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Credit/loans after relocating

Credit/loans after relocating

Old Apr 7th 2016, 9:25 am
  #16  
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Just been speaking to my local BMW Dealer (happened to be in for a service). He says that BMW offer an ExPat scheme in the USA, has anyone got any experience of it?

I'd like to stick with a BM (probably get similar model 335D 'Sportswagon' or estate as we call it) and perhaps a i3 for the other half. My questions then, anyone used BMW's expat scheme? and what's diesel like over there? I know I know.. the great petrol nation, and diesel (especially VW is seen as evil) but I like the torque

The other option is to get one of the petrol 6's (335i) I suppose... and what's BMW like over in the USA? dealer network decent, well perceived? reliable? cheap to run (as it's a fallacy they are expensive to run over here)

Cheers all
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 9:53 am
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

charlas, I replied to your post in your thread: http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-5.../#post11916074

Last edited by cautiousjon; Apr 7th 2016 at 9:59 am. Reason: Moved post to other thread
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 10:20 am
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by cautiousjon
charlas, I replied to your post in your thread: http://britishexpats.com/forum/usa-5.../#post11916074
Thanks Jon
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 12:23 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by charlas
Just been speaking to my local BMW Dealer (happened to be in for a service). He says that BMW offer an ExPat scheme in the USA, has anyone got any experience of it?

I'd like to stick with a BM (probably get similar model 335D 'Sportswagon' or estate as we call it) and perhaps a i3 for the other half. My questions then, anyone used BMW's expat scheme? and what's diesel like over there? ....
As far as I know BMW doesn't import either estate cars or diesels. .... I can't say I've looked at the BMW web site recently as they're still an aspiration for me, not a reality, but I don't recall seeing a recent (less than 10-15 years old) BMW estate, or a diesel of any age.

BMW is definitely a prestige brand here, but my limited experience with people who drive one is that they have reliability issues, particularly with the electrical systems. A neighbour had a 550 about three years ago and it was always back at the dealer, thankfully under warranty, with issues with its electronics. After 12-18 months he traded it, and the issues he had never were fixed. ..... He traded it for an M4, so BMW must be doing something right.
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 12:25 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Pulaski
As far as I know BMW doesn't import either estate cars or diesels. .... I can't say I've looked at the BMW web site recently as they're still an aspiration for me, not a reality, but I don't recall seeing a recent (less than 10-15 years old) BMW estate, or a diesel of any age.

BMW is definitely a prestige brand, but my limited experience with people who drive one is that they have reliability issues, particularly with the electrical systems. A neighbour had a 550 about three years ago and it was always back at the dealer, thankfully under warranty, with issues with its electronics. After 12-18 months he traded it, and the issues he had never were fixed. ..... He traded it for an M4, so BMW must be doing something right.
Yup they have both now, although diesels are rare as rocking (and out of decision list to be honest) and estate is called a SportsWagon (go figure) and they mainly have 5 series, but 3's do exist too. I got in touch with BMW Austin, and they are sorting figures etc for me
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 12:28 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Pulaski
He traded it for an M4, so BMW must be doing something right.
When I traded the Civic Type-R for the BMW, I was a 'I will never own a BMW' person, but needed something softer (than the R's non-existent suspension) and drove BMW, Merc, Jaaaaag and Lexus.. BM was the nicest, so bought it, and now will buy another tomorrow without even an issue.

Never had electrical issues with mine, but I suppose all manufacturers have issues.
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 12:34 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by charlas
When I traded the Civic Type-R for the BMW, I was a 'I will never own a BMW' person, but needed something softer (than the R's non-existent suspension) and drove BMW, Merc, Jaaaaag and Lexus.. BM was the nicest, ....
BMW is my "realistic dream car" of choice. There are Jags I'd drive, but there are VERY few Mercedes I would even think about driving, mostly because I don't want an automatic - I have never owned one, and don't plan to unless forced through lack of options. There are similarly few Japanese models I'd even consider, though Acura still do some manual transmissions, I think. If I won the lottery this week I would buy an M5 as my daily driver.
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Old Apr 7th 2016, 12:39 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Pulaski
BMW is my "realistic dream car" of choice. There are Jags I'd drive, but there are VERY few Mercedes I would even think about driving, mostly because I don't want an automatic - I have never owned one, and don't plan to unless forced through lack of options. If I won the lottery this week I would buy an M5 as my daily driver.
Yeah, at the time I was looking for something to get me through my post surgery blues, so 'treated' myself

The Jags have still got a bit of 'Ford' about them, and although not an issue for Ford's, is a bit offputting in a Jag

Merc's I tested them because they go hand in hand with BMW's, generally they are the 'other choice' in that sector, but yeah, I'm with you (besides the A Class 'Mental Ba** edition' I had on hire not so long back) they are boring, and never, ever buy a manual one, worth nothing as soon as off the lot.

The only BMW's I had ever considered before buying one was the M3/M5 but they are M cars, not BMW's

The Audi RS4 I test drove was 'Real Fun' though.... just sooooo expensive to run! (18 EURO MPG!)

Last edited by charlas; Apr 7th 2016 at 12:43 pm.
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Old Apr 8th 2016, 11:21 am
  #24  
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Olly_
If you can, get a UK American Express card before you leave because you can take advantage of their global transfer service to get your credit building started here.

They'll open a US account based on your UK history this way, which means you can get a decent card without resorting to rubbish secured cards.
I'll be leaving in 2 months. If I were to do this, could I get a UK one now, then just wait until I've been in the US a month to apply for one there?

Originally Posted by Pulaski
I used International Autosource, and have recommended them frequently. Buying through IA has three benefits: (i) you get finance on a car you might not otherwise be able to finance, (ii) as soon as you start making repayments you have an installment loan on your credit profile helping build your credit history, and (iii) when you arrive in the US and are running around like a headless chicken trying to get a home and/or settled, arranging utilities, getting sorted with commuting and your job, getting your driving license (required within as little as ten days, and certainly within 90 days), you already have your car sorted.
Can you buy a car from them after moving? The reason I ask is we have bought a 'beater' to use while we get settled, then once both my wife and I are working it is my intention to get her a new or nearly new Fusion. If that's the case then it might be a better option than the American Express route as like you say it is killing 2 birds with one stone.

Originally Posted by markcst
Use International Autosource for a car.


Use Advancial for a bank account (and if they see evidence of salary within 3 months into your account you'll get car loans and credit cards, I did). International Autosource introduced me.


Use AIG for insurance as they will allow you to pay on credit terms again building your rating. International Autosource will introduce you for "free".
Thank you, good to know.

Originally Posted by Pulaski
BMW is my "realistic dream car" of choice. There are Jags I'd drive, but there are VERY few Mercedes I would even think about driving, mostly because I don't want an automatic - I have never owned one, and don't plan to unless forced through lack of options. There are similarly few Japanese models I'd even consider, though Acura still do some manual transmissions, I think. If I won the lottery this week I would buy an M5 as my daily driver.
I know you are pro Manual (or should I say Stick Shift now?) and I am a fan of Auto's (At least for Daily Driving), but I think you'll see the benefits in them one day. We had many elderly customers in my dads garage who swore blind they'd never drive Auto's, and they struggle with heavy clutches in things like old Saab 9000's, then once they drove an auto they never went back
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Old Apr 8th 2016, 11:25 am
  #25  
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Harveyspecter
I know you are pro Manual (or should I say Stick Shift now?) and I am a fan of Auto's (At least for Daily Driving), but I think you'll see the benefits in them one day. We had many elderly customers in my dads garage who swore blind they'd never drive Auto's, and they struggle with heavy clutches in things like old Saab 9000's, then once they drove an auto they never went back
After switching to an Auto I wouldn't go back to a 'full manual' that's for sure!

However, if I was buying something Exotic/semi exotic I would probably want a little interaction (paddle probably)

For daily driving though, even my fiance has come around, as when we swapped her car, it was on her 'must have' list too... and that's just from driving mine
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Old Apr 8th 2016, 11:53 am
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by charlas
After switching to an Auto I wouldn't go back to a 'full manual' that's for sure!

However, if I was buying something Exotic/semi exotic I would probably want a little interaction (paddle probably)

For daily driving though, even my fiance has come around, as when we swapped her car, it was on her 'must have' list too... and that's just from driving mine
I borrowed hubby's auto 'for a few weeks' after having a C-section. That was 16 years ago - he never got his car back, and I've never again owned a manual.
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Old Apr 8th 2016, 1:04 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Harveyspecter
I'll be leaving in 2 months. If I were to do this, could I get a UK one now, then just wait until I've been in the US a month to apply for one there?
Yes you can, you'll want to wait until you have your social security number and a bank account opened anyway.

I'd do both - a credit card is always useful!
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Old Apr 8th 2016, 1:40 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Harveyspecter
..... I know you are pro Manual (or should I say Stick Shift now?) and I am a fan of Auto's (At least for Daily Driving), but I think you'll see the benefits in them one day. We had many elderly customers in my dads garage who swore blind they'd never drive Auto's, and they struggle with heavy clutches in things like old Saab 9000's, then once they drove an auto they never went back. ....
I may reach that point one day, many years from now, but remember, I have driven automatics, rentals, and my in-laws vehicles, and I don't like them, so it's not like "I don't know what I'm missing", because for me, I'm not missing anything.

If it makes you feel any better, my MIL thinks we're "weird". I know that because she told us.
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Old Apr 9th 2016, 2:56 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Imho, manuals make the drive more invoving and fun, heady days of rwd, slap it down a coupla cogs and hurl it into a bend, yeah I loved my mk2 Escorts!

Now my daily commute home incudes 20-30 mins of 405 stop/start traffic, now I love autos!

Necessity over fun I'm afraid.

As for paddle shifters, had them, tried them ( my Beemer, Lexus and Merc all had them) not as much fun, so rarely used them, I think the lack of clutch pedal involvement turned me off them.
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Old Apr 13th 2016, 2:07 pm
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Default Re: Credit/loans after relocating

Originally Posted by Pulaski
I may reach that point one day, many years from now, but remember, I have driven automatics, rentals, and my in-laws vehicles, and I don't like them, so it's not like "I don't know what I'm missing", because for me, I'm not missing anything.

If it makes you feel any better, my MIL thinks we're "weird". I know that because she told us.
Oh no, I wouldn't presume that you have never driven one and I agree that there are cars I would never have as Automatics (like my MGB). However I have often been the butt of jokes for driving an auto as my daily driver, by people who have never even driven one. But variety is the spice of laugh, and you can see the benefits of an Auto but don't like them. I can respect that.

Incidentally, I think you missed the question I asked of can I buy a new car through IAS after relocating to the USA? As I said above we have a beater for now but I want to get the wife something new once we are both working. Thanks.

Originally Posted by Olly_
Yes you can, you'll want to wait until you have your social security number and a bank account opened anyway.

I'd do both - a credit card is always useful!
Thanks, is it as simple as applying online? I've never applied for one before.

Originally Posted by dj6372
As for paddle shifters, had them, tried them ( my Beemer, Lexus and Merc all had them) not as much fun, so rarely used them, I think the lack of clutch pedal involvement turned me off them.
Straying from the original topic. Yes I thought I'd love them, but don't use them that often on my MINI. They are however, useful to do a quick effortless downchange if you want to pass something on the motorway.
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