Seattle to Seattle via colorado and the west coast, in a van as a solo traveller

[Midwest Michael]

Lifey, just for comparison sake, how much did you pay for your van, and how much did you end up spending on repairs during your first trip?

[daveswift]

Thank you lifey, that's great advice. I will look to stop in truck stops whenever I'm in a big city. In terms of the Van, I've seen a few and if I go for a 15 year old vehicle, I should be able to get something in OK condition for $3k, I may go up to $4k or even 5k though if I can't find anything in suitable condition, and of course I will sign up with AAA. I may go for a family mini van, and take the seats out and store them with ym friend rather than getting a cargo van, for the reasons you gave and it would save on mpg.

As for the burden on my friend, I will get a high level of insurance cover, I will pay him for his trouble and from teh research I have done, it is perfectly legal. I will be staying with my friend, which is why I register the vehicle there. There is no law which requires you to be a US citizen or have a long stay visa in order to purchase a car.

[Lifemagician]

Lifey, just for comparison sake, how much did you pay for your van, and how much did you end up spending on repairs during your first trip?

Not counting the installation of the battery for the fridge, nor regular maintenance, just the vehicle, associated costs and repairs came to between $10K and $10.5K.

And now, picking it up on my return, it has cost me about $500 (not counting the new seats and house battery) to get it safely back on the road again.

It's running just beautifully, and it still gets around 16 mpg.

Lifey

[daveswift]

Not counting the the installation of the battery for the fridge, nor regular maintenance, just the vehicle, associated costs and repairs came to between $10K and $10.5K.

And now, picking it up on my return, it has cost me about $500 (not counting the new seats and house battery) to get it safely back on the road again.

It's running just beautifully, and it still gets around 16 mpg.

Lifey

What did you get for that? Have you got any pictures?

Cheers

DAve

[Lifemagician]

You are quite right. It is legal in WA to register at a friend's place. All we are alerting you to is that it is not a wise move. As for insurance, I checked with dozens of companies all of whom required either a State driver's licence, a social security number, or proof of residency (not citizenship). I spoke with them. Made dozens of international calls. Some even required that you not take the vehicle out of the State for more than a set number of days. And then there were those who would not insure a vehicle over a certain age. This was not just in WA, I checked all over the 48 States. Each time I thought I had a problem solved, up came another one. Believe me, been there, done that!

My vehicle was purchased in PA, registered in MT and insured with a company in Delaware at yet a different address, in another State.

I may go for a family mini van, and take the seats out and store them with my friend rather than getting a cargo van, for the reasons you gave and it would save on mpg.

Back in 2009 friends loaned me a spare vehicle they had. This was extremely generous of them, and I am still grateful for the gesture. But all the while I was driving it, I was aware that if I caused serious injury (or death) to anyone, they could potentially be sued for many millions - despite very high insurance. It is just the way it is.

This van had only 58000 miles on the clock when I took it. Friends, wanting me to be safe had the van completely checked and even the slightest thing repaired. Yet, despite all that, up in Alaska it broke down with an issue which could not be foreseen. Four days in accommodation, and $800 later, I was on my way again. Not a pleasant experience.

Lifey

[glc]

What did you get for that? Have you got any pictures?

Cheers

DAve

Long thread, but worth a read. Pictures are in post #60. It's a 1998 model.

[Lifemagician]

What did you get for that? Have you got any pictures?

... the Gear Up forum. It's all there for you to read. (While you're there, you'll probably find lots more useful information in other threads.)

Lifey

Edit: looks like I'm not quick enough - lol.

[glc]

Dave, I just got a call from Lifey. She's stranded in Flagstaff, AZ with no brakes, the master cylinder failed. There is not a master cylinder to be had in the whole city, one is being shipped in and will be there tomorrow. Just saying - her van is 15 years old and cost CONSIDERABLY more than $3k, and this shows that anything can (and will) happen. Failures like this just cannot be predicted, and the older/cheaper a vehicle is, the more likely things like this will happen. With a rental, this would not be your problem (except for delaying your trip).

[daveswift]

Dave, I just got a call from Lifey. She's stranded in Flagstaff, AZ with no brakes, the master cylinder failed. There is not a master cylinder to be had in the whole city, one is being shipped in and will be there tomorrow. Just saying - her van is 15 years old and cost CONSIDERABLY more than $3k, and this shows that anything can (and will) happen. Failures like this just cannot be predicted, and the older/cheaper a vehicle is, the more likely things like this will happen. With a rental, this would not be your problem (except for delaying your trip).

Hi, I appreciate this is a big risk, but I've found a 12 yr old vehicle with 65k miles, its all kitted out for camping and sleeping and will be having a full mechanical check prior to purchase (as well as a service). When calculating cost of hiring a vehicle capable of sleeping in, the cost will be more than 3k anyway, so I think the risk is worth taking. I think in order to have the trip I've dreamt of, going the purchase route is the best way. I've foudn an insurer, I've contacted the DOL, who have given me all of the info I need to buy and sell the vehicle. It turns out without giving my cousin power of attorney he won't be able to sell my vehicle for me so I might have to go for something like maxcar* to sell at the end but will advertise on craigslist then go around a few dealers if I don't get a sale.

All I need to do now is research some good camping spots and make a trail. If when I get to Seattle, the vehicile doesn't pass the inspection, and I can't find another suitable vehicle, then I'll pop by some Hostels and look at chipping in with some other travelers for a rental.

Oh and Lifey, I hope everything works out and its not too costly.


Cheers

Dave

[glc]

Carmax will not buy vehicles worth less than $8000.