Yanks needing advice

Nikarus

My fiance and I recently moved to Middlesbrough from the states without knowing anybody here. I have a teaching job that is about 4 miles from where we are renting and need advice on the best options for me to get there and back. I had originally planned on using the bus, but the bus I need does not leave early enough for me. I tried walking it, but it takes a little over an hour, and when it is raining or really bad weather, that's a long time/way and I need to get to work looking professional.
So, as far as I can tell, that leaves biking or leasing a car. My job is only for one year, so I can't get anything too permanent and we are on a somewhat tight budget. Any suggestions or places to go to look at options available to us?
Thank you!

Mercdriver

Biggest issue you will have is credit checks. Leasing companies and finance companies will do these so I fear anything you buy will have to be cash upfront. Credit checks are unlikely to be successful as they like to have a checkable history for 3 years and for you to be on the electoral list.

neilmcl

Only 4 miles, bike every time. How early do you travel? I'd have a look at the local bus company's web site to make sure there isn't really a bus available for you but if it is really early and you are planning on cycling don't forget to get some good lights.

DoaM

Which basically leaves a bicycle ... won't be fun in inclement weather but it'll keep you fit.

Hintza

Well you can drive in the UK (assuming you have a US driving licence) for a period of 12 months so that is fine. Insurance might be expensive so you need to look in to that carefully.

Hire a car on your US credit card? Expensive I imagine but might be handy for the odd trip.

Move closer or a bike might be your best options?

Edit:- Is nobody passing that you can arrange a lift with?

reeac

Can I suggest a combination of cycling plus maybe car share if you have a conveniently located teaching colleague? A 4 mile journey by bike would only be 15-20 minutes but , as already said, bad weather would be the snag. Used bikes are cheap ...£50 should get you a good one.

HO87

It was a few years ago I'd happily admit but I used to bike it to work every day. I left my work clothes (shirts, jacket etc) in my locker at work and arrived in good time to have a shower before I needed to be at my desk.

Picking up some groceries on the way home was interesting until we invested in a pair of panniers. Then the OH became really imaginative with what she felt I should be able to cram into what was little more than a pair of box files.

AdrianC

Middlesborough isn't, with all due respect to those who live there, anywhere near as nice as some of the places that a car will make easily available to you. Weekends out in Northumberland, North Yorkshire, the Lakes, and a lot more will become possible. That, alone, would mean I'd be looking to get a car...

Sure, it's going to cost you. Buy something cheap - £2k max, spent sensibly on a private purchase (this end of the trade is shark-infested waters), and a bit of basic maintenance, and you're on wheels for the year. Insurance won't be cheap, because of your US licence, but that's the price to pay, unfortunately.

Might be worth talking to some of the rental firms - they do offer long-term rentals, and at least you'll be better able to budget, without the hassle of trying to sell at the end.

thescouselander

If it's only for a year you could get an old banger with 12 months MOT for around £500. It won't by luxury motoring but it will be better than the bus.

wba31

thescouselander wrote: »

If it's only for a year you could get an old banger with 12 months MOT for around £500. It won't by luxury motoring but it will be better than the bus.

+1 for this, if you leased a vehicle for £150 per month for example, that will be £1800 before you've done anything else.

Buy something for £500 and hope it stays cool for 12 months and with insurance and tax it may be cheaper than leasing, look after it and you may get £500 for it in 12 months time if your circs change and you no longer need it

=rizla=

thescouselander wrote: »

If it's only for a year you could get an old banger with 12 months MOT for around £500. It won't by luxury motoring but it will be better than the bus.

+2 on this, consider it £500 spent on a car, if you get any money for it at the end then consider it a win, however if you buy right, look after it and sell right then there is no reason as wba31 says you wont get all all your money back.