Overhaulin'

How can I buy and use the car in LA and CA when I'm a foreigner?

I'll be visiting CA this summer for 3 months (tourist visa) Having no car is not an option there. Renting for such a period would be expensive (but if there is no choice I'll do that) so I was wondering if I can buy one. The problem is that I won't have permanent residency and Social Number. I do have international driving licence and more than 25 years:) I was thinking of buying car between 1500-2500 usd. And selling it for 500-1000 usd cheaper at the end of the stay. Regarding legal things I was wondering is it is possible to do same thing as in my country. Buying car, not formally changing the owner (plates+registration), buying necceserry insurance and use it as it is. But I'm really not sure if it can work out. Of course I'll send questions to rental comapanies for special prices for such a long rental. This seems to be muuuch easier.

Public Comments

1. To drive here all you need is an international drivers license. To get one where I live I took my current license as proof I could drive to the AAA auto club paid a few dollars and got my picture taken. A few minutes later I had my international license in my hand ready to use. I'll bet you have a similar program in your country. As for a car you might want to purchase a used one from a car dealer. Get one with a good warranty so if something isn't working they'll fix it for free or cheap. If you get to know them and you have taken good car of your car you maybe able to sell it back to them rather than having to sell it yourself. Welcome to America. Hope you have a great time here.