Moving to US - get truck or get f...
Discussion
Since I have annoyed everyone in the UK office they have exiled me to Boston. One of the good things about this is that I get to pretend like a big kid and buy something that I could never really justify in the UK, a truck.
Now being a big girls blouse and living somewhere where it will snow for more than 2-3 days a year I have been looking at the mid sized 4WD trucks so things like F150s and Rams. Now being a cultured European will the fit, finish and build on a truck offend me like so many people who have in all likelihood never sat in one and just blurt out soundbites from the book of St Clarkson?
I can foresee the need to haul stuff about so it will have some practical purposes, I also already have a cowboy hat. I will be buying at the lower end of the market ($2000-$4000) and when looking about seeing high mileage 10 year old trucks. I am assuming that an old lazy high capacity engine will do 200k+ without blinking and the rest of the vehicle will be fairly simple and robust?
So in summary:
Am I being a big wuss wanting 4WD when I can just stick on winter tyres?
Will the lack of refinement make me go buy and Audi Quattro and continue to be a snob?
Is anything in the price bracket worth buying or will they more or less all be scrappers?
And the subjective one...
Out of the usual suspects which one do you guys recommend?
Now being a big girls blouse and living somewhere where it will snow for more than 2-3 days a year I have been looking at the mid sized 4WD trucks so things like F150s and Rams. Now being a cultured European will the fit, finish and build on a truck offend me like so many people who have in all likelihood never sat in one and just blurt out soundbites from the book of St Clarkson?
I can foresee the need to haul stuff about so it will have some practical purposes, I also already have a cowboy hat. I will be buying at the lower end of the market ($2000-$4000) and when looking about seeing high mileage 10 year old trucks. I am assuming that an old lazy high capacity engine will do 200k+ without blinking and the rest of the vehicle will be fairly simple and robust?
So in summary:
Am I being a big wuss wanting 4WD when I can just stick on winter tyres?
Will the lack of refinement make me go buy and Audi Quattro and continue to be a snob?
Is anything in the price bracket worth buying or will they more or less all be scrappers?
And the subjective one...
Out of the usual suspects which one do you guys recommend?
Used vehicles are a LOT more expensive here than in the UK. Consequently $2-4k will only get you a beater - and an old beater at that.
My first vehicle when I moved here was a two year old Ram 1500 Sport and it was utterly loathesome. Despite 5.9 V8 it was a (relative) slug, delivered sub-10 mpg, was uncomfortable in the back and the steering and transmission where both medieval. The steering box and track control arm geometry made it feel like there was some kind of fluid-coupling between the steering and road wheels. So you didn't so much steer it as prevent it from crashing.
In the snow belt a pick-up can be almost undriveable, so in your position, I would consider an SUV rather than a truck - and in that case I'd definitely look more at GM (Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon) than Ford or Chrysler.
Good luck in finding anything that isn't coming toward the end of it's useful life on that budget though...
My first vehicle when I moved here was a two year old Ram 1500 Sport and it was utterly loathesome. Despite 5.9 V8 it was a (relative) slug, delivered sub-10 mpg, was uncomfortable in the back and the steering and transmission where both medieval. The steering box and track control arm geometry made it feel like there was some kind of fluid-coupling between the steering and road wheels. So you didn't so much steer it as prevent it from crashing.
In the snow belt a pick-up can be almost undriveable, so in your position, I would consider an SUV rather than a truck - and in that case I'd definitely look more at GM (Tahoe/Suburban/Yukon) than Ford or Chrysler.
Good luck in finding anything that isn't coming toward the end of it's useful life on that budget though...
There are companies that do leasing doe expats but I expect it will be more expensive than someone with credit history. I could spend more as you are right that budget only covers stuff that is almost ready to scrap unless you get lucky.
Plan B was a Subaru Forester XT, I would have to up the budget but at least I would know it was somewhat decent and gives me room, 4WD and a bit of performance at least.
Plan B was a Subaru Forester XT, I would have to up the budget but at least I would know it was somewhat decent and gives me room, 4WD and a bit of performance at least.
You should figure out where in Boston you will be living and the parking situation before deciding on what to buy if anything. I wouldn't fancy trying to parallel park a full size truck (such as a Ram or F150) on a crowded city street.
Pretty sure there is nowhere in or around Boston where a cowboy hat will be acceptable though.
Pretty sure there is nowhere in or around Boston where a cowboy hat will be acceptable though.
Likely to be in the Cambridge area, anywhere near the 93 is good as the office is just off there but avoiding the Toll at the Mass Turnpike.
Going to have a word with the HR people handling this. I made the mistake of looking at new build Impreza WRX and saying out loud "How cheap?" so might just lease one of those for the time I am there. Slightly annoyed I can't put brembos on a non STI model.
Just need to put a note on sunvisor in winter that read "You are not a rally driver".
I always knew we were spoiled in the UK when it came to used cars but the scale of how cheap cars are here is staggering.
Going to have a word with the HR people handling this. I made the mistake of looking at new build Impreza WRX and saying out loud "How cheap?" so might just lease one of those for the time I am there. Slightly annoyed I can't put brembos on a non STI model.
Just need to put a note on sunvisor in winter that read "You are not a rally driver".
I always knew we were spoiled in the UK when it came to used cars but the scale of how cheap cars are here is staggering.
Carfiend said:
Since I have annoyed everyone in the UK office they have exiled me to Boston. One of the good things about this is that I get to pretend like a big kid and buy something that I could never really justify in the UK, a truck.
Now being a big girls blouse and living somewhere where it will snow for more than 2-3 days a year I have been looking at the mid sized 4WD trucks so things like F150s and Rams. Now being a cultured European will the fit, finish and build on a truck offend me like so many people who have in all likelihood never sat in one and just blurt out soundbites from the book of St Clarkson?
I can foresee the need to haul stuff about so it will have some practical purposes, I also already have a cowboy hat. I will be buying at the lower end of the market ($2000-$4000) and when looking about seeing high mileage 10 year old trucks. I am assuming that an old lazy high capacity engine will do 200k+ without blinking and the rest of the vehicle will be fairly simple and robust?
So in summary:
Am I being a big wuss wanting 4WD when I can just stick on winter tyres?
Will the lack of refinement make me go buy and Audi Quattro and continue to be a snob?
Is anything in the price bracket worth buying or will they more or less all be scrappers?
And the subjective one...
Out of the usual suspects which one do you guys recommend?
The US is a pretty big place... is stereotyping really the right thing to do?Now being a big girls blouse and living somewhere where it will snow for more than 2-3 days a year I have been looking at the mid sized 4WD trucks so things like F150s and Rams. Now being a cultured European will the fit, finish and build on a truck offend me like so many people who have in all likelihood never sat in one and just blurt out soundbites from the book of St Clarkson?
I can foresee the need to haul stuff about so it will have some practical purposes, I also already have a cowboy hat. I will be buying at the lower end of the market ($2000-$4000) and when looking about seeing high mileage 10 year old trucks. I am assuming that an old lazy high capacity engine will do 200k+ without blinking and the rest of the vehicle will be fairly simple and robust?
So in summary:
Am I being a big wuss wanting 4WD when I can just stick on winter tyres?
Will the lack of refinement make me go buy and Audi Quattro and continue to be a snob?
Is anything in the price bracket worth buying or will they more or less all be scrappers?
And the subjective one...
Out of the usual suspects which one do you guys recommend?
My friend is in Boston at the mo, it's been 35 degrees C over there!! Snow is only as big an issue as you make it. AWD on equal tyres will always be better then 2wd, but that's just common sense. Whether you'd actually be better off in a truck, really would depend on many other things.
As for refinement... well a truck is truck. Expect this and it won't disappoint. New trucks are rather plush inside, but they are still trucks. Older 90's trucks will be more utilitarian. But it really depends what you are comparing too.
Personally if it's within budget I'd say go diesel. The big diesels are great and more frugal than the petrol V8's.
I assume you are talking about the cowboy hat bit... the fatuous bit. I have family in Boston and have been a number of times.
The snow thing is so I don't end up being the muppet who is stuck at home living off tins of beans since every time you gently nudge the throttle you cause a massive accident. It is a case of better safe than sorry. Reason behind looking at a truck is so I can haul stuff about as I will end up in a temp apartment for a few months, then find something longer term and then still need to haul stuff about.
However thinking about it since my family work in civil engineering and what not in New England I expect I can just borrow a truck for those events and I can get something more... sporty.
The snow thing is so I don't end up being the muppet who is stuck at home living off tins of beans since every time you gently nudge the throttle you cause a massive accident. It is a case of better safe than sorry. Reason behind looking at a truck is so I can haul stuff about as I will end up in a temp apartment for a few months, then find something longer term and then still need to haul stuff about.
However thinking about it since my family work in civil engineering and what not in New England I expect I can just borrow a truck for those events and I can get something more... sporty.
you'll struggle to get a diesel over here. Nearly all cars use "Gas"....
When I was in Boston in Jan/Feb/March of last year, it was -20c (one night saw 15inches of snow) - but yes, in the summer it does get damn hot too, so you really do want something with aircon.
Lastly, to echo the point made by another poster, used car prices here are quite unbelieveable. I dont know if it is because there is less of a stigma about having a car that has done 100,000 miles, but my cousin has an 8 year old saab 9-3 with 90,000 miles that he reckons is worth $9-10k
When I was in Boston in Jan/Feb/March of last year, it was -20c (one night saw 15inches of snow) - but yes, in the summer it does get damn hot too, so you really do want something with aircon.
Lastly, to echo the point made by another poster, used car prices here are quite unbelieveable. I dont know if it is because there is less of a stigma about having a car that has done 100,000 miles, but my cousin has an 8 year old saab 9-3 with 90,000 miles that he reckons is worth $9-10k
Will your employer organize a lease for you? If not, you are really going to struggle to finance a vehicle (either lease or hire/purchase). Your newly arrived status will put you in the crapper from a creditworthiness perspective. What visa are they petitioning - L1 or E1/2? That could have some influence too.
Given that you will be based outside of the city (which is reasonably pedestrian-friendly), you are going to need a car. As stated by others, the winters can be brutal in New England, with heavy accumilations that subsequently freeze solid. In these conditions, an unladen RWD pick-up (what your stated budget would permit) would be a real pain in the arse.
Additionally, forget diesel. They cost more, they are slower/noisier, Diesel costs more than gasoline for minimal/zero mpg benefit - and diesel freezes/waxes in those extreme temps.
You need to up the ante - or persuade your employer to step in, which might be difficult as there is almost no company-car culture in business here.
Subaru is a highly regarded brand here - but I'm a firm believer in "When in Rome...", you could do a lot worse that look at a Chevy Trailblazer.
Given that you will be based outside of the city (which is reasonably pedestrian-friendly), you are going to need a car. As stated by others, the winters can be brutal in New England, with heavy accumilations that subsequently freeze solid. In these conditions, an unladen RWD pick-up (what your stated budget would permit) would be a real pain in the arse.
Additionally, forget diesel. They cost more, they are slower/noisier, Diesel costs more than gasoline for minimal/zero mpg benefit - and diesel freezes/waxes in those extreme temps.
You need to up the ante - or persuade your employer to step in, which might be difficult as there is almost no company-car culture in business here.
Subaru is a highly regarded brand here - but I'm a firm believer in "When in Rome...", you could do a lot worse that look at a Chevy Trailblazer.
It is an L1B, I will discuss the car leasing issue with HR as there are a number of guys in the office from the UK and I am sure they sorted something out.
I know there are other companies like expat rides that specialise in new arrivals but I expect their is a premium for that service. Oh and I expect my NCB will be worth sweet FA as well.
I know there are other companies like expat rides that specialise in new arrivals but I expect their is a premium for that service. Oh and I expect my NCB will be worth sweet FA as well.
Usually no NCB, So I had to drive a V6 for 6 months before I could renew and get a V8 (6 month policies not uncommon), as too expensive without NCB
One or two folks I knew printed out their UK NCB statements and managed to get some allowance for it
As said, no credit history, so no credit cards, leases or loans - with the exception of vehicle manufacturer loans (Ford Credit, GMAC) who are desperate to shift new cars and will often lend to new arrivals with a permanent job, but at sub-prime rates.
There is little dealer markup on new cars (and you can haggle) so new vehicles are not overpriced as in Europe, meaning they don't lose as much value. Very little argument for buying used, so a good time to raid your savings
The main reason to buy something decent if you're out there for 2-3 years is to bring it back to the UK
4WD pickups in the snow shouldn't be a problem if you stick bags of sand over the rear wheels...
Edited to add: Ford F150 would be my call (Raptor if you can raise the cash)
One or two folks I knew printed out their UK NCB statements and managed to get some allowance for it
As said, no credit history, so no credit cards, leases or loans - with the exception of vehicle manufacturer loans (Ford Credit, GMAC) who are desperate to shift new cars and will often lend to new arrivals with a permanent job, but at sub-prime rates.
There is little dealer markup on new cars (and you can haggle) so new vehicles are not overpriced as in Europe, meaning they don't lose as much value. Very little argument for buying used, so a good time to raid your savings
The main reason to buy something decent if you're out there for 2-3 years is to bring it back to the UK
4WD pickups in the snow shouldn't be a problem if you stick bags of sand over the rear wheels...
Edited to add: Ford F150 would be my call (Raptor if you can raise the cash)
Edited by mikef on Wednesday 25th July 08:38
Are there no GM trucks in the UK? It always seems you just speak of Ford and Dodge.
Dodge stinks. Sorry.
I live in the snowiest major metropolitan city in the US. I don't have 4wd. When it snows, they salt the piss out of the roads. I had 4wd, but I did'nt use it 99% + of the time. So why carry it around. But i would recommend a limited slip rear axle. I have a GM 2wd regular cab short bed and love it. It's quick, handles nice, parks easy, rides ok, it's still a truck, and with LT trim, nicely appointed. 17 mpg.
Cowboy hat? Too much Top Gear for you?
Only heavy duty 3/4 ton and above trucks are availible in diesel here. Nothing you would want to drive if you did'nt need to haul heavy loads, tow huge campers ect..
Side note: did the word "recon" go from the UK to the American South, or vice versa? Because that word in Boston will earn you a cowboy hat.
Dodge stinks. Sorry.
I live in the snowiest major metropolitan city in the US. I don't have 4wd. When it snows, they salt the piss out of the roads. I had 4wd, but I did'nt use it 99% + of the time. So why carry it around. But i would recommend a limited slip rear axle. I have a GM 2wd regular cab short bed and love it. It's quick, handles nice, parks easy, rides ok, it's still a truck, and with LT trim, nicely appointed. 17 mpg.
Cowboy hat? Too much Top Gear for you?
Only heavy duty 3/4 ton and above trucks are availible in diesel here. Nothing you would want to drive if you did'nt need to haul heavy loads, tow huge campers ect..
Side note: did the word "recon" go from the UK to the American South, or vice versa? Because that word in Boston will earn you a cowboy hat.
Only trucks you see in the UK are Rams and F150s and it is only a very small number owned as toys rather than work vehicles. Good point on the salt, will have to make sure that whatever I get either used or new is rust free and undersealed. Seen enough imports go through a winter without undersealing here and don't fancy having to get large chunks of it cut out and plated.
If I had watched too much Top Gear I would be saying that Camaros are only bought by murderers and that everything has cheese in it. As for the language is Boston, I will be fine as long as I remember to forget to pronounce my Rs.
If I had watched too much Top Gear I would be saying that Camaros are only bought by murderers and that everything has cheese in it. As for the language is Boston, I will be fine as long as I remember to forget to pronounce my Rs.
Carfiend said:
Going to have a word with the HR people handling this. I made the mistake of looking at new build Impreza WRX and saying out loud "How cheap?" so might just lease one of those for the time I am there. Slightly annoyed I can't put brembos on a non STI model.
Just need to put a note on sunvisor in winter that read "You are not a rally driver".
I ended up with an Evo IX as my first US car because of this.Just need to put a note on sunvisor in winter that read "You are not a rally driver".
Word of advice - insurance.
Unless you are feeling flush, I really, really wouldn't.
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