The problem I have, I will be living on Saipan for a few months at the beginning and need a car. But used cars are all crap. I just had my friend get a car inspected and it needed thousands of dollars of repairs. And for four months to spend a huge amount at a dealer is not feasible.
Well, the way I see it, you really only have these options: (1) Buy a new car at a dealer (too expensive) (2) Buy a used car at a dealer; they typically fix the cars before offering them for sale and usually offer a warranty. (more expensive than buying used from a private seller) (3) Buy a used car from a private seller (4) Get a long-term rental from a local car rental company I, personally, prefer option 3. Every used Toyota Corrolla I've purchased (that's the only make and model I have ever and would ever consider purchasing) has performed well with absolutely no repairs ever needed. However, in your case, given that you're only going to be here for 4 months, I think (4) a long term rental from a local company would (a) save you money, (b) avoid the hassle of re-selling once you leave, and (c) allow you to you switch cars if something goes wrong or if you simply get tired of it. I did this for the first four months I was on island.
I planing to move to siapan in April 2024. Just bought and read your book on living in siapan..one thing I didn't see or understand is driver license requirements and do u need auto insurance.
Great questions. (a) If you're coming from the US, your current license will allow you to drive here in the CNMI. Once you're settled in, I would suggest you get a Saipan/CNMI license (no driving test required). A few years ago, a friend from Australia applied for a CNMI license and had to take a driving test first, so I assume that may be the procedure for non-US licenses. I also suggest as well that you get a local identification card from the Mayor's office. Either of these "local ids" will avail you the local discounts for many services and entertainment. (b) Yes, auto insurance is required. Depending on where you're coming from (assuming) in the US, the cost of insurance may seem unbelievably low! (e.g., full coverage on a 5-year-old Corolla is $400/year)
Great question! Each person's lifestyle, habits and preferences differ, so a thorough answer would be too long. Without knowing what YOUR lifestyle and budget are, but even with my own comparatively pricey vegan/health nut expenses (Lara bars, Terra Chips, Dr.Bronner soap and toothpaste), I find life on Saipan to be WAY cheaper because: • I live simply (cook for my self; don't eat out; one meal a day) • I don't have/use air conditioning • I buy mostly local produce • I rent smart (1/4 of what it would be in Queens NY) • I don't commute, so gas is not a major expense. • I am single! • I am fashion UNconscious (jeans & white shirt. That's it.) • I drive a used/fully-paid-for Corolla (practically zero maintenance) Other things I find conducive to living cheaply: • The USPS PO Box is free • Car insurance is WAY cheaper here • I have very few addictions/habits except for Lara bars (i.e., dont drink, smoke) Saipan living isn't for everyone. Once the bad outweighs the good, then it's time to go! However, did any of the above give you any ideas for where you may be able to cut back? Of course, it could simply be that the budget you've set is not practical.
@@DiscoverSaipan I've lived in lots of places. I've been a nomad for a while. I usually just leave everything I have and just go wherever I want. Money to get there is usually all I have. I've done this in some expensive places like Denver Colorado and Oceanside California. I usually get by doing manual labor jobs like farming or construction. It's kinda a wild dream of mine to take off to a tropical island somewhere. The northern Marianas islands are where I keep looking. Out of all of the us territories there are it seems like I would like it best there. Is work hard to get there. If I showed up and had all of my construction tools shipped there. Would I be able to find work? To me, it seems like it's a place for rich Americans, locals, and the military. Talk me out of buying a plane ticket and showing up with the cloths on my back.
@@kathleenrobertpogue6818 Well, I wouldn't be the type to talk you OUT of an adventure. However, one suggestion comes to mind: check out the Job Vacancy Announcements that employers are required to post publicly. Since it's just a necessary formality, the actual job positions may already be gone by the time you contact them. However, this will give you an idea of the prevailing wage for certain skill-based professions. marianaslabor.net/jvapub_list.asp
Not necessarily. While you would definitely occupy a unique niche, if 99 out of a hundred people are already buying the Toyotas and Nissans, then you'd need a greater percentage of the population interested in buying and needing service for "non-traditional" cars. Furthermore, to reach people other than the few newcomers who are shipping their cars to Saipan (i.e., the existing population), you'd also need some control or influence over the cars that are being imported, AND to convince the population to change their tried and true buying habits.
@@DiscoverSaipan that's true, wouldn't want to influence what's going on already, more wondering if there was a demand for it. Beautiful place and I'd love to visit! The airfare is just so crazy!
@@sniffinglue7236 Hey,, you never know! Your idea just might work! By the way, I'm going to be addressing the airfare situation in the upcoming Q&A series (working on it now). Meanwhile, Check out the channel's community tab for my notes on ways that MIGHT help you save on airfare getting here! I'll post it in the next minute or two. www.youtube.com/@DiscoverSaipan/community
Is there Teslas in Saipan? Great video
I'm confident saying, "no." However, I'll ask a friend who works at a car dealership if he's aware of any? Stay tuned.
The problem I have, I will be living on Saipan for a few months at the beginning and need a car. But used cars are all crap. I just had my friend get a car inspected and it needed thousands of dollars of repairs. And for four months to spend a huge amount at a dealer is not feasible.
Well, the way I see it, you really only have these options:
(1) Buy a new car at a dealer (too expensive)
(2) Buy a used car at a dealer; they typically fix the cars before offering them for sale and usually offer a warranty. (more expensive than buying used from a private seller)
(3) Buy a used car from a private seller
(4) Get a long-term rental from a local car rental company
I, personally, prefer option 3. Every used Toyota Corrolla I've purchased (that's the only make and model I have ever and would ever consider purchasing) has performed well with absolutely no repairs ever needed.
However, in your case, given that you're only going to be here for 4 months, I think (4) a long term rental from a local company would (a) save you money, (b) avoid the hassle of re-selling once you leave, and (c) allow you to you switch cars if something goes wrong or if you simply get tired of it. I did this for the first four months I was on island.
Damn help ship 😂
I planing to move to siapan in April 2024. Just bought and read your book on living in siapan..one thing I didn't see or understand is driver license requirements and do u need auto insurance.
Great questions.
(a) If you're coming from the US, your current license will allow you to drive here in the CNMI. Once you're settled in, I would suggest you get a Saipan/CNMI license (no driving test required). A few years ago, a friend from Australia applied for a CNMI license and had to take a driving test first, so I assume that may be the procedure for non-US licenses. I also suggest as well that you get a local identification card from the Mayor's office. Either of these "local ids" will avail you the local discounts for many services and entertainment.
(b) Yes, auto insurance is required. Depending on where you're coming from (assuming) in the US, the cost of insurance may seem unbelievably low! (e.g., full coverage on a 5-year-old Corolla is $400/year)
It's now April 25, 2024 DID you move to Saipan?
@@Jammer411 I'm decided that next April will be best. I want to save more money. But your the first person I'm contacting once I've bought my ticket.
I have given up on Saipan, it's too expensive for my budget. What am I missing??
Great question! Each person's lifestyle, habits and preferences differ, so a thorough answer would be too long. Without knowing what YOUR lifestyle and budget are, but even with my own comparatively pricey vegan/health nut expenses (Lara bars, Terra Chips, Dr.Bronner soap and toothpaste), I find life on Saipan to be WAY cheaper because:
• I live simply (cook for my self; don't eat out; one meal a day)
• I don't have/use air conditioning
• I buy mostly local produce
• I rent smart (1/4 of what it would be in Queens NY)
• I don't commute, so gas is not a major expense.
• I am single!
• I am fashion UNconscious (jeans & white shirt. That's it.)
• I drive a used/fully-paid-for Corolla (practically zero maintenance)
Other things I find conducive to living cheaply:
• The USPS PO Box is free
• Car insurance is WAY cheaper here
• I have very few addictions/habits except for Lara bars (i.e., dont drink, smoke)
Saipan living isn't for everyone. Once the bad outweighs the good, then it's time to go!
However, did any of the above give you any ideas for where you may be able to cut back? Of course, it could simply be that the budget you've set is not practical.
@@DiscoverSaipan I've lived in lots of places. I've been a nomad for a while. I usually just leave everything I have and just go wherever I want. Money to get there is usually all I have. I've done this in some expensive places like Denver Colorado and Oceanside California. I usually get by doing manual labor jobs like farming or construction.
It's kinda a wild dream of mine to take off to a tropical island somewhere. The northern Marianas islands are where I keep looking. Out of all of the us territories there are it seems like I would like it best there. Is work hard to get there. If I showed up and had all of my construction tools shipped there. Would I be able to find work? To me, it seems like it's a place for rich Americans, locals, and the military. Talk me out of buying a plane ticket and showing up with the cloths on my back.
@@kathleenrobertpogue6818 Well, I wouldn't be the type to talk you OUT of an adventure. However, one suggestion comes to mind: check out the Job Vacancy Announcements that employers are required to post publicly. Since it's just a necessary formality, the actual job positions may already be gone by the time you contact them. However, this will give you an idea of the prevailing wage for certain skill-based professions. marianaslabor.net/jvapub_list.asp
So there is some money to be made by opening a specialty auto shop?
Not necessarily. While you would definitely occupy a unique niche, if 99 out of a hundred people are already buying the Toyotas and Nissans, then you'd need a greater percentage of the population interested in buying and needing service for "non-traditional" cars. Furthermore, to reach people other than the few newcomers who are shipping their cars to Saipan (i.e., the existing population), you'd also need some control or influence over the cars that are being imported, AND to convince the population to change their tried and true buying habits.
@@DiscoverSaipan that's true, wouldn't want to influence what's going on already, more wondering if there was a demand for it. Beautiful place and I'd love to visit! The airfare is just so crazy!
@@sniffinglue7236 Hey,, you never know! Your idea just might work! By the way, I'm going to be addressing the airfare situation in the upcoming Q&A series (working on it now). Meanwhile, Check out the channel's community tab for my notes on ways that MIGHT help you save on airfare getting here! I'll post it in the next minute or two. www.youtube.com/@DiscoverSaipan/community
@@DiscoverSaipan thank you very helpful!