Hi there guys,

I am travelling to the USA this summer from Ireland and I need some help and advice.

I am flying into Boston around June 20 and I want to buy a van. The plan is for my friends and me (3 in total) to drive all over the states. We'll go down the East coast then across the South and up the East. You get the idea.

What I need to know is can you guys recommend a garage near Boston that sells vans? All we need is a cargo van that has AC. We are not picky. We just need enough room to put down an air mattress in the back. 2 rows of seats would be great too though.

I priced renting a motorhome but it seems cheaper to buy and insure a van that we don't have to worry about scratching and can drive as many miles as we like.

Also, I think I need an address in the states to get insured, yeah?? (I have that, a friend living in Maryland)
Is there anything else I need?

All or any help would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Sean [keepontruckn]

P.S anything I should defo see while I'm there???

Check out craigslist.org you can resell it there also.
Sounds like a fun trip. Good luck and keep us up to date.

I found this. Even better than what I'm looking for. I've emailed the guy. Anyone live up the road from this to confirm it runs and AC works?????


http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/rvs/330576143.html

p.s thanks for the Craigslist heads up. Priceless

I found this. Even better than what I'm looking for. I've emailed the guy. Anyone live up the road from this to confirm it runs and AC works?????


http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/rvs/330576143.html

p.s thanks for the Craigslist heads up. Priceless

post in the regional forum and you'll get better luck with someone in that area going to check out the winnie for you.

given it's age, I'd be wary of buying it.

So we all meeting up and drinking in boston?

Hey man,
the place next door to my work specializes in this stuff and the owner is a really decent honest guy. He always has trucks and vans in stock. It's in Somerville, MA like 6-8 miles from the airport.

Name is ATS, guy's name is Bob, phone # is 617 623 9522

If you buy one from him pop in to the bmw shop next door and buy me lunch :)

The chances of that thing making it across the country, or even out of the driveway, is slim to none :)

A 33 year old caravan is certainly an adventurous way to see the US. I would try to find a minivan or the like, then sell it when you're done. I suppose renting a car/van from Dollar (or similar) is out of the budget? Then you have a quality vehicle, but if you're handy and have tools maybe a beater will be a good time.

Geez. Anyone else thinking terrorists????

Geez. Anyone else thinking terrorists????


IRA All the Way!! LOL!

http://www.lanephotography.com/newfoundland_swimwear/irish_flag/irish_flag_swimwear_12.jpg

http://www.mediadissent.com/paul/assets/images/myspace/blog/10-15-06/eliseIRA.jpg

WEll, We'll be flying over on wednesday.

I didn't buy that van in the end, it was sold when I contacted him. We found another van. 1994 Chevy G20 conversion van. Got it for just over $1000. The guy seems like a reputable dealer. I'll keep you informed and sure put up a few pics when I get there.

I have been trying to find out how to register this van. Here's how I understand it. Correct me if I am wrong

1. Get insurance (if any of you can recommend a good agent let me know) have the agent complete, stamp and sign an Application for Registration and Title (RMV-1)

2. After verifying all information, sign the RMV-1 application. Along with the completed RMV-1 application, you must submit one of the following documents:

The previous owner's title, if a titled vehicle (model year 1980 and newer), or
The bill of sale and proof of last Registration, if a non-titled vehicle.3. If presenting the previous owner's title, be sure the date sold, the odometer reading and the purchase price have been completed on the back. The previous owner(s) and you must sign the back of the title.

4. Take the completed RMV-1 application and supporting documents to the nearest full service RMV center (http://www.mass.gov/rmv/branches/index.htm).

I got that from the RMV website.
http://www.mass.gov/rmv/regs/index.htm

But does it take weeks for the title to be posted out then?? I'll be finished my trip by the time we get it.

Oh and the IRA decommisioned a good while ago, we now "apparently" have peace and understanding throughout Ireland :)

Cheers guys,

Sean

Yes, it takes several weeks to get a title in your hands.

I don't know if it really matters much. As long as you have a copy of the title application,

1. valid Massachusetts registration
2. a Massachusetts inspection (you get this done at authorized inspection stations like some gas stations and auto repair shops, it costs $29.00)
3. car insurance

should be all you need.

If you get it registered in Mass, then you need proof of a Mass address. Do you have one?

Yeah, my mates uncle or cousin or something lives in MA so that should be alright, cheers

let us know when to come down and party!

You may want to look in to registration in R.I. May be a little easier?

Well guys,

thanks for al the help. We met the guy selling the van in Plains auto's, Milford MA. He was really helpful. So we got the van, insurance, and even registered and inspected.

Thanks for the help.

Sean