How to buy a car in the U.S.

How to buy a car in the U.S. when you're a foreigner and why would you really do it? 

May the 3rd we began our 6 months roadtrip through the North America. We used to travel a lot, using our 23 vacation days in 100%, but we always thought about some long journey. We were saving money, but we did not have clearly defined plans. In November last year, our family grew bigger and we decided that now is the right moment. Yes, we would love to go to travel around the world, for few years but with our newbie we decided to spend 6 months in the U.S. and Canada. And here the question arises, how do we travel over there? Very quickly, we decided to RV (recreational vehicle). At the very beginning we did not know whether it should be motohrom, a car with a trailer or semi-trailer. It was clear that our 4 wheels needs to transfer us from point A to point B, but what is more important, become our new home. After checking renting prices for such a long time it was obvious that we can not afford it and that it would be better to buy it. 

Just a few weeks before the trip we were searching in the Internet, travel blogs, forums, watching videos on YouTube to prepare ourselves the best as we could . Daniel was reviewing craiglist.org every day in search of our dream mobile home. Just before departure we have found a perfect car, the Ford F350 Super Duty trailer Alpenlite Limited Santa Fe slideout 11 at a price exceeding our established budget, so we started negotiations. We were able to reduce the price to the amount that still was not perfect, but satisfactory for both parties. We were meeting sellers, Lisa and Ken already on the second day after arrival to Orlando. 

After seeing the camper, reciving training from owners, test drive and getting all additional equipment such as plates, pots, cutlery, sheets, gaskets, light bulbs, oils, etc ... we made the deal. What's more, Lisa and Ken reduced the final price a bit. We do not know whether it was Eryk who made them to do it, or maybe our frightened faces, but it was very nice of them. 

After the purchase, the time comes to paperwork, that is: vehicle registration and insurance. Both we were able to commplete in one day. We knew that address in the US could be required, so we asked our host from Airbnb in Sanford, where we stayed for the first week, if we could use his. 

First insurance. The contact to the insurance agency we got from Lisa, who even before our arrival checked if we can buy a car insurance as a foreigners. Local driving license were not needed, international was enough. The whole procedure took us less than an hour. From the hand we got a temporary insurance certificate and the relevant document was sent by mail to the address provided by us. 

Registration of the vehicle turned out to be just as simple. After the presentation of insurance’s proof and paying the tax, we received license plate. For extra $ 10 we could also receive the title, but we decided not to pay and wait till it comes by post. 

Both, registration and insurance we could action in the place of purchase of the car, which saved us an hour drive to Sanford one way. 

After about 3 hours we could fully enjoy our new vehicle, our new home. 

Charges in Florida: 

• Purchase tax is 6.55% 
• Title $ 73.50 (we do not know whether it is a percentage of the purchase amount, type of car or fixed fee) 
• Plate $ 91.29 
• Agency fee $ 4.75 

Summary 

• Before buying a car you should check craiglist.org every day to know which ads are new, and which hang on the wall too long. 
• If you do not have family / friends in the United States, whose address you could use, you can always ask your host / hotel / hostel for a such possibility. 
• To insure the car you do not need to have the U.S. driving license. International driving license is enough. 
• In Florida, all registration documents can be obtained on the spot, without having to wait until they are sent to you by mail.