BUY a VEHICLE or RENT AGAIN

[peterbo3]

Hi Guys,
Looks like Eva & I will be coming back to the US next year. From Sept 07 to late Nov 07 we put about 17000 miles on two rental cars. Started in Los Angeles & finished up in FL. It was a fantastic trip & we met some wonderful people.
This time we are thinking perhaps FIVE months. We stay in motels/hotels at the cheaper end of the spectrum because we are only after shelter & a shower.
Last trip the rental cars cost around US$4000 plus fuel. I am getting quotes for around $7-8000 plus for our next trip which is serious cash for five months. We know people in CA, VA, FL & TN who would allow us to use their residential address for insurance & registration purposes. Sooooooooooooooooooooo..........................
Should we buy & take a hit on leaving or rent again. Looking at a Chev Impala, Ford Taurus or similar. Possible private sale, low mileage, 4-5 years old max. We would want full insurance cover for both the car, other vehicles & people. Looking at 20000 miles this time as we know what we are doing.
Cheapest state for taxes? Cheapest state for cars? Titles? Insurance? AA membership? Tags? Problems on resale? Anything else?
I would prefer, if we decide to buy,to purchase from a member of this site
or Alloyboats or THT. Or at least look to these places for referrals.
So what Y'aalll think?

[farmerjane]

Peter ~ You MIGHT be cheaper by buying a car this go-round. Stephen might be able to help you out whenever he gets back from Pensacola.

Hey - BTW ~ you know that you and Eva are MORE THAN WELCOME to stop by North Texas and visit Daddy'O, Welder and me!! We're at LEAST a good "potty stop"~

[Prodigal Son]

Virginia Fees: $10 to title, 3% sales tax (based on price from a bill of sale, or NADA book value in lieu of a bill of sale), $39.50 for a year's registration.

Figure that might help if you can get some numbers from other states to compare it to.

I don't see how buying could be worse, especially if you could get any of those friends to help you sell it if you leave before it gets sold (or go to a CarMax where they will usually buy ANY good condition vehicle...might take a hit, but it'll be out of your hair.)

[Kern O]

Pete: When are you thinking about coming over? I usually have an excess number of vehicles on hand, so I can help. That probably won't include my Monaro which is sold here as the GTO in LHD.

Arizona does not charge sales tax on private party transfers and insurance is quite a bit cheaper than California.

[peterbo3]

Hi Kerno & others,
Looking at arriving in June & flying out AFTER Thanksgiving. Was on a plane back to LAX to connect with our QANTAS flight last year on Thanksgiving Day & didn't even get a turkey sandwich.