Leasing a car
 

Hello everyone, I just moved to Texas. Curious to know how other expats have gone about leasing a car. My main concern is that I do not have any credit history here. Can I even lease a car? Do I need a Texas driver license to lease a car? Finally, what is the average cost per month for say, a standard car, nothing fancy. Thanks in advance

Re: Leasing a car
 

Yes

No (but you do need to obtain a TX license PDQ - I think Texas gives you no more than 90 days. You will need to do a road test.)

Budget probably $5k down and $250-$300 mth for say a Ford Focus, or basic Fusion (Mondeo), but be aware that exceeding the annual mileage allowance can get very expensive very quickly, and you will drive a lot further than you did in the UK.

Re: Leasing a car
 

You're right about your lack of credit history being an issue.
Do you have your social security number yet?

It would have been easier to do this ahead of arriving in the USA.
Try international autosource - they usually only do the leases before you arrive but I've heard that it is possible for them to do it immediately after arrival.
Expatride are worth a try.

VW have an expat programme which is pretty good. Obviously limited to vw and possibly audi. If you live near Austin, the VW dealership south of the city on 135 are well versed in dealing with new arrivals.

Mazda also do their own financing and will do leases for expats.

Re: Leasing a car
 

Where in Texas? I was in Houston and we used a credit union called Advancial and they are really good with expats. Lent me the money for two cars before I even landed in the country

Re: Leasing a car
 

Thanks. I'm in Dallas. I already have my SSN from working in the US a few years ago. Could get the company to lease it on my behalf perhaps.

Re: Leasing a car
 

I shall look up that company in houston

Re: Leasing a car
 

Advancial have their main offices in Dallas. They are very open to giving new immigrants credit cards and loans.