Advice for US native moving to London - Parts, Cars from US?
Discussion
ecsrobin said:
Will you have space in the shipping container after you fill it with iPads? http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
And don't forget to post in the food forum as the most money will be made on American cereals and sweets. I'll buy all your smores pop tarts.
LMAOAnd don't forget to post in the food forum as the most money will be made on American cereals and sweets. I'll buy all your smores pop tarts.
Finally found a buyer for all those pop-tarts..
I can only imagine if Kellogg's made pop-tarts in the UK.. Would it be a far stretch to think that Marmite filled pop-tarts with mango chutney icing would be a potential flavor?
Edited by element6 on Tuesday 6th January 22:08
NNH said:
If you live inside the zone, you get a 90% discount by paying annually. If you don't live in the zone, you'd be pretty much mad to want to drive there anyway 
https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-ch...
Many London boroughs also have an annual or monthly charge for residents to park on the street, which offers a big saving on non-residents' rates. Pollution charge only applies to large commercial vehicles (currently), but annual car tax is determined by fuel efficiency rather than car value.
One of the bigger concerns of mine to affect a decision on first UK car purchase. Thanks for the info!https://www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-ch...
Many London boroughs also have an annual or monthly charge for residents to park on the street, which offers a big saving on non-residents' rates. Pollution charge only applies to large commercial vehicles (currently), but annual car tax is determined by fuel efficiency rather than car value.
In reality you have a choice - either live a life or concede to the eco-weenies and get yourself Toyota Prius!
There are US car workshops around London and one or two dealers, but if you run a US car there will always be a bit more effort required than running a domestic. Probably the easiest US car to run in UK would be a Mustang, although of course Camaro and Corvette are also available (plus a tiny handful of Dodge).
Living in London the biggest question is probably "do you need a car at all?". A lot of people just use taxis and public transport, renting a car when they need one for weekend away or whatever.
PS You'll be needing a Vette then!
There are US car workshops around London and one or two dealers, but if you run a US car there will always be a bit more effort required than running a domestic. Probably the easiest US car to run in UK would be a Mustang, although of course Camaro and Corvette are also available (plus a tiny handful of Dodge).
Living in London the biggest question is probably "do you need a car at all?". A lot of people just use taxis and public transport, renting a car when they need one for weekend away or whatever.
PS You'll be needing a Vette then!
I've driven a 68 Camaro, 67 Charger, 60 Ford Ranchwagon and 57 Chevy as daily drivers in London over the last 10 years. Anything is possible. Summit Racing will ship to the UK in a few days. Anything pre '60 is very cheap to keep, no road tax to pay, no MOT, insurance is cheap and no depreciation. Even fuel is getting cheaper 
Welcome to the UK
Welcome to the UK
Edited by Nick Grant on Tuesday 6th January 22:02
Jabosoc said:
Pics of the Z3M and Insight please. Two cars that are high on my list of stuff to own. Did the US spec Z3M use the proper Euro-spec S50 or the mildly fettled and stroked M52?
Oh, and with regard to shows, get yourself to Retro Rides Gathering at Shelsley Walsh in August.
Thanks!Oh, and with regard to shows, get yourself to Retro Rides Gathering at Shelsley Walsh in August.
No, we don't get the Euro S50B32 here.. it's one of those highly desired things that many E30 and E36 fans in the US wish for. On the other hand.. we got the S54.. and they are pretty cheap to buy for a swap nowadays.. so not a horrible trade-off.
The US Z3 M made before mid-2000 had the S52B32. Mine is turboed of course and made over 450HP at the wheels. After mid-2000 all Z3 M's had the S54. Those ones are the most sought after.. especially an S54 M Coupe. They typically go for between $30k and $40k USD.
Here's the Z3M (these pics were taken right before I bought it from the PO in Pennsylvania):
and here is the most recent ones I have of the Insight:
I recently had the Insight painted in BMW Sapphire black metallic. Somebody rear-ended me in Miami about a year ago
5 USA said:
Living in London the biggest question is probably "do you need a car at all?". A lot of people just use taxis and public transport, renting a car when they need one for weekend away or whatever.
PS You'll be needing a Vette then!
Glad someone subscribes to my philosophy on car ownership PS You'll be needing a Vette then!
If you get homesick for snacks and drinks... http://www.americansoda.co.uk/
Nick Grant said:
If you get homesick for snacks and drinks... http://www.americansoda.co.uk/
Yikes, what a collection..Do you know where you'll be living? Properties with secure garageing in London are rare (and therefore expensive). Street parking is common, but usually permit controlled. There are more permits issued than spaces available in many areas.
Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
rcspeirs said:
Do you know where you'll be living? Properties with secure garageing in London are rare (and therefore expensive). Street parking is common, but usually permit controlled. There are more permits issued than spaces available in many areas.
Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
Oddly, I found it cheaper to insure my car (same car) in Islington than in Los Angeles.Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
rcspeirs said:
Do you know where you'll be living? Properties with secure garageing in London are rare (and therefore expensive). Street parking is common, but usually permit controlled. There are more permits issued than spaces available in many areas.
Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
I'll be living in Zone 1 no matter what.. likely somewhere accessible to Canary Wharf but not too close. So far Shoreditch and Bethnal Green are appealing to me the most. I'm also interested in Camden Town too, but it may be too far away.Insurance costs may come as a shock. The whole insurance system is totally different. A policy that allows you to drive multiple vehicles (which I believe us common in the US) is almost impossible to obtain here, especially for someone that has no driving history. And UK insurers are likely to ignore your US record and treat you as a high risk 'unknown'.
Insurance is another thing I am fearing. Florida insurance is extremely cheap. I'm not sure if the following will make sense to a UK resident.. but I'll give it a try.
For only the '00 Honda Insight on my insurance policy, where I live, with Progressive (name of insurance company), I pay the upfront 6-month fee of about $513 USD. (~339 GBP)
That price gets me coverage levels of $50,000/$100,000.
Which means;
Property damage coverage of $50,000 each accident.
Bodily Injury Liability of $50,000 each person or $100,000 each accident
Coverage against an uninsured motorist in the amount of $50,000 each person or $100,000 each accident
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in the amount of $10,000 per accident payable to Named Insured and/or Resident Relatives if hurt in an accident. - Side note: I have very good health insurance (we don't have NHS here) so I don't really need PIP. My personal health insurance will cover most accident related injuries.
Comprehensive coverage with a $250 deductible - Means that if my car is damaged by weather, theft, a riot, or if I hit a cow (hypothetically speaking.. I don't hit cattle often) and my car requires repairs as a result, I only have to pay the first $250 of the repairs. Insurance covers the rest
Collision coverage with a $250 deductible - means that if I hit someone, crash my car into a Wal-Mart (why not?), or someone crashes into my poor Insight again, I would only be liable for the first $250 in repair costs towards my car.
Not a bad deal I guess
Much cheaper than what I paid for insurance living in PA.Edited by element6 on Wednesday 7th January 06:34
Edited by element6 on Wednesday 7th January 06:36
Green with envy here! Any of those areas you mentioned will be fantastic places to live.
Im looking at those areas (and various others) for when I qualify as an Optometrist, hopefully in early 2016.
Deptford is an area which is very good for access to Canary Wharf (just over the river). It's an 'up-and-coming' area, with tons of new-builds springing up, some of which offer views of the city and secure underground parking for not much money (relatively speaking!). Doesn't quite have the glamour of Camden though...
If parking your pride-and-joy looks like it may be an issue in these areas, somewhere like Deptford may provide a nice solution.
Already picturing myself rolling through the gates of my secure carpark in my *insert gorgeous, usable classic car here*, then popping out onto my balcony and enjoying a nice Rioja while taking in the views.
Im looking at those areas (and various others) for when I qualify as an Optometrist, hopefully in early 2016.
Deptford is an area which is very good for access to Canary Wharf (just over the river). It's an 'up-and-coming' area, with tons of new-builds springing up, some of which offer views of the city and secure underground parking for not much money (relatively speaking!). Doesn't quite have the glamour of Camden though...
If parking your pride-and-joy looks like it may be an issue in these areas, somewhere like Deptford may provide a nice solution.
Already picturing myself rolling through the gates of my secure carpark in my *insert gorgeous, usable classic car here*, then popping out onto my balcony and enjoying a nice Rioja while taking in the views.
daveofedinburgh said:
Green with envy here! Any of those areas you mentioned will be fantastic places to live.
Im looking at those areas (and various others) for when I qualify as an Optometrist, hopefully in early 2016.
Deptford is an area which is very good for access to Canary Wharf (just over the river). It's an 'up-and-coming' area, with tons of new-builds springing up, some of which offer views of the city and secure underground parking for not much money (relatively speaking!). Doesn't quite have the glamour of Camden though...
If parking your pride-and-joy looks like it may be an issue in these areas, somewhere like Deptford may provide a nice solution.
Already picturing myself rolling through the gates of my secure carpark in my *insert gorgeous, usable classic car here*, then popping out onto my balcony and enjoying a nice Rioja while taking in the views.
HahaIm looking at those areas (and various others) for when I qualify as an Optometrist, hopefully in early 2016.
Deptford is an area which is very good for access to Canary Wharf (just over the river). It's an 'up-and-coming' area, with tons of new-builds springing up, some of which offer views of the city and secure underground parking for not much money (relatively speaking!). Doesn't quite have the glamour of Camden though...
If parking your pride-and-joy looks like it may be an issue in these areas, somewhere like Deptford may provide a nice solution.
Already picturing myself rolling through the gates of my secure carpark in my *insert gorgeous, usable classic car here*, then popping out onto my balcony and enjoying a nice Rioja while taking in the views.
A very clear image you've got painted there. Best of luck to you. Time will tell where I end up. I may just end up being in a place like that where I'd have a secure place to park a decent car.
I'm wondering how I go about insuring such a car now.. I'm going to go to a AAA office (american automobile association.. Sort of a roadside assistance provider and travel agency in one) before I leave to get an international driver's license. I have a full driver's license here, full motorcycle license, and a boating license too.. But what I read on one of the UK gov pages is that I won't be eligible to apply for a UK license until I've had an address in the UK for 185 days. So until then, do I need to insure myself with an international driver's license or my state issued one or is there another way to go about it?
It seems to me that insurance will be extremely expensive for me until I am eligible for a UK driver's license. I'm 28 and have a good driving record. But when I put in my details to an online insurance quote site, I'm getting the low, paid in full annual quotes of 4000GBP for such exhilarating vehicles as a 2010 MB E250 Blue Efficiency saloon. Just choose that as it is fairly inexpensive, slow, and common.
Any of you US expats care to chime in on the insurance situation for the first 185 days?
I'm coming over on either a tier 2 general (fingers crossed) or tier 2 ICT visa if that makes any difference.
Edited by element6 on Thursday 8th January 02:26
I'm surprised you haven't been constantly reminded about the climate. Has anybody told you that it's cold and it rains a lot yet? Come on people, we're supposed to be British... and nobody is moaning about it?
This is relevant by the way. Rust is a big problem on older cars, more so than in the US and so I recommend paying extra for a truly rust-free car and protecting it for daily use. Not such an issue on the Elise, of couse, being that the 'chassy' is made from 'aluminum'.
This is relevant by the way. Rust is a big problem on older cars, more so than in the US and so I recommend paying extra for a truly rust-free car and protecting it for daily use. Not such an issue on the Elise, of couse, being that the 'chassy' is made from 'aluminum'.
BritishRacinGrin said:
I'm surprised you haven't been constantly reminded about the climate. Has anybody told you that it rains a lot yet?
That might be because it doesn't. Miami gets nearly 3 times as much rainfall as London. London is also drier than many S.European cities, such as Toulouse, Naples and Rome.element6 said:
It seems to me that insurance will be extremely expensive for me until I am eligible for a UK driver's license. I'm 28 and have a good driving record. But when I put in my details to an online insurance quote site, I'm getting the low, paid in full annual quotes of 4000GBP for such exhilarating vehicles as a 2010 MB E250 Blue Efficiency saloon. Just choose that as it is fairly inexpensive, slow, and common.
I'm not sure where classic insurers stand with regards to using an international license, but if you're looking at older cars for weekend use then that's a solid way to go about it.I pay £117/year for my BMW E34 520i (also inexpensive, slow and common). It's a 5000 mile/year policy with commuting included - although it's seldom used for that - an agreed value and salvage retention.
dench said:
Brace yourself for proper full spec'd euro automobiles once you get there. Enjoy.
I remember a US Passat forum wetting themselves over the fact that someone had rescued the 1998 Passat TDI show car, of which there were 2 (?) in the whole of the US. It wasn't even the 110 bhp version!Welcome OP, and enjoy. TBH I'd happily trade with you and enjoy your big V8s and sunshine!
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