Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

vivekiny2k · 5th October 2005, 16:38

Hi guys,
i am told to leave for US in coming weeks. may stay there for an year or so.
but needed some idea on buying my wheels there.

I am going to Irving,TX. means no chilling winters, but hot in summers though. I can make do with a bike......that means I will try to pick up a good bike, and a so so car (resalablility is important).

would love to invest money on bike if it means I can bring to india later. I know i can hire harleys in TX for the weekend (though costlier than most cars), so need to make my mind on what to take.

BTW, i am 29, and going to be with family. more interested in cruisers. here are some questions for the experienced folks.

1. license formalities. how shud i go about it. does IDP work good in TX? and how difficult it is to get a 2 wheeler license.

2. what are the cars i shud be looking at. keeping in mind the rising fuel prices. in fact i wud love to drive an old long impala

. but again resalabilty is an issue. looked at ebay and figured out i can get 1995+ make in 2kUSD....wud prefer jap cars though.

3. any tips before i make any proceedings.

please throw in ur suggestions, am listening.

aah78 · 6th October 2005, 17:51

vivekiny2k:
go through the following websites related to the texas motor vehicle dept.

DMV.ORG - Texas

Online DMV - Texas

Texas Department of Public Safety

you'll get your required information on these websites.
as you're coming with family i'd recommend you go in for a car instead of a motorcycle, initially. Texas weather is dry & hot, so a car will work out much better for everyday use.
also, there is no way you're going to get all your groceries on a motorcycle.
you should be able to get a good deal on a used car. 2nd hand japanese cars will be available aplenty but they will be slightly higher priced than their american or european counterparts. reliability will depend on how the previous owner(s) have treated the car so you'll have to be careful while shopping (ofcourse!) but i'm sure your colleagues here will guide you regarding that aspect.
i'd recommend, you keep the old used impala aside for the time being as it'll probably spend more time in the workshop than with you.
ping me if you need any specific info.

ad

vivekiny2k · 6th October 2005, 18:09

thanks ad.

will go thru it. once I land there, i might have more questions.

Mpower · 11th October 2005, 07:53

Dude

Talk to Raihan. He made the same move recently to the states.

turbo_lover · 11th October 2005, 11:11

hey dude ..
cant say much about the cruiser bike ..

but yeah ..
what kind of a budget are you looking at for the car ?
popular jap options would be
Honda -Civic 2/4dr ,Accord 2/4dr
Toyota - Camry ,Corolla,Echo

japs as mpower said will be costlier to purchase but with a high resale value ..quality of the vehicle will depend on its previous ownership..

vivekiny2k · 13th March 2006, 20:56

So here i bring up my old thread to life. I got my license, and looking for cars. mosly Jap.

mostly mid sized cars like corolla and mitsubishi galant, i am getting around 4-6K. I also had help from my friends who say they may be a good deal.

What do you guys think about a 2002 Mitsu montero. quote is close to 7K. and since i am not expcting to drive much in next few months because of expanding family, i think i don't need to worry about mileage. My office is hardly 1-2 mile from my home.

any more inputs? especially any lateral thoughts?

Bike is on hold as of now. just a question, what is the minimum age for a pillion on bike

.

thanks in advance.

aah78 · 14th March 2006, 19:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

So here i bring up my old thread to life. I got my license, and looking for cars. mosly Jap.

mostly mid sized cars like corolla and mitsubishi galant, i am getting around 4-6K.

try craigslist to look for cars around your area. you can browse to the city closest to you -> dallas, houston, el paso, etc. and then in the for sale section, go to cars+trucks or motorcycles.

its better than ebay Motors in the sense that most of the listings are local and you can go check the vehicle out for yourself instead of blindly bidding on it online.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vivekiny2k

what is the minimum age for a pillion on bike

rule varies state-wise so you're better off calling the Texas DMV at the number on their website to get a proper reply.

check out the website links i've put up in this post earlier for the number.

ad

raihan · 14th March 2006, 23:34

yeah man I can vouch for craigslist, I bought my Integara from there.
cheers,
Raihan

sonic · 21st March 2006, 14:00

You can also try www.vehix.com.

~Sonic

shan_jp · 21st March 2006, 14:35

you can even try sulekha.com or eknazar.com

DaPilot · 24th March 2006, 01:25

Just a word of caution... be very careful when you buy any used car from a used car dealer, these guys are leaches... they will treat you like king before you make a deal and once you sign the papers you are on your own, no after sales service no nothing (some will even talk like you committing a crime by going back to them)

So my advice is to search for private party sellers... you will get a better deal and more negotiating power! (As mentioned by some folks earlier CL and Ebay motors are the best)

>> Always ask for a carfax report (this will tell you if there were any accidents etc)
>> Title should be clear... (no salvage, rebuild title)
>> Fewer owners the better (one or two owners is good)
>> Service records... (Usually ppl who care of their cars keep all service records)
>> Also if possible get an inspection done before you make the deal (they will tell you if there's any major work pending)

Most important... don’t expect the car to be perfect, its used so you should expect issues (and hope the issues are minor)

Oh and DONT FORGET you'll be buying insurance and that's a killer in most states I duno about texas (never lived there) but the north east is really bad when it comes to insurance...
for an example I use to pay 4500 per year when i bought my first car (lot of factors involved like the made/model of the car, age of the driver, number of drivers, how old is your US license, etc...) So also look for insurance quotes before making a deal...

Good luck.. Let me know if you have any specific questions!

Neel · 24th March 2006, 09:19

Regarding Cars:
Since it's going to be for a year, i'd suggest you go for a japanese vehicle...it may be a little higher, but will give you some money back when plan to come back.
Nissan/Honda/Toyota

navin · 24th March 2006, 10:11

I'd look at a Jap car only becuase it will be your only car. An Accord or Camry or Maxima would be best suited. Reliable and safe. Otherwise a BMW 3 series is good too.

I would even sugest getting on used and not bothering to get it back what with this LHD-RHD thing.

highwayblaze · 24th March 2006, 11:05

Brother

) if u rent a bike you'll have to live on the street. Bike rentals are wayyyy to expensive here. I tried renting a bike once before I had mine, it was unbelievable exhorbitant. They ask for a 1500$ deposit apart from the minimum 90$ per day rent.

vivekiny2k · 25th March 2006, 02:36

thanks guys,

so keeping everything in mind, i went for a mitsubishi galant. 2002 model. black with grey interior. getting it for 4.8K (tax included). it's from an official dealer thru a mutual friend. have done the carfax and 20 point check from firestone.

@Dapilot: I agree with the used car issues thing. There is no perfect car, just a perfectly maintained car. just like there is nothing like a perfect life................

buying insrance from geico, the quote is 760 for 6 months. hopefully it will reduce in next term.

as mentioned in my thread in tyres section, i have reverted back to 15inch wheels from 17inch, after talking to bridgestone guys.

getting the delivery today eve, will post the pics as soon as i have them.
have a nice weekend.

5th October 2005, 16:38
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 140 Times View My Garage	Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America Hi guys, i am told to leave for US in coming weeks. may stay there for an year or so. but needed some idea on buying my wheels there. I am going to Irving,TX. means no chilling winters, but hot in summers though. I can make do with a bike......that means I will try to pick up a good bike, and a so so car (resalablility is important). would love to invest money on bike if it means I can bring to india later. I know i can hire harleys in TX for the weekend (though costlier than most cars), so need to make my mind on what to take. BTW, i am 29, and going to be with family. more interested in cruisers. here are some questions for the experienced folks. 1. license formalities. how shud i go about it. does IDP work good in TX? and how difficult it is to get a 2 wheeler license. 2. what are the cars i shud be looking at. keeping in mind the rising fuel prices. in fact i wud love to drive an old long impala . but again resalabilty is an issue. looked at ebay and figured out i can get 1995+ make in 2kUSD....wud prefer jap cars though. 3. any tips before i make any proceedings. please throw in ur suggestions, am listening.
	() Thanks

6th October 2005, 17:51
aah78 Team-BHP Support Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: New York & Mumbai (Bombay) Posts: 2,214 Thanked: 183 Times View My Garage	texas dept. of motor vehicles vivekiny2k: go through the following websites related to the texas motor vehicle dept. DMV.ORG - Texas Online DMV - Texas Texas Department of Public Safety you'll get your required information on these websites. as you're coming with family i'd recommend you go in for a car instead of a motorcycle, initially. Texas weather is dry & hot, so a car will work out much better for everyday use. also, there is no way you're going to get all your groceries on a motorcycle. you should be able to get a good deal on a used car. 2nd hand japanese cars will be available aplenty but they will be slightly higher priced than their american or european counterparts. reliability will depend on how the previous owner(s) have treated the car so you'll have to be careful while shopping (ofcourse!) but i'm sure your colleagues here will guide you regarding that aspect. i'd recommend, you keep the old used impala aside for the time being as it'll probably spend more time in the workshop than with you. ping me if you need any specific info. ad
	() Thanks

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6th October 2005, 18:09
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 140 Times View My Garage	thanks ad. will go thru it. once I land there, i might have more questions.
	() Thanks

11th October 2005, 07:53
Mpower Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: US/B'lore Posts: 9,283 Thanked: 643 Times View My Garage	Dude Talk to Raihan. He made the same move recently to the states.
	() Thanks

11th October 2005, 11:11
turbo_lover Senior - BHPian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Windsor Posts: 1,371 Thanked: 0 Times	hey dude .. cant say much about the cruiser bike .. but yeah .. what kind of a budget are you looking at for the car ? popular jap options would be Honda -Civic 2/4dr ,Accord 2/4dr Toyota - Camry ,Corolla,Echo japs as mpower said will be costlier to purchase but with a high resale value ..quality of the vehicle will depend on its previous ownership..
	() Thanks

13th March 2006, 20:56
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 140 Times View My Garage	So here i bring up my old thread to life. I got my license, and looking for cars. mosly Jap. mostly mid sized cars like corolla and mitsubishi galant, i am getting around 4-6K. I also had help from my friends who say they may be a good deal. What do you guys think about a 2002 Mitsu montero. quote is close to 7K. and since i am not expcting to drive much in next few months because of expanding family, i think i don't need to worry about mileage. My office is hardly 1-2 mile from my home. any more inputs? especially any lateral thoughts? Bike is on hold as of now. just a question, what is the minimum age for a pillion on bike . thanks in advance.
	() Thanks

14th March 2006, 23:34
raihan BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: CA/bangalore Posts: 162 Thanked: 11 Times	yeah man I can vouch for craigslist, I bought my Integara from there. cheers, Raihan
	() Thanks

21st March 2006, 14:00
sonic BHPian Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 97 Thanked: 0 Times	You can also try www.vehix.com. ~Sonic
	() Thanks

21st March 2006, 14:35
shan_jp BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 32 Thanked: 0 Times	you can even try sulekha.com or eknazar.com
	() Thanks

24th March 2006, 01:25
DaPilot BHPian Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Newport (JC), NJ - USA Posts: 187 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Just a word of caution... be very careful when you buy any used car from a used car dealer, these guys are leaches... they will treat you like king before you make a deal and once you sign the papers you are on your own, no after sales service no nothing (some will even talk like you committing a crime by going back to them) So my advice is to search for private party sellers... you will get a better deal and more negotiating power! (As mentioned by some folks earlier CL and Ebay motors are the best) >> Always ask for a carfax report (this will tell you if there were any accidents etc) >> Title should be clear... (no salvage, rebuild title) >> Fewer owners the better (one or two owners is good) >> Service records... (Usually ppl who care of their cars keep all service records) >> Also if possible get an inspection done before you make the deal (they will tell you if there's any major work pending) Most important... don’t expect the car to be perfect, its used so you should expect issues (and hope the issues are minor) Oh and DONT FORGET you'll be buying insurance and that's a killer in most states I duno about texas (never lived there) but the north east is really bad when it comes to insurance... for an example I use to pay 4500 per year when i bought my first car (lot of factors involved like the made/model of the car, age of the driver, number of drivers, how old is your US license, etc...) So also look for insurance quotes before making a deal... Good luck.. Let me know if you have any specific questions!
	() Thanks

24th March 2006, 09:19
Neel BHPian Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 143 Thanked: 3 Times	Regarding Cars: Since it's going to be for a year, i'd suggest you go for a japanese vehicle...it may be a little higher, but will give you some money back when plan to come back. Nissan/Honda/Toyota
	() Thanks

24th March 2006, 10:11
navin Team-BHP Support Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: mumbai Posts: 17,975 Thanked: 1,113 Times	I'd look at a Jap car only becuase it will be your only car. An Accord or Camry or Maxima would be best suited. Reliable and safe. Otherwise a BMW 3 series is good too. I would even sugest getting on used and not bothering to get it back what with this LHD-RHD thing.
	() Thanks

Thread Tools

24th March 2006, 11:05
highwayblaze BHPian Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Chicago/Mumbai/Pune Posts: 771 Thanked: 0 Times View My Garage	Brother ) if u rent a bike you'll have to live on the street. Bike rentals are wayyyy to expensive here. I tried renting a bike once before I had mine, it was unbelievable exhorbitant. They ask for a 1500$ deposit apart from the minimum 90$ per day rent.
	() Thanks

25th March 2006, 02:36
vivekiny2k Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: cincinnati, jabalpur,chennai Posts: 1,223 Thanked: 140 Times View My Garage	thanks guys, so keeping everything in mind, i went for a mitsubishi galant. 2002 model. black with grey interior. getting it for 4.8K (tax included). it's from an official dealer thru a mutual friend. have done the carfax and 20 point check from firestone. @Dapilot: I agree with the used car issues thing. There is no perfect car, just a perfectly maintained car. just like there is nothing like a perfect life................ buying insrance from geico, the quote is 760 for 6 months. hopefully it will reduce in next term. as mentioned in my thread in tyres section, i have reverted back to 15inch wheels from 17inch, after talking to bridgestone guys. getting the delivery today eve, will post the pics as soon as i have them. have a nice weekend.
	() Thanks