Any holes in this plan to get on the road?

[blueberry]

Last year, I gave my son and DIL (who live with me) notice that I will be leaving in April. They will take over the full rent on this apartment and all utilities, etc. Once that happens, my SS income will be freed up but, due to various 'emergencies,' I've been unable to save enough to buy a van and get ready ahead of time. <br><br>A couple of weeks ago, I qualified for a car loan (almost bought a van but backed out) so at least I know I can finance a (2000 or older) van with my bad credit.&nbsp;<br><br>I found a&nbsp;<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.ourautogallery.com/home/" rel="nofollow">dealer</a></span>&nbsp;in Las Vegas who sells 'fleet' cargo vans that it says were well maintained. (If you have experience with this dealer, please let me know!)<br><br>So, here's what I'm thinking of doing:<br><ol><li>Save up a down payment by April.</li><li>Fly to Las Vegas (I'm in San Diego.)</li><li>Buy a van.</li><li>Drive to Pahrump and sign up for a NV address there.</li><li>Get NV driver's license, registration, etc.</li><li>Drive back to San Diego, get my stuff, and go.</li></ol>Am I missing anything?<br><br><br>

 

[Van Tripper]

Check with the Vegas Better Business, if the Car Dealer and the math works, go for it. &nbsp;Always get another Apt. if you discover you don't like the life style.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

quote from Lavonne <STRONG><SPAN style="COLOR: #000080">Am I missing anything?</SPAN></STRONG><BR><BR>Yeah, you are missing me!&nbsp;Wish I was heading out too.&nbsp;<BR>Do you think you may have more time now to catch up on your writing?

 

[user 423]

Well, the cost of the flight plus gas for the van back to SD and maybe taxis or airport shuttles might make the van price not so great?&nbsp; Plus motels to stay in LV if for some reason you can't get a GOOD van right away. <br><br>The main negative is being in a situation where you will be under pressure (time and added expense) to buy a van. You should take your time when checking out a used vehicle! If the dealer knows you are in a hurry, there's no chance he will cut you any kind of break on price and/or financing.<br><br>

 

[Suanne]

LaVonne,<br><br>I'm concerned that, as with any used vehicle, unexpected repair costs (large and small)&nbsp;are something that's going to happen.&nbsp; And, by taking a loan out to buy a van you are incurring debt that will be with you even if/when the van is inoperable.<br><br>Being debt free is important to me and I understand that you may not also share that value.&nbsp; Also, I don't know many other details that would be affecting your decisions.&nbsp; But, you asked for feedback; so, I just wanted to share my perespective here.<br><br>Is there a way that you can move out in April, live in your Volvo station wagon, and continue to save for a van?

 

[peacetara]

If you are using the Pahrump mail lady, you don't actually have to show up to get the mailbox and stuff settled, I did it all from California.&nbsp; You only have to actually show up if you want a DL out here.<br><br>I agree with what Suanne said as well.&nbsp;&nbsp; You can find cheap hotels in Vegas, if you dig around, there also is a Hostel or two in Las Vegas, and they have public transit, but from San Diego, it might make sense to drive your car, then you wouldn't have rent a hotel, spend the money on a plane ticket, etc.&nbsp; Tho, you do have to cover gas of course.<br><br>I agree about trying to NOT be in a hurry, the plus side of bringing your car, you can live out of it for a week or so, and not be in a giant hurry.<br><br>Anyways, I happen to be in Las Vegas right now, but am itching to leave and head south to the RTR!<br><br>With Love,<br>Tara

 

[blueberry]

Thanks everybody, good things to think about.<br><br>Re the Volvo station wagon: the transmission just went out - one of the 'emergencies' that keep eating up what little I try to save. I'm giving it to my son because he has sunk several thousand into it to rebuild the engine and replace the radiator, etc. So I won't have a vehicle at all once I leave, and of course, I can't leave without a vehicle.<br><br>Re hotel/shuttle/etc.: This dealer covers that, but as @slowday pointed out, that adds to the sales pressure.<br><br>After posting this I got to thinking that if I can save up enough for a down payment, it will be enough to buy a cheap van off craigslist. And I could live in it here in town, without traveling, while saving up for any repairs it might need for safe travel. Also, there is no hard and fast deadline. I can stay in the apartment rent-free after April if I need more time.&nbsp;I'm just so frustrated and impatient to get on the road! Must learn to be more patient. <img rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" class="bbc_img"><br><br>

 

[Ballenxj]

Hi LaVonne, May I ask why you want to buy your van in Vegas? Are there no good places in San Diego to buy a van? IMO, if you bought your van local to where you are, you would have more time for a shake down cruise to make sure everything checked out first. Maybe even spend a night or two in it before you embark so if you decide you need something you will know where to get it. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img"> <br>-Bruce

 

[blueberry]

May I ask why you want to buy your van in Vegas? Are there no good places in San Diego to buy a van? IMO, if you bought your van local to where you are, you would have more time for a shake down cruise to make sure everything checked out first. Maybe even spend a night or two in it before you embark so if you decide you need something you will know where to get it.&nbsp;<img style="max-width: 100%; max-height: 650px; cursor: pointer;" rel="lightbox" src="/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" class="emoticon bbc_img">&nbsp;<br>-Bruce

<br><br>Well, I thought there would be some savings on sales tax and registration, that's all. Also, this dealer advertises that all its vans are fleet vans that are well maintained, though I'm sure I could find a similar dealer here in San Diego.

 

[Lifemagician]

<strong>For what it's worth</strong>, here is how I went about buying a vehicle (van) at a distance... 12000 miles to be exact.<br><br>Whenever I located a vehicle, be it on craigslist, ebay, or any dealer anywhere in the lower 48, I would call them, discuss the vehicle, ask all the questions I could think of, and ask if they would facilitate the inspection of the vehicle at a local dealership service dept.&nbsp; (Be aware if they won't.) <br><br>Then contacted the dealer - if it was a Ford, I would find the Ford dealership in that town/city - and speak with the service manager.&nbsp; I would ask for a pre purchase inspection, list all the things which needed to be included, and ask to be emailed a full report on the condition of the vehicle.<br><br>From memory, it is about the fourth or fifth vehicle on which I finally settled.&nbsp; Then paid for it, and had it stored until I could get there.... six weeks later.<br><br>The vehicle was waiting for me when I arrived, and I have not regretted getting it.&nbsp; It is a gem.<br><br>I had much advice from many of my friends on another forum.&nbsp; <br>http://www.roadtripamerica.com/forum/showthread.php?27948-Searching-for-a-Camper-Van<br>Reading through this, one can also see the changes which took place during the months long process.<br><br>Lifey

 

[randal02lee]

Try to make sure it would pass California's crazy smog test before you buy it. I've heard of people buying vehicles outside of California and then they can't register it because it doesn't pass the smog test.

 

[randal02lee]

I first got the idea of being a van dweller when I lived in San Diego. I had an apartment in Ocean Beach and noticed how many old campers and vans were parking in residential areas. But homeowners couldn't call the cops to complain about an unknown vehicle outside their house because a lot of apartment dwellers have to park sometimes a block or 2 from their apartment because of all the cars parked on the street at night.

 

[MrNoodly]

Try to make sure it would pass California's crazy smog test before you buy it. I've heard of people buying vehicles outside of California and then they can't register it because it doesn't pass the smog test.

<br><br>But if blueberry is going to buy and register it in NV, then no problem.

 

[blueberry]

<strong style="line-height: 20px;">For what it's worth</strong><span style="line-height: 20px;">, here is how I went about buying a vehicle (van) at a distance... 12000 miles to be exact.</span><br style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Whenever I located a vehicle, be it on craigslist, ebay, or any dealer anywhere in the lower 48, I would call them, discuss the vehicle, ask all the questions I could think of, and ask if they would facilitate the inspection of the vehicle at a local dealership service dept.&nbsp; (Be aware if they won't.)&nbsp;</span><br style="line-height: 20px;"><br style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Then contacted the dealer - if it was a Ford, I would find the Ford dealership in that town/city - and speak with the service manager.&nbsp; I would ask for a pre purchase inspection, list all the things which needed to be included, and ask to be emailed a full report on the condition of the vehicle.</span>

<br><br>Lifey, thank you! I read every word of the thread you posted... and learned a LOT. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> If I buy a vehicle here in town, I have a good mechanic who will do the inspection for very cheap ($25). I never thought of having a dealer do it. Good to know in case I find something out of town.<br><br>

Try to make sure it would pass California's crazy smog test before you buy it.

<br><br>Thanks. As MrNoodly pointed out, I plan to register the van in NV, so that won't be an issue.<br><br>

I first got the idea of being a van dweller when I lived in San Diego. I had an apartment in Ocean Beach and noticed how many old campers and vans were parking in residential areas.

<br><br>Funny, I was thinking about parking in OB if I need to stay here for a few months, mainly because of the organic People's Food Co-op there. Good to know about parking, thanks.