drunner

Hi all, we are moving to SC for 2 years early January 2017. There is a company car lined up for my husband, however I will also need one.

What are our best options for the 2 years while we are there? Leasing?

Also concerned about the lack of credit history when we arrive...I've seen posts about International Autosource, are they worth exploring or are there better options?

Guindalf

IA seems to be the way to go according to many on this site, but you MUST sign an agreement in the UK before you go, so you're cutting it fine.

Leasing may be an option, but the lack of credit history is likely to be an obstacle. Alternatively, buying an older vehicle and selling it before you go home again is a possibility.

Buy-Here Pay-Here dealers will sell you a car on finance without a credit history, but you WILL pay a premium in interest rates.

MidAtlantic

Leasing is available via International Autosource also, which overcomes the credit history problem.

Pulaski

I used IA myself and I have no reservations about recommending them, but I only used them for a purchase, not a lease.

Be aware that leases come with a mileage cap, and driving beyond that comes with a per mile charge, and you will likely drive much more than you ever would do in the UK. Also lease companies have a habit of charging you for every scratch and paint chip, and for every mark on the seats.

AlphaTangoMike

Also worth pointing out: many of the German car brands (I.e. BMW, Audi, VW) have 'expat' programs that will accommodate your lack of US credit history (and shorter lease durations - usually tied to the length of your visa)

Jack8602

I got a lease with VW 15 days after arriving in the US. they did a manual verification, called my employer, checked salary, work history, visa etc.

I believe Audi and Mazda offer expat leases of a similar nature.

Pulaski

Audi and VW are the same company!

petitefrancaise

VW and Mazda both do an expat program for buying/leasing.

International Autosource were great with us. We took 15K miles a year instead of the usual 12K. We didn't use all of the extra 9K miles but we did go over the 12k a year so it was worth it to us. We had no problems when returning the car either - a few superficial scratches were fine. No dents or dings though.

Expatride are also recommended but not used them personally. Unlike Mazda/VW with IAS and expatride you choose the car you want instead of having to take the VW/mazda option. I'd go ahead and contact all of them and see what the best deal is you can get. You can negotiate with them.

Jack8602

Their cars are quite different though. Not tried to buy an A3 in a VW dealership yet

Pulaski

Not really - the A3 is a fancy body on a Golf platform, and many other platforms are shared across the two brands.

Jack8602

Yes, agree. i think you missed the whole point of my last post, nvm

Pulaski

What, that VW dealers don't sell Audis? ..... Did that really need to be said?