Buying a car in NY

[GreigM]

It looks like I'll be spending some extended periods in the USA and need to get myself some wheels - would rather buy than rent and believe if I look hard enough I can get insurance to cover a foreigner (some reports that Progressive can do it over the phone, possibly also Geico or a local broker). We're renting a place, so will have an address but no SSN as I won't be formally staying in the US (at least not initially - may go that route if this inspires enough business to justify it) and no US driving license.....so my questions.....assuming I can source insurance:

1. Where is the best place to buy a reasonable used car? Looking for something which will be reliable but don't want to get ripped off....should I just go to one of the numerous "auto-mall" type dealerships

2. Will be paying cash, or credit card (as I assume no-one will give credit to a foreigner without a SSN) - will this give me bargaining power in todays economy? Or are the sticker prices pretty much what you'll pay?

3. What should I buy - its going to be Westchester area of NY so can be snowy in the winter - should I be looking at a 4x4/SUV style or is a simple Focus style thing. Not looking for driving experience here; functional, reliable and price are key - have previously rented a pontiac G6 which was a reasonble enough car and I seem to be able to get one of these in fairly recent model years with <30,000 on the clock for around the $12,000 mark.....given these criteria what is a good functional car which will get me from A to B reliably, work in the winter, not be too big or difficult to park (my Mrs will be there also!)....what would you be looking at?

[GreigM]

steve.c said:

Can't help on what to buy but also remember you will need to sit a driving test to obtain a Ny state driver license, your UK one is only valid for a short while when driving over there.

Can drive legally on the UK one for up to a year, so not an issue - if we're there anywhere near that time then I'd be getting a visa and sitting the test....so this is for the first 3 to 6 months initially...

[GreigM]

Thanks guys, particluarly Mr Velox - very very useful stuff.....gives me something to think about...

[GreigM]

hmmm, yes I imagine even if I go down the L1 process and get a SSN it may take a loooooong time to get decent credit.

In the meantime I may be able to get one of my US friends to buy the car - is there a concept of a "named driver" on insurance policies - i.e. if he buys and insures the car can he add my name to the insurance to give me cover.....

[GreigM]

thanks craig, very interesting - did know a bit about bonded cards, so will go that route....

[GreigM]

All interesting stuff - have an Amex card (in fact have about a dozen of the bloody things) so they would be a possible route......will investigate HSBC, put presuming it means you'd have to currently have an account with them in the UK...or can they do this for anyone?

[GreigM]

MrVelox said:

They also apparently seize your UK License and destroy it when they issue a NY one.

Although while they can do anything they like to the physical license, it doesn't invalidate it in the UK, so just give em a "spare"

Surprised if they would follow through on attempting to seize your foreign license as they have no real jurisdiction to do so...