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Buying a Car in the US?

A.lovell

7-Nov-2011
11:52:30 AM

Hey all,
Im planning a trip through the States and am looking to buy a Car. Does anyone know the details around getting it registered and insured as a foreigner, and does a Aussie Drivers licence cut it?

patto

7-Nov-2011
12:25:29 PM

It is difficult. From what I hear it is far easier to get your vehicle and insure it in Canada.

I did it several years ago through one of the long term rental companies. I had the car registered insured and ready to go when I arrived, the guy even picked me up from the airport!

I paid $2500 for the Van and $140 a month for insurance, $100 or so for registration. I sold the van for $2000 at the end of my trip. I was lucky with the whole situation. The guy who did all this was a caravan park owner and organised vehicles for foreigners. But I had to pay him $1500 to his Swiss bank account several months prior. :-o It all sounded dodgy but my faith was rewarded.

Superstu

7-Nov-2011
1:16:38 PM

its easy to buy a car in the US even if you are an alien

in california, rego is ok however the DMV is notoriously slow and it is possible to pay someone else to do it for you ($50 and its done pronto versus queuing and then wait 3 months for the paperwork to come through). May be better in other states.

State farm insurance will insure you if you bring a document showing your licence record from aus. Get one from vicroads,rta etc. Expect to pay a couple of hundred for 4 months or so.

The biggest hassle i think is that thanks to the "cash for clunkers" gov scheme there are not many cheap cars in the US anymore like there was a few years ago. Whats left seems overpriced for what you get.

How long is your roadtrip? Three months or less do what ollie and hamish did it seemed a good deal? otherwise you can buy bernard (see other thread ) and ill store him free until you fly in next year.

ZERO

7-Nov-2011
2:07:07 PM

I bought a car in Colorado in 2004 no worries.
If you are in RACV, NRMA etc look at AAA for insurance.
Get a letter from your insurance company proving that you have not made any claims in recent years - helps with price.

If you buy/sell acar in California you have the extra hoop of pollution certification.
Any trip less than 3 months may not be worth buying.

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