass the savings on to the customer. In our case, we applied the seven percent price deduction to family vacation funds, and saved airfare by redeeming our frequent flyer miles. No rental car or train tickets were needed.

Laura, our teen daughter, joined Jay and me on this trip. We figured she'd learn hands-on history, experience cultural differences, and spend time with us, a rarity these days.

Read the complete European Delivery travel feature, including details on the 2008 BMW 550i and photography shot during the family road trip vacation in Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic in Automotive Traveler magazine.