Cars on Grand Cayman

[caribbo]

Hi,

I'm interested in buying a car when I get to the island. My question is, are there any good used auto dealerships in the area?

Thanks,
Bo

[caribbo]

Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

[Knight007]

Try www.ecayman.com (http://www.ecayman.com/)

they have listings for just about anything you can think of..Good luck !

And yes you can definitely buy a car...Cayman caters to every luxury imaginable!

[rapunzel]

is a car an absolute must? what about getting a lisence and auto insurance? they all must be pretty expensive...and i'm really trying to say money! are there any other alternative means of getting to school? not to mention, is there housing that is at least walkable distance from school?

thanks

[Knight007]

Yes...I've heard there is housing within walking distance to school.

And..No..a Car is not an absolute must. A lot of people walk and bike there.
I was thinking of bringing an electric Razor scooter to commute...but I think
I will take the bus. Using the bus wont be that expensive for the entire semester.

[skidoc42]

Hey Ladies and Gents,

No, you do not need a car on the island. Everything you can immagine is a short walk, bike or bus ride away. However some people choose to purchase cars, it's just a matter of convenience. You can find deals on used cars everywhere. I've seen tons of used cars for sale just on campus and in the RH alone these past few weeks. There are flyers all over the place. Plus if you look in the local papers I'm sure you can find great deals. If you want to get a car cheap...I'm sure you won't have to look that far. Hope this helps! Take care.

skidoc42 ;)

[mshah1]

Hey,

Cars are not a must on the island especially if you are living in the dorms. We personally bought one because we live in west bay and it's just easier to drive to school than to bike 4 miles in the sun and be covered in sweat by the time you get there. It's just a personal choice...alot of people bike from the res hall to school to keep in shape.

There are other options like a scooter. I"m sure a few people will be selling theirs when they leave. Only problem is the rainy season is coming up..and when it rains it poors!!! We bought a car higher off the ground b/c our road here in West Bay tends to flood pretty bad when it rains...just something to keep in mind. Also, George Town roads in some areas floods when it rains.

Other than that...there are a few car dealership places...Also try the rental car companies..they sell off their vehicles too and generally are in good shape. Also try www.buysell.ky (http://www.buysell.ky) They have apartment listing, cars, etc etc. Although, you do have to be careful about people trying to sell you a car that has been flooded from Ivan. Just make sure they've had the hurricane check done on the car and there is no proof of flooding. YOu have to have the hurricane check done on any car that was here pre-ivan b/4 it can be insured.

One last thing to think of..if you are under 25 bring down with you a good driving record from your current auto insurance place if you planning on buying a car..It entitled us to a 60% discount at our car insurance place..... And if you are uner 25 we've found that the cheapest place for car insurance has been the Brit Cay house....

I think that is it..hope that helps.

[rapunzel]

are there any apartments near school? and how expensive are there? how long does the rainy season last?

[mshah1]

Hey,

There are apts near school. Check the smu web forum...i know there are a few people looking to rent out their apts. But the best place to stay to meet people first semster is the dorms....It seems kinda cheesy but i met some of my closest friends in the res hall...It's a good environment to study in too..b/c you can just go down the hall to ask questions and stuff...plus its close to campus....Then after that you can move out...plus its just a great location to be at on 7 mile beach... Dont get me wrong..I love having my own house in West bay...but you meet alot of people in the res hall...

If you still are looking to live outside res hall..try the www.buysell.ky (http://www.buysell.ky) and the smu webforum and try when you get here the cayman compass newspaper. It shouldnt be too hard to find something... There are also some girls looking to find roommates to share a place with...Just post something on the smu webforum..I'm sure some people will respond...Hope that helps

Cheers

[funnymedgirl]

Just to let everyone know,

Alot of students rent cars from a car agency on a monthly basis (i.e., Budget, Avis, etc.) here in Cayman and split the cost of the car with their friends.

With this option you won't have to worry about the car being a lemon and the pressure of trying to get rid of it at the end of the semester if you are 3rd semester and planning to go to Maine...

Take care and good luck on finals everyone!!!!! :)

[Jeep23Guy]

Just to let you know, the rainy season is basically the same as hurricane season. It lasts from about June 1 through October. This year there have been a few storms that lasted several days, but for the most part, we've gotten about 1 good storm a week. There may be other days that it rains, but only for a few minutes and it clears up.