It sounds like the technical side of the plan is coming together. As FF says (and she is wise !) do the sums, with the current dollar exchange rate and all of the costs of re-registering, tanking, ferrying, etc. you would have to have a very over spec 172 to not be financially better off selling and buying a new one. The choice on the other side of the pond is so much better - and they tend to have the wizzy gadgets fitted to allow you to use the better technology infrastructure on that side of the pond. (XM radio and data, TIS, WAAS approved 530, etc)