Travel by car in US

[nickr]

My girlfriend and I are planning to tour the West Coast US as part of our travels. We'd really like to do the journey by car, but would like to buy a car or do a buy/sell back deal. Problem is we don't know if we are legally allowed to buy a car in the US and get ourselves legal on the road (insurance, etc) without a USA address (we're from Leicester, England). Also, we've not been able to find any details of sell/buy back dealers that cater for foreign travellers. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help. Nick

[ronners]

Unless you're planning to be over here for a long time it's probably not worth it, as the insurance may cost more than the car! If you want to minimize costs, try 'Rent-a-Wreck'. They rent old bangers which run OK but cost much less than your standard hire car place.

[kckuddes]

You can also try Budget or Enterprize. Unless your going to spend several months over here its going to cost you more in time and money than just renting. You can also join AAA and get discounts too.

Have you planned out your route too? If your going to be driving in the West you want to make sure that you have the right vehicle for the trip. The desert heat in June, Jully and August in the Southwest can bring cause all kinds of problems that can ruin a trip. If your going into the rockies you want to make sure you have good tires, brakes, radiator, hoses & belts. If traveling during the winter take food, water, and blankets. In the summer you want to make sure that you travel with extra water for you and your car. So be prepaired the Western part of the US can be brutal if your unprepared. But it's also has some of the most beautiful sights in the country. National Georgraphic has some great books to help you plan your trip. One of my favorites is Pacific cost highway 1 from LA to San Fransico.

Enjoy!

Kent

[mdchachi]

I would also vote for renting a car. A Canadian friend of mine took a 7-month road trip in the U.S. and Canada using rental cars which cost from $120 to $140/week.

[BobTrips]

You might want to visit www.lonelyplanet - the "Thorn Tree" which is their forum section.

Check on the USA forum, this question is asked and answered quite often. You will most likely find a wide range of ideas and opinions.