Driving In America

[powell11]

Right guys I'm going to America next year for 3 weeks and I've hit a huge bump in the road. Driving. I can't hire a car because I'm 19 and car agencies do not allow under 25s to hire a car, 21-24 is allowed with additional charges. My plan was colorado first for a week then drive down to LA for 2 weeks. I have 2 ideas in mind. 1st option would be to import my car and bring it back if that's do-able. 2nd option was to get to America and buy a cheap 2nd hand car for a few hundred dollars. I'm not super keen on either option but which one has the most likelihood of actually happening? If there are any alternatives then I'd love to know!

I'm going by myself btw

[stoofur]

I would imagine that to import your car would take a long time (you would have to ship it) and also cost a lot of money. I imagine there would be import fees and shipping costs. Probably also tax implications.

To buy a car in the US sounds like the cheaper route. However I am not sure where you stand getting insurance in the US being a non US resident.

I don't know if the link below would help:-

http://www.driverabroad.com/self-drive/car-rental-for-under-21s/

Good luck.

[stoofur]

You may also have an issue with renting from one place and dropping off the car at another. I just tried on one of the links and it would not let me do different pickup/drop off. So I tried LA to LA. Over 25 $575 USD for 3 Weeks. Age 18 - 20 $1400 USD

Ouch.

[mikey4444]

This sounds a bit suspicious to say the least. I have never, ever, heard of anybody importing their car into America, in order to have a three week holiday and then bringing it back again ! And is it really viable to buy a car and then sell it again ? What about insurance ?

Perhaps Greyhound buses would be your best bet.

[douglas9401]

If you used a hoverboard you'd make good time AND get a tan.

Win win.

[Maydup]

The major hire firms don't hire to under 25's but try searching for companies who do hire to under 21's. Drill down to those in LA for example.

http://www.okrentacar.com/en_underage.html

[mikey4444]

Maydup is right, but these are very expensive !

[Zacs-Master]

Trains dear boy. Trains. Or planes. But not automobiles.

[mikey4444]

Couldn't resist this !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W773ZPJhcVw

[VHG]

>>1st option would be to import my car and bring it back if that's do-able.

That is one of the stupidest ideas I have ever heard.

Is this all a wind up?

[hc4361]

The Saudis import their super cars to London for the annual jollies, no reason why powell11 can't do the same, if he can afford it

[zebo]

We actually met a German couple who had taken their motorhome to America but they were having a 12 month trip around North America and it had been expensive but cheaper than the alternative for 12 months. You can fly between those locations or take the train. Did this not occur to you before you booked the trip??

[EDDIE51]

It is possible to buy a car in the USA and drive around then sell it. The problem for you would be the cost of insurance. As a 19 year old and with a UK licence it would be in the multi $1,000s even if you could get a policy at all. You would also need to put down a 'security bond' of many $1,000s in case you 'did a runner' to avoid a claim.

[mikey4444]

VHG...sounds like a wind-up to me as well !

[BRIGHT SPARK]

It will be cheaper to take a 26year old with you ...all ex's paid!

[EDDIE51]

^^ best idea yet!

[powell11]

Yeah may sound stupid but that's why I'm asking right? Answer bank has always been full sarcastic belles. Only trying to seek some info...

[stuey]

Powell11, I think that some of the responses were a little harsh. Some people don't remember that we were all young once, just starting out in the world, and sometimes had rather grandiose ideas and schemes which in our youthfulness we thought were attainable; however, they turned out to be impracticable, yet at the time seemed great fun to dream about.

[stuey]

In looking back at the answers, Bright Spark had the best suggestion (although I'm not sure about the all expenses part): find an older friend to go with you. You would have company on your trip; you could share expenses; and, to be realistic, it would be safer.