Moving to England from America this summer. Wife and I are selling both are vehicles before we make the move. So looking for information on what models to be looking at. I know nothing about the variety of models you guys have over there. I just know that fuel is expensive there. I'm open to any kind of body style i.e.: Sedan, hatchback, small truck, van, wagon, coupe. Probably would prefer a wagon or van though. - Diesel or petrol? - reliable - good resale value…as we will be living in England for only 4 years - something that can fit our very large dog(140lbs) for trips - something that can haul my bike in it, or a small trailer w/ bike - on top of the bike, something that can fit all the necessary gear and equipment for the track: gas can, tools, suit, and such. - on top of being to haul my stuff when I go to the track, I still need something thats good as a daily driver - price is not that big of an issue, but obviously we don't want to spend an arm and leg for something we'll just be selling 4 years later. Anything come to mind? And whats some good websites to look at?
Range Rover. As you are American, our small cars might not suit you. The Range Rover is large (ish). Will pull a train and fit the Hounds of the Baskerville within.
do not touch french or britsh cars , jap or german cars are the way to go and go for diesel far cheeper to run in this land
I do realize that our vehicles can be a lot bigger. I do want something that is still easy to drive around the smaller streets there. Range Rovers can be found used for good prices?
I wish…Wife is military, hence why we are moving to England. We have to fend for our selfs when it comes to transportation!
Lol…Had some Army buddies give me this nickname about 14 years ago because of that song. Has stuck ever since.
I have a toyota hilux crew cab and if the ranger is anything like it you will find that the back is too short and its awkward to load a bike on or off . The tailgate has to stay down so anything loose falls out. I had a nissan van before that and for the bikes it was excellent but not so good if there was more than two in the cab . If I had room I wood have a trailer and an Audi Q3 or Q5 . I also have a bmw x5 but it is soo thirsty I couldn't recommend it .
We actually have a Q5 now, but thats one we will sell here, because taking it over is a pain in the butt. I guess looking for one there could work.
Get something small, reliable and economical for every day and a van or a range rover for the bike or the dog. I'm on my second RR now and they're ok reliability wise. You have to keep on top of maintenance, but as long as you do that, they're ok. V8 diesel or LPG/petrol
How much do you know about cars in the UK? Do you know what an MOT is (annual "road worthiness" check)? Did you know that insurance is compulsory? Have you checked what insurance will cost you as you don't have a UK/European licence (bigger/flasher/faster is more expensive)? Did you know you need to pay an annual tax - which can vary in cost dramatically depending on the fuel type/age/emissions? If you go for a van/pick-up be careful with insurance as the insurance companies can put strange restrictions in place or charge commercial rates. We tend not to drive trucks as leisure vehicles in the UK. Quite a lot of vehicles these days are the same on both sides of the Atlantic (Ford Focus/Mondeo, BMWs, Audis, Toyotas etc.). I would suggest a Japanese 4WD diesel with a tow bar for a bike trailer? Anything like a Shogun, RAV4 etc. would be sensible. The way prices are going here bring a mid-70s Camaro over with you!
What about a '76 Corvette? I have been semi-aware of all these things, but I just don;t know what the exact cost will be. I know that in general models are the same here, but we don't get all the diesel engines here. Trying to read up and it seems like you said, a smaller in size car with diesel would be the way to go. Then have a tow bar connected and find a small trailer to haul the bike around when needed. I'm trying to see what make and models I can break down into and start focusing on those certain ones. So far seems like: - ford ranger? small truck - japanese style vehicles with diesel
Corvettes are firming up nicely price wise too (in fact all US muscle cars except Mustangs which are a little too common - just my luck!!). MOTs aren't expensive in themselves but require a certain level of maintenance that can be expensive. They only apply to cars over 3 years old so are you planning on buying new or used? If used then don't buy a car without a reasonable length MOT, although it's quite common to ask for a new MOT on purchase if it's only got a couple of months left in it. MOTs cover most mechanical parts, emissions, lighting, tyres, bodywork (not overly rusted, no sharp edges due to damage), windscreens etc. Insurance is a bit of a lottery and although broadly higher risk equals higher price there are some companies that specialise in certain markets, so it may pay to talk to other US citizens over here. Shopping around can reduce the cost massively. Another thing to ensure is that the vehicle is "HPI" checked if buying a used vehicle. This is a history check that will confirm that the vehicle hasn't been subject to a total loss insurance claim and doesn't have any outstanding finance on it (in which case the loan company can repossess the vehicle). Over here a Ford Ranger isn't a small truck, the current model is pretty big (we have the Asian/Australian model which may be different?). Diesels tend to be cheaper to tax than petrols unless it's a really low emissions petrol. Fuel is more expensive here but remember that we don't normally drive the distances you guys do as everything is more "compact". Do you know what happens with your driving licence? Depending on licence there are rules on what you can tow so be careful if planning on that route (trailer limit 750kg, total weight 3,500kg). It's do-able but you need to be very wary before committing.
As for our license, when we arrive we go through some in-processing and we get to take the testing to get a license there. Even if we don;t take it right away, our American license is good for 12 months there. Sounds like you guys have the same type of checks we have here when buying used. We just call them different names like: "Car Fax", same as your "HPI". And the "MOT" kinda sounds like our "Maintenance records" and "inspection checks" we recieve here. I think Ford Range will be off the table now. I won't need a large truck then.
