Hey, Tom,,, I been through this type question a few times before where someone comes from europe to visit the US for a few months thinking buying a car is the answer.

If you're staying only 3 months, renting a cheap vehicle from " example " Rent a Wreck may be a better idea when you add up all the negative factors VS positive, I note this trip is not to happen till Jan/10, correct ?

With time on our hands before this trip is to take place, I will locate some of my old posts on this subject when I have more time on my hands I will email , if you like, in the meantime, when you say buy a car, what kind of budget were you thinking, along with your thoughts are to sell vehicle in LA ?,,, It sounds easy , but it's not.

You don't need plates for each state, lol