Car Hunt

Having received my photo driving licence through the mail (sorry, post!) a couple of weeks ago, you'd have thought that i'd be out like a shot looking for a car by now. Alas, this has not been the case owing largely to the demands of cells, experiments, grant writing and any number of little things that have been getting in the way at work. Still, am not too disappointed - have managed without a car for a few months so far so a little longer won't matter. Plus, this also gives me a bit more time to consider more the type of car i want to get and, mainly, whether i want to buy or lease. Leasing seemed to me like a good idea - you get a newer car (ideal if im going to be travelling about the state a bit from time to time) and no hassle of having to sell it when i move on (in about two and a half years hopefully). On the downside, they are apparently incredibly strict about condition of the car when you return it, they often have a mileage limit that you have to pay quite heavily for if you go over. Plus, i found out recently, that as with buying you need a guarantor to sign if you are non-US (mainly if you have no credit history) as with buying a car.

I find this incredibly annoying. This is the self-titled Land of the Free yet it has to be one of the most xenophobic countries in terms of the red tape and nonsense that gets thrown your way. You would think that, if people have taken the trouble to come and work in the US - for the benefits of both the US and society as a whole, that they'd be ready to bite your hand off when you then want to spend your hard earned cash here but it seems not to be the case. So far, i've had to leave a $150 deposit for the electricity, if i want to get a mobile contract it'll be $500, for a landline $75 (if i choose to get one) and now i have to find someone willing to sign for me as a guarantor. I'm sure i wouldn't have any problem finding someone but, to me, it shouldn't be necessary. Provided you have proof of a steady source of income whilst you're in the US, i think that should be enough. I would be interested to see what the situation is like for people moving to the UK, specifically if it's any worse than over here.