Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
also realise that this group has an international audience.
If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
I need to two family vehicles.
In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand car
information.
Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the USA.
Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
vehicle.
My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most of
their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
are.
Any advice gratefully received.
Stuart
long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
also realise that this group has an international audience.
If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
I need to two family vehicles.
In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand car
information.
Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the USA.
Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
vehicle.
My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most of
their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
are.
Any advice gratefully received.
Stuart
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
Can't specifically help (except for a "good luck!"), but the chaps (and
chapesses) at my company in Dallas have been a mine of information about
such things - and that's just from chatting, rather that me planning to move
over there.
So... ask co-workers, if possible.
I've probably been amazingly lucky, but - IMV - the first time I find a
nastily unhelpful American, then (s)he's either trying to rob me or employed
as a politician (delete option if applicable ;o)
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
P.S. Each State has variations.. from what I've heard of the move of our new
CEO from DC to Texas - bring a flask of tea with you: they'll make Reading
DVLA seem efficient (average waiting time 22 minutes in September, according
to the printed ticket; try not to ask about October, November, or December -
judging by my experiences, at any rate) \
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>
> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>
> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
> I need to two family vehicles.
> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
car
> information.
>
> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
USA.
>
> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>
> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
> vehicle.
>
> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
of
> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local pitfalls
> are.
>
> Any advice gratefully received.
>
> Stuart
http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
reliability information going back several years.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
(April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come with
3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work on
European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if you
buy out of state. Good luck!
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Very OT: Car Buying in the USA
"Ian S" <iws51remove@***.net> wrote in message
news:kX0tf.2899$ZA5.2005@fed1read05...
> "Stuart" <dontuse@this.co.uk> wrote in message
> news:lPTsf.61394$vl2.60458@fe2.news.blueyonder.co. uk...
>> I have had some excellent feedback from this group in the past, this is a
>> long shot but I hope that someone may be able to provide some insight. I
>> also realise that this group has an international audience.
>>
>> If you can point me at another more appropriate group then please do.
>>
>> I may be moving to the USA for about 1-2 years, California specifically.
>> I need to two family vehicles.
>> In the UK I was very impressed with www.HonestJohn.co.uk for second-hand
> car
>> information.
>>
>> Does anyone know of any other good sites pertaining to the USA that could
>> accelerate my understanding of how the second-hand market works in the
> USA.
>>
>> Bought my last UK car at auction and it has been an excellent buy.
>>
>> I have heard that www.carfax.com is good for checking the background of a
>> vehicle.
>>
>> My main goals will be to get good reliable vehicles, that have lost most
> of
>> their depreciation already. However, I am not sure what the local
>> pitfalls
>> are.
>>
>> Any advice gratefully received.
>>
>> Stuart
>
> http://www.edmunds.com/ is one place to start. They have a lot of info on
> used cars especially prices. For more independent information, Consumer
> Reports does a lot of car testing and maintains a large database of
> reliability information going back several years.
> http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home.htm Some of their website is only
> available to subscribers. Their monthly magazine devotes an entire issue
> (April) every year to automobiles both new and used. A summary of their
> testing is available in an annual Buyers' Guide published in December.
>
> As far as the used car market itself, the best cars will most easily be
> found at a new car dealer but at the highest price. Many cars now come
> with
> 3-4 year warranties so you may still get one under the manufacturer's
> warranty even if it's a couple of years old. If you buy from an individual
> you can often get a good deal but you really have to know what a car is
> worth and be alert to and understand possible mechanical problems - caveat
> emptor! There are aftermarket warranties available but they will typically
> exclude many items. It is easy to find independent mechanics to work on
> American and Japanese models; there are typically fewer available to work
> on
> European cars. Since you'll be registering your car in California, it's
> important to buy one that meets California smog regulations to avoid a lot
> of hassle. That's no problem if you buy in California but can be one if
> you
> buy out of state. Good luck!
>
>
Thanks for taking the time to write this up, much appreciated.
Some excellent points to consider.
Stuart