The Renault would be very unlikely to get into the country.They have not been imported into the US for about 25 years now. Since they have not had to pass safety tests or emissions tests they have no history with the feds. The BMW may be able to get in as they are regularly imported and yours can easily pass the 49 states emission test. California has the strictest rules about emissions so that could be a problem.

Many of these cars are in or around Toronto so I would think they have a big market. Its interesting too that certain areas of the US have cheaper prices on cars. One is Rochester, Ny not far from us. Miami is another good city to buy used cars. PA tends to have cheaper cars then other states. When you have to travel its just a PITA as you would have to make a trip just to look at the car, then another to buy it. I've heard that some people will take a day off work and really plan it so that if they like the car they can do everything in one day. I spoke to some dealers in PA who said they sell to out of staters all the time and will help you sort it all out. I'm not sure what is worse buying a house or a car.

I immediately thought of what Parma said about the european temps this summer when i read your post. I agree, there were good lessons rolled into your experience-- and not that you need my validation, but you made the right decision. I know this is a trip of a lifetime for you-- it wouldnt have been as enjoyable if you werent all feeling great. Hope your daughter is recovering well from the virus and her surgery. Maybe you can do something to whet your appetite in advance of your trip next spring. Maybe plan a trip into the city for an authentic meal. I LOVE Lupa-- one of Mario Batali's restaurants. It is not as upscale as Bobbo but it is a much more relaxed environment and the food is memory making. Of course there are so many great italian restaurants in NYC... many of which are smaller and less expensive. Perhaps you already have your own favorites. Another option I highly recommend is a walking tour of the italian neighborhoods of NYC. Addie Tomei (Marisa's mother) runs Savory Sojourns-- I have been on a few of her tours over the years. She is so vibrant and interesting and KNOWLEDGEABLE. Her tours hit some "must see" sites as well as hidden treasures... and the whole experience is peppered with interesting and entertaining narrations about the life and history of the neighborhoods. It is really a great experience and I think well worth the price (about 150pp). Or.. for a much more modest price, have a family movie night and rent The Big Night or Il Postino or Enchanted April or Under a Tuscan Sun (I didnt love the movie as much as the book-- but still it has gorgeous views of the Italian countrysides). Here is a link that might be useful: Savory Sojourns

We hired a driver in Florence and went to Lucca (which is also accessible by train) and then on to Tellaro for lunch. We particularly liked Tellaro. It was beautiful and had virtually no tourists. We spent about three or four hours there total and that was enough, imo. If you are interested, I will see if I can find the name of the restaurant. It was very good—some of the best food we had in Italy. https://www.miomyitaly.com/tellaro.html