THE TRAVELER'S JOURNAL: June tenth, with thoughts on buying a car overseas.

It used to be easy for Americans traveling in Europe to pick up a new car at the factory, enjoy driving it on foreign roads and bring it back to the US, while saving enough on the car to pay for the trip.

Buying a car abroad is still possible, but it's more complicated. Because of Federal safety and emission standards, unless a vehicle has been built for use in the U.S., bringing it into compliance will entail expensive changes. Then there's duty to be paid and the logistics of dropping the car off at a foreign port and arranging to pick it up when it arrives in the U.S. In addition, the sales tax many states also tack on adds to the cost of the transaction. Considering the details of documentation, duty and delivery, the idea only makes sense for expensive or exotic vehicles.

That said, several auto makers do have enticing programs. For example, Volvo will give new car buyers two free airline tickets to Europe and a night in a hotel. Americans still bring back their own cars, but usually after extended overseas visits or military service. These folks can also avoid U.S. duty, which runs from 2.5 percent for cars to 25 percent for trucks.

The most common way to buy a new car overseas is through a local dealer or independent commercial importer before you go. They will make sure the car is both built to U.S. standards and registered for foreign driving. Allow two months before the trip for your order and financing to be processed. To avoid problems, read the order form carefully and make sure all your specifications are clearly spelled out.

FMI For US Customs info on importing cars, visit www.customs.gov/travel/travel.htm or call your local customs office and ask for publication 520. For info on Volvo new car program - www.new.volvocars.com/overseas

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