park99

Does anyone have experiences buying a used car as new expats? We are very new in San Diego and the car dealers seemed lost when we ask about buying the car through finance - in our case, we don't have credit history here yet, our credit cards won't be approved for another two months...
What should we do?

Also, anyone feel that used car price in US is much more expensive than UK ? I thought cars are cheap here...

Rete

Cars are not cheap in the US. Used car dealerships have to cover costs and make a profit, thus the higher mark-up. Cost to obtain the vehicle, fit it (hopefully) plus profit.

SanDiegogirl

I bought a car (allbeit a new one) when I first came to the US - had to pay finance charges well over the going rate to get finance, but no problem with actually getting the deal.
Don't know why the dealers would be lost when asking about financing a car..... they are usually only too keen to do a finance deal as they get a nice backhander for such arrangements.

Olly_

New cars are generally cheaper than the UK, used cars are more expensive.

LouisB

I seem to recall the opposite problem.

Every dealer I tried seemed to have a new higher price without their finance, where they obviously make their money...

plus a lot of conmen out their, cars not up to scratch, not up to adverts, hidden costs, a lot of time wasting.

in the end found you can get some of the best deals from ex-rental places where cars are honest, well serviced and nearly new with low prices, sold to sell, no fuss and no finance. They made their money on rental, cars don’t get old or high mileage so you can often get a good deal... worth a thought.

tom169

Haggle on everything. Don't be afraid to walk out and get a call begging you to come back. Save up money and pay cash.

sherbert

Bought all three of our cars on Craigslist. Use caution, take it to a mechanic to do a once over, make sure the owner has the title (i.e. the 'title of ownership' in hand). Check Carfax to see if the car has been in an accident etc. Exchange papers and cheques in the bank or other public place.

Guindalf

When you consider there are a bunch of extras added to the cost of a car (new OR used), like document fees, tag fees, tax and sometimes dealer profit items like rustproofing, window etching, etc., and the fact that, apart from manufacturer's warranty (or if there's any, the remainder on a used car), everything is sold without any kind of warranty! Sure, they'll SELL you one if you want, but that's even more expense.

Dealers will not let you drive off the lot without valid insurance - or at least, they are legally obliged to check it!

OldJuddian

When I moved to San Diego I found the same problem of no credit, however I was fortunate as I had just sold my UK house and had to use some of the proceeds of that.
I bought my wife's car from CarMax in Escondido, and had to pay by cheque as I could not get finance. My own car was from Nissan and they too would not offer finance. It made a very expensive welcome to San Diego

Many of my friends ended up with VWs as they did have an expat program offering loans.

park99

On a separate note: Is there any groups in San Diego for the Brits expats? It seems we have some members here live in SD.
I have checked meetup but not much luck.

scrubbedexpat091

Most dealers in my experience have no problem trying to get financing for people with no credit or bad credit. Just keep trying until you find a dealer willing to try, eventually you will find one, or if you have the cash, pay cash.

civilservant

If you hear the name Santander - run, don't walk, in the other direction.

They are the subest of the sub-prime car lenders and will happily saddle you iwith 28% interest on a car.

petitefrancaise

carmax - although the financing requires a US driver's license
VW international business program will sell certified used cars
most of my people find that Mazda give them great offers on a lease car which gets them through the first few years.
why is it taking so long for a credit card? There are multiple places that will give you an unsecured credit card straight off the plane. What visa do you have?

SpoogleDrummer

Make sure you get insurance quotes before you sign up for anything, if the price of the car is a surprise then you're in for a shock with the insurance.