Roadtrip Problems!!!

Hi!

Myself and girlfriend are planning an east to west trip across the US but on a budget. We are flying into Atlanta (for a counting crows gig!) in september and have till late november to get to San Francisco. Our budget seems alot ($10,000) but this works out at $119 per day and we are a bit worried this might not be enough! Regarding accomodation, we hope to spend about 70% in motels, 30 % camping plus the odd night at family/friends houses and we are not too worried about sourcing cheap food. i really wanted to spend the whole trip with the freedom of a car but after researching prices we have resigned ourselves to a 30 day rail pass to cover the eastern states (to chicago)...we then hope to rent an economy vehicle and travel historic route 66 (budget permitting!) but it just seems so expensive...especially as its a one way hire. We would really appreciate any advice, info or tips at all about cost of trippin' over the pond. we did consider buying a vehicle but this could be more hassle then freedom i think!

Just wanted to say also this site is sooo helpful when planning a trip!

Many Thanks

Welcome to the RTA Forum!

I can say you aren't alone in this problem. Unfortunatly, I don't have any great solutions.

Is there a way you could make your trip a round trip? That would be one option to bring down your costs. Considering you have a couple of months to work with, that would be one option that would significantly bring down your car rental costs. You could even continue taking the train or get a cheap plane ticket out to SF and then do a big loop around the west.

Since you do have friends and family here, that would help with one of the major hurrdles of purchasing a car. You could at least have a "home base" to license and insure the car. But there are the high up front costs and the possibility of having to pay for repairs along the way. You'd also get some of that money back when you sell the car at the end of the trip. But yes, purchasing a car is certainly a lot more work than just renting one.

Thanks Mike!

I think a loop around the west is our best option...just one other question...Are the trains in the US very realiable? And do they cover just main routes much like interstates? One thing that worries me is that we might miss out on 'smalltown' america by taking the train...and possibly miss the freedom of the roadtrip experience...

...any thoughts?

Many thanks again!

but it does sound like you'll be roadtripping in the American West so you'll still get that experience then.

If you go on the Amtrak website into the "Routes" section, they have some nice interactive maps and a .pdf file that shows you all the major routes. You can get a good feel for what route you want to take and what areas it will go through. It's certainly not a roadtrip in the traditional sense but it can be a fun way to travel anyway. However, be aware that our train system is quite different than what you're used to in Europe. It's nowhere near as busy, nor does it go to as many places. From the .pdf file of the routes, it looks like they stop in lots of smaller towns/cities. If I were you, I think I'd do the route through Denver and Salt Lake City. But, dang, that northern route through Glacier NP also looks pretty darn cool. It's a tough call, all the cross-country routes will take you past some amazing scenery.

If this fits into your budget better, you might get a nice balance. I've never travelled much by train here in the US but the few trips I've done have been pretty cool. You see far different things than you do from the road because the routes are quite different....at least in my limited experience.

Just wanted to say ta for the info and advice...im not completely ruling out buying a car as, like you said, we could miss the road trip experience...but after your post i am much more excited about the idea of rail travel over there..... mmm better get my thinking cap on!

Thanks again!

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Originally Posted by Waratah

im not completely ruling out buying a car as, like you said, we could miss the road trip experience...

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There is another option, that I am not endorsing, but it might work well for you. Look at this Adventure on Wheels thread.

Mark

Hey all!

Greetings once again!! Plans are going well for our trip starting in septemeber...i have a question tho and was wondering if anyone could help??

We are now thinking of ditching the train and buying a car in atlanta with a view to selling it in San fran....would this be reasonably easy or would tax/plates etc affect this? We really have no idea how the car market works over there and dont want to loose too much money so any advice would be much appreciated...

many thanks


H

P.s we have friends in USA where we could put details down for the car so that aint a problem.

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Originally Posted by Waratah

We are now thinking of ditching the train and buying a car in atlanta with a view to selling it in San fran....would this be reasonably easy or would tax/plates etc affect this? We really have no idea how the car market works over there and dont want to loose too much money so any advice would be much appreciated...

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Like I have said many times, I think three months is the minimum time frame for breaking even on a purchase and re-sale unless you use one of the brokers discussed earlier in this thread.

What about borrowing a car from your USA friends?

Mark

Buying a car isn't a bad option, if you've got the money to deal with the large upfront cost.

Having friends who can provide a "home" address will clear one of the big obsticles you'd face. You will have to pay sales tax and title and registration fees for the car in that location, which will probably run several hundred dollars - depending upon the state. I would try to get information from the DMV from the state that will be your "home" so you'll have a better idea of exactly what you'll need before your departure.

You'll also have to check into getting insurance, which could be expensive without an US driving record. Again, I'd start researching on the internet to get a ballpark idea of the costs - which will depend on the specific vehicle you end up getting.

Selling a car shouldn't be too much of a problem. You'll get the best price if you can run an add in a newspaper and wait for a response, but if you are in a hurry, you should be able to find a dealership that will agree to purchase the car from you, albeit at a lower than market value price.

Many thanks Michael...I must look into our funds to make sure this option is feasible! The only problem I amy have is our 'home' address would be in a different state to where we are buying the car...is this a problem? Also regarding insurance, I am looking at an SUV if possible...and have also looked at adventure on wheels dot com who offer buyback options which in thory sounds good but will this also mean getting insurance?

Apologies for all the questions!

Thanks again

H

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Originally Posted by Waratah

The only problem I amy have is our 'home' address would be in a different state to where we are buying the car...is this a [problem?

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You could end up paying sales tax in both jurisdictions.

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Also regarding insurance, I am looking at an SUV if possible...and have also looked at adventure on wheels dot com who offer buyback options which in thory sounds good but will this also mean getting insurance?

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Yep, you have to insurance, no matter what. For an overview of insurance -- look at this thread.

Mark

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Originally Posted by Waratah

The only problem I amy have is our 'home' address would be in a different state to where we are buying the car...is this a problem?

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What states are you talking about? If you are talking about nearby states, it shouldn't be too big of a problem. If it will take you more than a couple of days to get to your "home state" it could be slightly problematic. If you buy a car from a dealership you should get temporary plates etc that will give you a couple days to get your car registered.

I've bought several cars out of state and I've only had to pay sales tax where I registered the car. You shouldn't have to pay sales tax in both places - I'm pretty sure federal law says keeps states from double taxing people like that, but you might face a fight if you don't know exactly what is supposed to happen.

The one place I could see you having a problem is not having ID from the "home" location to prove that you will be registering the car there.

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

What states are you talking about?

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State financial folks are clever -- they always get their share -- in the first state it might be called "user transfer fee" and in the second state it might read "state sales tax" but they all get their share...

Mark

I don't doubt that governments can find ways to make sure they get their cut of any possible tax revenue.

But I've bought 5 cars out of state - with a different combination of purchasing/registering states each time - and I've yet to be double taxed.

Not saying it couldn't happen, I just haven't seen it yet despite having quite a few chances.

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Originally Posted by Midwest Michael

But I've bought 5 cars out of state - with a different combination of purchasing/registering states each time - and I've yet to be double taxed.

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Why did you purchase five cars out state? The don't sell cars in your home town?

Mark

There are two basic reason. First, my hometown is right on the state line, but the major commercial center is on the other side. So when I was living with my parents, and even after I moved away, I bought a couple cars on the other side.

But my last 2 car purchases have been in neighboring states because I've taken advantage of the comparision shopping powers of the internet. Driving 100-200 miles has let me get a couple cars several thousand under book value - and they even run!

I have to add in my 2 cents regarding Amtrak. It's not a bad system, but the railroad is at the mercy of the freight railroads, and delays can be long. Sometimes Amtrak can be many hours late getting into your destination. Also, since Amtrak can be late, you might consider getting sleeping car accomodations. It can be a little expensive, but may be worth your while. Check out the Amtrak website for prices.

I hope this helps.

Thanks guys for allll the help once again!

Well my home state would possibly be texas as i have friends there but i wasnt planning on going there till about 70 days after i have bought the car! Do you need a fixed residence when registering a car? I am slightly confused as I have bought and sold cars in europe and australia but in the states it seems and endless stream of taxes and charges when purchasing a car....

we want to do a big loop of the east starting in atlanta heading up to chicago, then across through cleveland to buffalo, then up to vermont, maine, boston MA then down the whole east coast to florida. After that we aim to travel to new orleans then up to montana, across to seattle then down the west coast cutting east to see national parks etc......

(as you can see we really NEED a car to do all of theis in 90 days) but we getting confused and scared of being conned!!! Is it worth trying to make a contact in GA to register a car there...? then what happens if you want to sell in CA?

Many thanks...and soz for the 'panicky' post!!

H

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Originally Posted by Waratah

Well my home state would possibly be texas as i have friends there but i wasnt planning on going there till about 70 days after i have bought the car! Do you need a fixed residence when registering a car?

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Yes. I think you need some expert legal opinions about this. I would pose these questions to your consulate. Also here are some books that can offer some ideas. We also have some links that might be helpful to you here.

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we want to do a big loop of the east starting in atlanta heading up to chicago, then across through cleveland to buffalo, then up to vermont, maine, boston MA then down the whole east coast to florida. After that we aim to travel to new orleans then up to montana, across to seattle then down the west coast cutting east to see national parks etc......

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Yep, that is some serious car-tripping!

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then what happens if you want to sell in CA?

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It doesn't matter where you sell the car. As long as you have a valid registration -- place of sale is agnostic to the process. With the caveat, that identical models purchased in California or Arizona will bring a higher sales price in the eastern states with identical cars. Eastern used cars are going to have salt damage and they sell for less in the west.

For the hassels involved, I would still suggest that a 3-month lease makes more sense than purchasing, but plenty of people do purchase and do well. But you have to be willing to take some risks and buck-up a little.

Mark

Thanks mark...sound advice...

I looked at renting which seem extortionate but a havent heard of leasing? Is this the same as renting...would we look at leasing from a car hire company?

Thats bad news about the drop in car price across in the west...... maybe its fate we take the train : ))

H

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Originally Posted by Waratah

I looked at renting which seem extortionate but a havent heard of leasing? Is this the same as renting...would we look at leasing from a car hire company?

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Read the blurbs about the books I recommended above, you will quickly gain an understanding about the differences between leasing and car rentals.

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Thats bad news about the drop in car price across in the west..

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What you are attempting to do is expensive. The days of cheap travel in the Americas are over. The difference is car sales prices is not large, but you will not be making any money on the transaction. Likewise, train travel is not cheap. Spend as much as you have and it will be enough.

Mark

Thanks again Mark. I am not looking to make money, even loosing a bit is acceptable as all the quotes I recieved on leasing/renting are upward of $6000! Not good! Its a shame, as you mentioned, the cost of travelling the americas is no longer cheap(i bought a great car in OZ for the equivalent of $2000 and after six months sold it for $2500!!)....I think we will buy a car and take the plunge so to speak....or maybe go with a company like adventure on wheels.com where they offer a guranteed buyback!

Like you say...more research is on the cards.....ta again! and apologies for the interrogation!

:)

I will throw out one additional thing that could make your idea a little more difficult. California likes to do there own thing alot - including making their own rules that no one else follows.

When you purchase a car, you will want to make sure it meets California Emmissions standards. It should be listed on a tag on the bottom side of the hood. While most cars meet this criteria, some only meet federal standards which are less strict than California's. If you purchase a car that doesn't meet these standards, it will be almost impossible to sell the car in California.

Yet one more thing to look out for as you try to weed through 50 states of red tape.

Ha ha ha thanks Michael thats great advice and much needed!...You guys sure have a lot of rules and regulations...

I just recieved an email from a car dealership in GA who said he wouldnot sell me a car unless i had an American driving license!!?? Is this something I have missed or is he a weird exception? I know i need a residence or contact address and insurance but a US license?

Thanks again tho for your info regarding emission laws....


: )

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Originally Posted by Waratah

Is this something I have missed or is he a weird exception?

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In this country there is no requirement that a vendor sell a product to anyone. All vendors are required to offer products and sevices equally to all potential purchasers, and so I am not sure that he/she can refuse to sell to you as a non-US driving license holder. It is weird that he even knew of that status. You are under no obligation to mention that.

Mark

Cool! thanks for that... i did mention i was coming from the uk...he then just stated if i was not a US driving licence holder he couldnt sell me a car! Nevermind...I wont be buying off him thats for sure!...

I have however found a rreasonably good deal renting with holidayautos.com through statravel.co.uk who cater for those of us under 26... as i dont think we will have the recommended $4000 at least to purchase a car! obviously we wont gain any money back but a one way rental for 70 days picking up in FL and dropping in CA with taxes came to $1999....sounds alot but that includes gurantees if you (the car, not you personally) breakdown etc!

Hope this helps others out there on a budget wishing to rent a car...only prob is like i say 26+ is a no no...

:)

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Originally Posted by Waratah

I have however found a rreasonably good deal renting with holidayautos.com through statravel.co.uk who cater for those of us under 26... as i dont think we will have the recommended $4000 at least to purchase a car! obviously we wont gain any money back but a one way rental for 70 days picking up in FL and dropping in CA with taxes came to $1999....sounds alot but that includes gurantees if you (the car, not you personally) breakdown etc!

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Actually, that sounds like a very good bargain!

Have fun and thanks for this info!

Mark

The purchase option has been visited already. But I'm going to revive it. You can buy a Honda Civic, from the mid 90s, for around $3000. You could have your US friends buy the car for you(obviously after you give them the cash), register and insure it in their name but fully cover it so if you drive it, you're covered. Then when you get to your destination, you can sell it for maybe 2-2500 and get most of your money back(well get your friends money back, who gives it to you). It saves you from spending 2000$ on a car just to rent. This is just an option, you obviously take additional risks with doing this.