american adventure
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Discussion

stlo

Original Poster:

9 posts

201 months

Wednesday 18th September 2013
quotequote all
So, im possibly going to work in the states for a few years. Budget is $500-600 pcm for a leased vehicle. Just me and the wife at the moment. Heading to the north so some crappy weather in the winter. What do you think i should go for? if its interesting and it happens i'll blog the experience on here!
(I think this budget gives me a car value of $40-60K)

sawman

5,166 posts

259 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
toyota fj cruiser, would be great for exploring the great outdoors and winter wonderland

5potTurbo

13,658 posts

197 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
sawman said:
toyota fj cruiser, would be great for exploring the great outdoors and winter wonderland
Really? I know there are some crap cars, and roads, in the U.S., but the FJ is right up there with the pinnacle of crapiness.



Have you driven one, sawman? The side panels are massive blind spots.


OP: For that kind of monthly fee in the U.S., you can rent a LOT of vehicle, but I wouldn't make it the FJ. smile
The lease consts depend also on the state you'll be located. e.g. in Illinois $559 will get you a 36 month lease on X5 35d.

(Now I'll find out sawman owns load of FJs!) paperbag

s70rmp

678 posts

158 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
which part of the north ?

me I'd be looking at a Cadillac CTS or ATS with AWD

zedx19

3,046 posts

169 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
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Can't you get an Evoque for that sorta money in the US?

aspirated

2,540 posts

175 months

Thursday 19th September 2013
quotequote all
Where's 300/bhp when you need him?

sawman

5,166 posts

259 months

Friday 20th September 2013
quotequote all
5potTurbo said:
Really? I know there are some crap cars, and roads, in the U.S., but the FJ is right up there with the pinnacle of crapiness.



Have you driven one, sawman? The side panels are massive blind spots.


OP: For that kind of monthly fee in the U.S., you can rent a LOT of vehicle, but I wouldn't make it the FJ. smile
The lease consts depend also on the state you'll be located. e.g. in Illinois $559 will get you a 36 month lease on X5 35d.

(Now I'll find out sawman owns load of FJs!) paperbag
Calm down dear!

I havent driven one of these, and they may well be dreadful, however I would expect it to be reliable and winterproof. plus as they arent available in the UK would be an interesting departure from the euroblandness that is bmw.

If the OP is having a few years adventure in the USA, he might as well do some things he couldnt do in the UK. personally I'd go with something older and yankee. I can guarantee that dynamically it would be inferior to the fj, and X5 but it might be fun

stlo

Original Poster:

9 posts

201 months

Thursday 3rd October 2013
quotequote all
Yeah I think the opportunity is for something american that I wouldnt choose to run on UK roads, maybe a challenger r/t and then a 4x4 for the wintery days?

Ct is the state I would be headed to.

I think that I will be more likely to get new car(s) for simplicity and the ability to arrange purchase prior to arrival.

Watchman

6,391 posts

274 months

Thursday 3rd October 2013
quotequote all
F150 Raptor.

s70rmp

678 posts

158 months

Thursday 3rd October 2013
quotequote all
CT is a great place

which part you going to be in ?


scott15

198 posts

188 months

Thursday 3rd October 2013
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If you were to buy a car outright instead, would you still be receiving that money?

If so, buy something cheap as soon as you get there. Save the money up for a while, and buy yourself some really cool American metal cool

fttm

4,553 posts

164 months

Friday 4th October 2013
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If you're up here in bad weather forget any pick up trucks and go for all wheel drive SUVs , Jeep Grand Cherokee please sir .

skyrover

12,700 posts

233 months

Friday 4th October 2013
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North american winters?

Your going to want something with 4 wheel drive without a doubt.

If you get a pickup truck you can load the back up with snow for more traction smile

stlo

Original Poster:

9 posts

201 months

Tuesday 8th October 2013
quotequote all
RAPTOR looks like a bit of fun - can't imagine the missus watching me fill the back with snow!!!! maybe i'll stick to sandbags like i do in my 3 series.

car money is not an allowance its just a part of disposable????? income

not many raptors coming up used and the new price specced up is at the top of the budget

current front runner in the new market would be an AWD JUKE for the misses then A challenger R/T - or a 370Z

waiting for some dealer feedback on leasing used vehicles although judging by the relics on lizard lick towing they will lease just about anything to anyone.

The wife has a weird affection for chrysler crossfires (6years old 16000miles at 15k USD) which might make the raptor feasible.



Dr G

15,944 posts

271 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
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Audi S4 sneaks into budget but it would almost be a shame not to enjoy some proper Americana whilst out there.

skyrover

12,700 posts

233 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
quotequote all
stlo said:
RAPTOR looks like a bit of fun - can't imagine the missus watching me fill the back with snow!!!! maybe i'll stick to sandbags like i do in my 3 series.

car money is not an allowance its just a part of disposable????? income

not many raptors coming up used and the new price specced up is at the top of the budget

current front runner in the new market would be an AWD JUKE for the misses then A challenger R/T - or a 370Z

waiting for some dealer feedback on leasing used vehicles although judging by the relics on lizard lick towing they will lease just about anything to anyone.

The wife has a weird affection for chrysler crossfires (6years old 16000miles at 15k USD) which might make the raptor feasible.
Ford explorer would be my recommendation for your missus


santona1937

871 posts

159 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
quotequote all
Depends on where in CT, if you are in one of the NYC commuter towns, greenwich etc then you dont need a 4x4 or suv, if you are out in the boonies you will.
If you dont want to or need to carry kids around ya gotta go for a big V8 muscle car, Camaro, Stang, viper, etc. I would go Vette all the way.

santona1937

871 posts

159 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
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If you can stretch to it the Bass 770.... smile
for a cheaper option but muscle all the way in the Taurus SHO, 365BHP.

DS3R

13,250 posts

195 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
quotequote all
skyrover said:
Ford explorer would be my recommendation for your missus

Awesome...

There are some American cars, that just look SO MUCH better than anything the same company sells in blighty...

thetwistybits

16 posts

161 months

Wednesday 9th October 2013
quotequote all
Not to rain on your parade here......

Having done a similar move myself i would make sure your company you work for is "signing" or "Co-Signing" the lease.

When you first arrive you will not be able to lease a car in your own name as the sole signer for at least 6 months due to not having a credit score and history.

Getting a car loan is actually easier that a lease, the manufacturers see leasing as a greater risk and want to see a "good car related credit history" (car loan basically) before they will consider leasing.

It was so frustrating when we first got here, the lease market here in the states have some incredible deals.