Two comments - to get credit you need to have 5 lines of credit. Even if you have the cash, it's worth getting a small loan on each car you buy - this is possible with no credit. Also we've been advised to get and use store cards (e.g. Macy's, Bloomingdale's, Sears, Home Depot, Staples) to establish those 5 lines of credit.

Second comment - we have to pay $3000 per year for auto insurance as English people. However our first car has just been totalled by a NJ driver, so at least we are getting our money's worth this year!

I found adapting to the Amercian way of life very hard at first, everything is so different. I am 25 years old.

Before I emigrated here, I read a book by Esther Wanning, Culture Shock USA, it was very informative, but didn't cover everything I needed to know, your guide did. I liked the 'driving' experiences, I just did a prep written theory test, was told I am ready to take the test for real. Apparently, I was told, if I showed the MVA my English drivers license and passed the theory, I wouldn't have to take the road test, which seems laughably easy compared to UK road tests which last 45 minutes.

I also liked the dining experiences, American's don't seem to need a knife, everything is done with the fork, after a meal I noticed the knife and fork is left horizintally, rather than the vertical position I am used to. These are minor points, entertaining if otherwise.

Thank you anyway for this very useful information.

Regards Daniel