american adventure
Discussion
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)
(I think this budget gives me a car value of $40-60K)
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.

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!)

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.
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!)
Calm down dear!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.

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!)

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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 missuscar 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.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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