12 Things Brits Would Find Surprisingly Different About Buying a Used Car in America

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If you’re from the UK and thinking about buying a used car in America, you might be in for a few surprises! The process can be quite different from what you’re used to back home. From the types of cars available to the way they’re sold, everything can seem a bit different. Here’s a look at some of the key differences that might catch you off guard.

1. Buyers can travel huge distances to find the right car

In America, it’s not unusual for someone to travel across several states just to pick up the right used car. This might sound extreme, but because the USA is so large, the perfect car at the right price could be hundreds or even thousands of miles away. In the UK, where you can drive across the country in a matter of hours, such long trips are seldom necessary for car buying. This difference means you might need to be ready for a bit of a road trip when car shopping in the States.

2. Pickup trucks dominate many local markets

In many parts of the US, especially in rural areas and the Midwest, pickup trucks are the vehicle of choice and dominate the car markets. They’re used for everything from daily commutes to heavy-duty work tasks. This is quite different from the UK, where smaller cars and hatchbacks are more common due to narrower roads and higher fuel prices. If you’re moving to the US, don’t be surprised to see a much larger selection of pickup trucks on used car lots.

3. Automatic cars are far more common

Unlike in the UK, where manual cars are still quite popular, in the US, automatics rule the roads. The convenience of not having to shift gears is a big plus for many American drivers, especially in cities with a lot of stop-and-go traffic. This means when you’re looking for a used car in the US, you’re likely to find that most of the options are automatic.

4. Mileage expectations can be much higher

In the US, cars are often driven for many more miles than in the UK before they’re considered past their prime. Thanks to long distances and a culture of driving everywhere, it’s not uncommon to see cars with over 100,000 miles still in active use and for sale. In the UK, a car with that much mileage might be nearing the end of its useful life, but in the US, such cars are just getting started!

5. Large SUVs are ordinary family cars

In America, large SUVs are a common sight and often serve as the family car. This can be quite different for someone from the UK, where smaller cars and minivans are more commonly used due to narrower roads and higher fuel costs. The extra space and perceived safety of large SUVs make them a popular choice among American families.

6. Vehicle inspections differ by state

When buying a used car in the US, it’s important to remember that vehicle inspection laws vary widely from state to state. Some states require rigorous inspections before a car can be registered, while others are much more lenient. This is quite different from the UK, where there’s a standardized MOT test that applies uniformly across the country.

7. Sales taxes and registration costs vary by location

Just like vehicle inspections, sales tax and the cost of registering a car can also vary significantly in the US, depending on where you are. Some states have high sales taxes and others have none at all. This can affect the overall cost of buying a used car, something that’s more predictable in the UK with its uniform VAT rate on cars.

8. Car history reports are commonly checked

Checking a car’s history report is common practice when buying a used car in the US. These reports can provide crucial information about the car’s past, including accidents, service history, and previous ownership. This practice helps buyers make informed decisions and is something to keep in mind as it’s not as commonly practiced in the UK.

9. Private sales can involve different paperwork depending on the state

The paperwork involved in buying a car from a private seller can vary greatly in the US, depending on the state. Each state has its own requirements for what needs to be documented and how the transfer of ownership is handled. This can be a bit confusing if you’re used to the more uniform process in the UK.

10. Rust matters much more in some climates than others

In some parts of the US, especially in northern states where roads are salted in winter, rust can be a major issue for cars. This is less of a concern in much of the UK, where the climate is milder. When buying a used car in the US, it’s important to check for rust, especially if the car has been used in a state with harsh winters.

11. Air conditioning can be practically essential

In many parts of the US, especially in southern states, air conditioning is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity. The intense heat can make driving without air conditioning unbearable. This is different from the UK, where milder temperatures mean air conditioning in cars is often considered a nice-to-have rather than a must-have.

12. A car that looks enormous in Britain can seem completely ordinary in America

Cars that would be considered large and cumbersome on UK roads can seem completely ordinary in the US. This is partly because American roads and parking spaces are generally bigger, and the culture of driving larger vehicles is more prevalent. So, what might look like a giant SUV in the UK could be just an average family car in the US.