REC,
You’re doing an excellent job with your upgrades; I have lived and worked in Germany for a total of 6 years. These European vehicles are made and designed based upon realities that we Americans only now have to deal with. In 1976 while stationed in Germany with the Air Force, my wife and I owned a German made Ford Capri, in 2002 I returned to Europe and purchased a German made Ford Focus, today we have a 2010 German made and assembled in Turkey, Ford Transit Connect. They all are well built and were well received by the Europeans and Americans. Last year I sold my 2000 BMW Z3 coupe hatchback, it was made by BMW racing team USA and was a piece of crap. Typical of U.S. autos for many years now, the 2000 coupe was all show, shallow, and superficial; if it were made in Germany the end product would have been of better quality and integrity. For decades everywhere else but the U.S. has been paying astronomical prices for gas and oil, in 1976 Germans were paying over $2 for a gallon (3.8 liters) of gas. Unfortunately we still have some idiots that are totally clueless, have never travelled outside of their own back yards, and believe soap operas are based on true stories. These are the clowns that will not be ready for nor understand the paradigm shift that is upon us today. In Asia and Europe SUV, Big Pick Up trucks, and Soccer Mom Vans are rare to none. So when you see Joe_TC driving around in his gas hog, just smile and know that he truly is an idiot.
Best Wishes and Kind Regards to you and your family always.