Driving on the Right
May 6th 2003 | 3:28 am
#31
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 346
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally posted by AndySmithers
Emm,
I would take a look at some of the smaller SUV's for satisfying both kiddie transport and fun.
Don't know where you are going to in the States, but down here in Texas I find it a real problem being totally 'invisible' on the rare occasions when I rent a regular car. The truck drivers and monster SUV drivers simply can't see you 'down there' and run you off the road.
In the compact SUV class you are at least higher off the road than a normal car.
My wife loves her Honda CRV for this reason (and the new ones have solved the lack of 'poke' problem).
As for your hubby getting a Dodge Ram - Yeaaahh!!! Good for him!
(Please don't berate me for using up the planet's resources - I've been a good boy with high mpg cars for 40 years in England - a guy's gotta have some fun!).
Andy.
Emm,
I would take a look at some of the smaller SUV's for satisfying both kiddie transport and fun.
Don't know where you are going to in the States, but down here in Texas I find it a real problem being totally 'invisible' on the rare occasions when I rent a regular car. The truck drivers and monster SUV drivers simply can't see you 'down there' and run you off the road.
In the compact SUV class you are at least higher off the road than a normal car.
My wife loves her Honda CRV for this reason (and the new ones have solved the lack of 'poke' problem).
As for your hubby getting a Dodge Ram - Yeaaahh!!! Good for him!
(Please don't berate me for using up the planet's resources - I've been a good boy with high mpg cars for 40 years in England - a guy's gotta have some fun!).
Andy.
I will bear in mind what you have said, we are off to the US on Sunday to find a house/ register my daughter in school, etc. So I hope to find some time to check out cars also...
We will be moving to NC so I don't know how that compares to Texas but isn't everything bigger in Texas?
May 8th 2003 | 3:40 pm
#32
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Originally posted by Emm .... Anyone with good ideas of a nice fun car that I can put 2 kids in the back of, for around $20k?
It depends how big your kids are, but you can get a 3.6 V6 Mustang for less than $20K (I'd guess about $17K at the moment) and a V8 GT for not much over 20K (maybe about $22K-$23K), though the clutch is quite heavy in the V8, so it depends how strong/ big you are as to whether it would work for you. The reason I mention the size of your kids is that rear room is limited - and once they are much over 5ft it will start to get cramped. BTW out of town we usually get close to 30mpg (British gallons) from our V8 Mustang, a V6 should be good for even more.
A note on Dodge trucks - they have a 7 year warranty on the power train - and I hear that they need it. They chew transmissions regularly. Also very few seemed to be owned by tradesmen who need their truck. If you want a truck, go for a Ford they have a much better reputation - it is not without reason that they are the best selling trucks in the US.
Have I recommended Autosource to you for getting your car(s)?
Last edited by Pulaski; May 9th 2003 at 1:55 pm.
May 8th 2003 | 5:57 pm
#33
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 346
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally posted by Pulaski
Emm,
It depends how big your kids are, but you can get a 3.6 V6 Mustang for less than $20K (I'd guess about $17K at the moment) and a V8 GT for not much over 20K (maybe about $22K-$23K), though the clutch is quite heavy in the V8, so it depends how strong/ big you are as to whether it would work for you. The reason I mention the size of your kids is that rear room is limited - and once they are much over 5ft it will start to get cramped. BTW out of town we usually get close to 30mpg from our V8 Mustang, a V6 should be good for even more.
A note on Dodge trucks - they have a 7 year warranty on the power train - and I hear that they need it. They chew transmissions regularly. Also very few seemed to be owned by transmen who need their truck. If you want a truck, go for a Ford they have a much better reputation - it is not without reason that they are the best selling trucks in the US.
Have I recommended Autosource to you for getting your car(s)?
Emm,
It depends how big your kids are, but you can get a 3.6 V6 Mustang for less than $20K (I'd guess about $17K at the moment) and a V8 GT for not much over 20K (maybe about $22K-$23K), though the clutch is quite heavy in the V8, so it depends how strong/ big you are as to whether it would work for you. The reason I mention the size of your kids is that rear room is limited - and once they are much over 5ft it will start to get cramped. BTW out of town we usually get close to 30mpg from our V8 Mustang, a V6 should be good for even more.
A note on Dodge trucks - they have a 7 year warranty on the power train - and I hear that they need it. They chew transmissions regularly. Also very few seemed to be owned by transmen who need their truck. If you want a truck, go for a Ford they have a much better reputation - it is not without reason that they are the best selling trucks in the US.
Have I recommended Autosource to you for getting your car(s)?
I shall have a look at those cars and the info on the Dodge is interesting, although I fear hubby has his mind made up already! Since we may not be staying in the US for that long it may not matter so much, but does it lose a lot on the resale value?
I have not noted a reccommendation for Autosource is it a website or car dealership?
Emm.
May 8th 2003 | 11:03 pm
#34
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Originally posted by Emm
...... I have not noted a reccommendation for Autosource is it a website or car dealership?
...... I have not noted a reccommendation for Autosource is it a website or car dealership?
I used them and I can't recommend them highly enough, and the finance is actually with Ford Motor Credit so there is nothing at all suspicious about them.
I have to go to work right now, but if you can't see my previous link / contact info Autosource I'll repost it later/ tomorrow.
The catches to Autosource? (i) only US domestic manufacturers are covered (Ford, GM and Chrysler brands, Ford does not include Volvo and Jaguar, etc, Chrysler does not include MB); and (ii) you must commit to buying and pay a small deposit before you arrive in the US.
BTW I'm not sure about the resale price of Dodge trucks v Ford trucks, though I understand that trucks hold their prices better than cars! Dodge is a "trendy" truck to own, so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a good market for carefully owned 2-3 year old trucks.
And if you are only going to be here for a couple of years and your kids won't out-grow the rear of a Mustang then I'd definitely recommend one. They're more fun than you can shake a stick at! .... and I forgot to mention that, of course, both the V6 and V8 are available as automatics.
Last edited by Pulaski; May 8th 2003 at 11:11 pm.
May 9th 2003 | 12:41 am
#35
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 346
From: Raleigh, NC
Originally posted by Pulaski
They are a broker that primarily specializes in sales to US armed forces personnel, but they also sell to immigrants on credit terms as if you were a US resident with a US credit history - which currently means 0% over 3 or more years, and at dealer (wholesale) prices!
I used them and I can't recommend them highly enough, and the finance is actually with Ford Motor Credit so there is nothing at all suspicious about them.
I have to go to work right now, but if you can't see my previous link / contact info Autosource I'll repost it later/ tomorrow.
The catches to Autosource? (i) only US domestic manufacturers are covered (Ford, GM and Chrysler brands, Ford does not include Volvo and Jaguar, etc, Chrysler does not include MB); and (ii) you must commit to buying and pay a small deposit before you arrive in the US.
BTW I'm not sure about the resale price of Dodge trucks v Ford trucks, though I understand that trucks hold their prices better than cars! Dodge is a "trendy" truck to own, so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a good market for carefully owned 2-3 year old trucks.
And if you are only going to be here for a couple of years and your kids won't out-grow the rear of a Mustang then I'd definitely recommend one. They're more fun than you can shake a stick at! .... and I forgot to mention that, of course, both the V6 and V8 are available as automatics.
They are a broker that primarily specializes in sales to US armed forces personnel, but they also sell to immigrants on credit terms as if you were a US resident with a US credit history - which currently means 0% over 3 or more years, and at dealer (wholesale) prices!
I used them and I can't recommend them highly enough, and the finance is actually with Ford Motor Credit so there is nothing at all suspicious about them.
I have to go to work right now, but if you can't see my previous link / contact info Autosource I'll repost it later/ tomorrow.
The catches to Autosource? (i) only US domestic manufacturers are covered (Ford, GM and Chrysler brands, Ford does not include Volvo and Jaguar, etc, Chrysler does not include MB); and (ii) you must commit to buying and pay a small deposit before you arrive in the US.
BTW I'm not sure about the resale price of Dodge trucks v Ford trucks, though I understand that trucks hold their prices better than cars! Dodge is a "trendy" truck to own, so I wouldn't be surprised if there is a good market for carefully owned 2-3 year old trucks.
And if you are only going to be here for a couple of years and your kids won't out-grow the rear of a Mustang then I'd definitely recommend one. They're more fun than you can shake a stick at! .... and I forgot to mention that, of course, both the V6 and V8 are available as automatics.
.We are on a plane to NC on Suday for 10 days and after a spot of househunting and sorting out schools I shall definitely be checking out some cars. As long as we manage to sell the house here before we arrive we were thinking of buying my car with cash, but with 0% finance it may work out cheaper to do it that way and put the cash in a savings account... Hmmm still have lots of things to decide before we get there.
Thanks for your tips anyway,
Emm.
May 9th 2003 | 10:55 am
#36
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,340
From: Harbor Springs, Michigan *again*
oi ! that car you mentioned that is held together with duct tape is mine !! Here in Michigan (motor capitol of the world) you can drive any old wreck as long as you can find insurance for it.
I've found driving in the US sooo easy, signs are 'made for idiots' e.g. Do not pass when opposing traffic present, errr DuH like yep i'm going to wait till i can see a car and try and pass ... NOT geeez
As a general signs seem to tell you everything you need to do so no thinking needed (which is a good thing). The only place i have driven on the wrong side is in Wal-Mart car park and everyone seems to do it there !
I've even mastered using a truck with a stick weeeeeeee pedals are all in the same place, right hand just needed a bit of retraining.
One of the local townships has just unveiled plans for a roundabout or 'circle' which should be fun, its on a rural road which they say is a dangerous crossroads ...... ohhh errrr but are the locals going to know what to do with a 'circle' ??? ho hum and hehehe
) Jan
I've found driving in the US sooo easy, signs are 'made for idiots' e.g. Do not pass when opposing traffic present, errr DuH like yep i'm going to wait till i can see a car and try and pass ... NOT geeez
As a general signs seem to tell you everything you need to do so no thinking needed (which is a good thing). The only place i have driven on the wrong side is in Wal-Mart car park and everyone seems to do it there !
I've even mastered using a truck with a stick weeeeeeee pedals are all in the same place, right hand just needed a bit of retraining.
One of the local townships has just unveiled plans for a roundabout or 'circle' which should be fun, its on a rural road which they say is a dangerous crossroads ...... ohhh errrr but are the locals going to know what to do with a 'circle' ??? ho hum and hehehe
) Jan
May 9th 2003 | 1:53 pm
#37
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 53,356
From: Dixie, ex UK
Emm, FYI:
Autosource's office is on Long Island NY. Their phone number is 516 496 1816 and their fax is 516 677 3701. Their website is http://www.intlauto.com/
It is a requirement that any car you buy from them you commit to before you arrive in the US - sign the contract, meet their credit requirments, and pay a deposit.
Maybe you should also look into leasing vehicles if you know how long you are likely to be in the US - that way you won't have to worry about selling the vehicles when you are leaving, nor wonder how much you will be able to sell them for.
Leasing is very popular in the US right now, I wouldn't normally recommend it, but it might be the right option for you.
Autosource's office is on Long Island NY. Their phone number is 516 496 1816 and their fax is 516 677 3701. Their website is http://www.intlauto.com/
It is a requirement that any car you buy from them you commit to before you arrive in the US - sign the contract, meet their credit requirments, and pay a deposit.
Maybe you should also look into leasing vehicles if you know how long you are likely to be in the US - that way you won't have to worry about selling the vehicles when you are leaving, nor wonder how much you will be able to sell them for.
Leasing is very popular in the US right now, I wouldn't normally recommend it, but it might be the right option for you.
Last edited by Pulaski; May 9th 2003 at 1:58 pm.
May 9th 2003 | 2:29 pm
#38
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37
From: Indiana
... I've found driving in the US sooo easy, signs are 'made for idiots' e.g. Do not pass when opposing traffic present, errr DuH like yep i'm going to wait till i can see a car and try and pass ... NOT geeez
Wot? You mean the ones that say WRONG WAY and KEEP OUT OF MEDIAN? Like you really want to drive into a 3ft deep, water and junk filled ditch. Perhaps they really need those signs, on the way home this evening we were stopped at lights, on the left was a water filled median complete with bullrushes and water grass - and a nice set of tyre tracks straight across it.
Ray
Wot? You mean the ones that say WRONG WAY and KEEP OUT OF MEDIAN? Like you really want to drive into a 3ft deep, water and junk filled ditch. Perhaps they really need those signs, on the way home this evening we were stopped at lights, on the left was a water filled median complete with bullrushes and water grass - and a nice set of tyre tracks straight across it.
Ray
May 9th 2003 | 4:23 pm
#39
.
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 8,933
From: Where bad things rarely happen in movies
SUV's - you gotta love em
May 12th 2003 | 7:09 pm
#40
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1
From: Glasgow, Scotland
Originally posted by brisray
If you live out in the boonies get deer whistlers fitted. The deer here aren't those little fallow things they have in the UK, these are big, big beasts. Indiana gets around 11,000 deer collisions a year.
[
Ray
If you live out in the boonies get deer whistlers fitted. The deer here aren't those little fallow things they have in the UK, these are big, big beasts. Indiana gets around 11,000 deer collisions a year.
[
Ray
Hi Ray...
I'm an American, I live in the UK,but will soon be coming back to the US for an extended visit of about six months.
This is my first post on here. I have NEVER heard of a "deer whistler" before. Could you clarify? Plus, I think the deer in Britain are bigger than most in America (Scottish Highlands?) I will be doing alot of traveling in the US and would like to know what you meant by this.
Thanks.
May 13th 2003 | 10:55 am
#41
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37
From: Indiana
They're small devices mounted to either the bumpers or windscreen wipers. As you travel, air is forced through them creating a high pitched noise. Humans can't hear them but animals can.
Other types need power from the battery.
http://www.gizmocity.com/deeralert.html
http://americanhornet.com/
http://www.technoscout.com/general/p...ame=Deer_Alert
These are just the first sites when I searched for "deer alert". Walmart and KMart both stock them.
I really don't know if they work or not, and the best advice is still to be alert. My wife got me some after I nearly wiped out my parents, brother and sisters who were visiting the US for our wedding. I was taking them back up to Chicago for their flight home when a deer leapt out of the trees onto the freeway. It was hunting season so I suspect somebody in the woods spooked it. Pretty scary stuff.
Remember be alert - your country needs lerts
Ray
Other types need power from the battery.
http://www.gizmocity.com/deeralert.html
http://americanhornet.com/
http://www.technoscout.com/general/p...ame=Deer_Alert
These are just the first sites when I searched for "deer alert". Walmart and KMart both stock them.
I really don't know if they work or not, and the best advice is still to be alert. My wife got me some after I nearly wiped out my parents, brother and sisters who were visiting the US for our wedding. I was taking them back up to Chicago for their flight home when a deer leapt out of the trees onto the freeway. It was hunting season so I suspect somebody in the woods spooked it. Pretty scary stuff.
Remember be alert - your country needs lerts
Ray
May 13th 2003 | 4:52 pm
#42
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,894
Good idea the deer scarers, but does it have the same effect on pet dogs travelling in the car too ?
Cheers
Cheers
May 13th 2003 | 7:18 pm
#43
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 37
From: Indiana
On the packet of the type I've got it makes a feature of "warns pets too!" I should imagine it'll soon drive a pet nuts travelling in the car with one of these fitted.
Ray
Ray
May 14th 2003 | 7:28 am
#44
Just Joined
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 24
From: Back in UK since Dec 2004
Moved to Dallas in February. Had never driven on the "wrong" side of the road on the "wrong" side of the car (drove to France once in my car!!) and never had any problems though for a while I had to keep telling myself that to turn left I had to go across the traffic
Sold my Renault Clio when I left London. Took my test (if you can call it that - I asked the examiner if had to reverse park after the drive and he asked if I wanted to and of course I said no!!! We also had a chat on the way round :-) I bought a Toyota RAV4 and love it - my second choice was a Honda CR-V. I wanted something that would be small enough to handle and big enough to not get squashed and I think I made a good choice... It is also MANUAL... couldn't give that up!!! I don't have a family so I have no real need for a big "truck", but I play rugby and the space means that 4 adults and kit can fit in the car comfortably for long trips to matches.
Emm - I don't know anyone else's views/experiences on this but there may be an issue getting 0% on a car unless you have an A1 credit history already established in the US - I have A1 in the UK but not here. This will also affect your car insurance (it did me anyway!!). I managed to get a friend to co-sign for me on the car and as she has A1 credit I got 0% so I went from wanting used to buying new. Before that they were offering in excess of 10% on my own. My quotes and eventually insurance was then reduced from nearly $2000 for 6 months to $750 because she had to be on the insurance if she co-signed. All in all someone I bearly knew offered and ended up saving me a fortune!!
Sold my Renault Clio when I left London. Took my test (if you can call it that - I asked the examiner if had to reverse park after the drive and he asked if I wanted to and of course I said no!!! We also had a chat on the way round :-) I bought a Toyota RAV4 and love it - my second choice was a Honda CR-V. I wanted something that would be small enough to handle and big enough to not get squashed and I think I made a good choice... It is also MANUAL... couldn't give that up!!! I don't have a family so I have no real need for a big "truck", but I play rugby and the space means that 4 adults and kit can fit in the car comfortably for long trips to matches.
Emm - I don't know anyone else's views/experiences on this but there may be an issue getting 0% on a car unless you have an A1 credit history already established in the US - I have A1 in the UK but not here. This will also affect your car insurance (it did me anyway!!). I managed to get a friend to co-sign for me on the car and as she has A1 credit I got 0% so I went from wanting used to buying new. Before that they were offering in excess of 10% on my own. My quotes and eventually insurance was then reduced from nearly $2000 for 6 months to $750 because she had to be on the insurance if she co-signed. All in all someone I bearly knew offered and ended up saving me a fortune!!
May 14th 2003 | 10:55 am
#45
Just Joined
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2
From: Wausau, Wisconsin, USA.
I've been in Wisconsin for 2 years and have had no problems with being on the wrong side of the road. The only driving problems I suffer from are keeping the speed down to American levels and the overabundence of Stop signs!
