best way to get around the UK

[atarinox]

Hey everyone!
Myself and 3 other friends are planning on traveling the UK for a month this summer, and we are on an extremely tight budget. The Britrail pass is pretty expensive, so we were thinking it might just be cheaper to buy a shitty used car while over there. If we could find an old audi for under a grand (i've found a bunch in the small number of searches i've made) we could split it 4 ways, then purchase 1 international drivers license (they run about $20) and then sell the car before we leave. Are there any major drawbacks to this? I understand gas is pretty expensive in the UK, but if that is the only negative I think i've made my choice.
I have a relative who will be hosting us for about a week once we get there, so we could have some time to get situated and find our car.

anyone here ever experiment with this? any suggestions?

thanks

[Canadian Dude]

That sounds like a pretty good idea, and a great way to get around, but you may want to consider a couple of things...

1. Insurance, you might have a hard time finding a company to insure you since you do not have an address in the UK...one solution to that MIGHT be a post office box in the UK, preferably in a small town, rates go up when you live in big cities

2. What do you do if the car breaks down? Getting a new tranny or a head gasket or something will be a huge expence that you will not want to deal with...even a new tire will run you a pretty pound...if you do go and get this car, make sure you have a garage look at the car before you fork over 1000$ or 750P what ever the price. B)

If you can get the insurance and the garage says its a sound buy, then i would for sure go for it, no better way to see Europe than in your own ride!!!

[Hayley210]

Hello! I live in england and can honestly say a car would deffinately be the best option, trains around here aint too hot, always running late, we have alot of strikes and from the amount of crashes lately the rails dont seem in great shape either. BUT, depending on your age and driving experience, insurance can be VERY expencive. Also males pay higher insurance as they seem to be the ones making the most claims. I'm 19/F, have been driving 2 years with no claims and my insurance is still sky high. It sucks! Yes petrol is quite expencive too, if you can find a diesel then you would deffinately benefit. When looking for a car, go to www.autotrader.co.uk, or buy the magazine autotrader for the area that your in at the time. Its not a good idea buying off traders as they tend to stick a hefty lump sum on what the car is worth and when it comes to selling it, you will never get back what you paid. Well, thats all I can think of at the moment! Any other questions I'll be happy to help!

[LittleMiss1565]

The last time I was in Scotland (you better be going to Scotland!) I told myself "next time i come to Scotland, I'm driving."

the reason?

I was travelling through the highlands, mostly by train and bus. There were numerous times when I wished I could just hop off the train, snap a few photos, have a picnic, take a swim, and then just be on my way. Since you are going with a group I am sure your adventure would be much more grand with that kind of independence!

And stay a couple of nights at Carbisdale Castle when you feel like getting away from it all. And I do mean ALL.