Buy Sell Used Car

Q.My wife and I (I am 28 yo) are planning to spend 3-4 months backpacking in the USA/Canada. We are coming from the land down under (Australia) I have done some research as to travelling in the USA (Amtrak/Greyhound). I have explored travel sites as to feasibility/ease with car travel in the USA. The only concern so far seem to be car parking problems in the bigger cities. I am hoping to buy a cheap second hand car (less than $1000), drive it from the west to the east coast, and then sell it back at the end. I don't think rental would be a proposition for 3-4 months as it would be too expensive. Is buying a second hand car and reselling at the end worthwhile? Backpacker sites (eg lonely planet) seem to support used car travel, but I would like to hear some first hand experience if possible. What are the best sites in the US to look for second hand cars (similar to the personal trading post here in Brisbane)? I have found trader.com to be good but are there others? What are the requirements with respect to driving a car through the US? I have an international licence and currently hold a rating one comprehensive insurance policy with my current car in Australia. I have a reasonable understanding about the mechanical aspect of car mechanics and probably can keep a reasonable car from break down. Also are there a lot of car auctions and if so is it worthwhile buying cars from these for cheap prices? Or should I just wait till I land in USA and then look locally. I am planning to stop first at Vancouver before flying down to either Seattle or San Francisco. How true is the rumour that some cities are not as good as others in terms of buying second hand cars? Finally can you drive a car bought from USA into Canada without too much hassles?

A.You are going to have trouble trying to buy a car in the US or Canada if you live in Australia. You have to have a permanent address in the state/province in which you intend to register the car. I met a German man in Manitoba a few years ago. He was touring through Canada for three months. He tried to purchase a used car in Ontario, but it was impossible for him to register the car and get plates and insurance because he did not have a permanent Ontario address. He wound up renting one instead for three months. If you have your heart set on having a car while you're here, consider enlisting te help of a friend who lives in Canada/USA. Have the friend buy the car, register it in his name, and then declare you as the principal driver. There are, of course, liability issues with this plan, because the friend would be legally responsible should anything bad happen.

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