Ever ship a car?

[rangerjake]

Getting ready to move on from my x1 28i....for a x1 35i!

Biggest unknown/challenge right now is getting the car - it's a few thousand miles away. The dealer has provided a shipping quote at $2k-2500. I've gotten independent quotes for much less, closer to $1k.

Curious what, if any, experience folks here have with shipping cars.

[healeydays]

Is one enclosed and the other open trailer? Suggestion is fly down to where the X1 is and drive it back. I did this with a Z3 I bought in Florida and drove it back to New Hampshire.

[rangerjake]

Originally Posted by healeydays

Is one enclosed and the other open trailer? Suggestion is fly down to where the X1 is and drive it back. I did this with a Z3 I bought in Florida and drove it back to New Hampshire.

I'd be more likely to drive it if it was coming from the SE. Cali -> VT, mmm, not so much.

They may be quoting enclosed, but even my quotes for enclosed are $500 less.

[healeydays]

Originally Posted by rangerjake

I'd be more likely to drive it if it was coming from the SE. Cali -> VT, mmm, not so much.

They may be quoting enclosed, but even my quotes for enclosed are $500 less.

If you're talking coast to coast and can do it for about $1000 that's a deal. I've had quotes NH to AZ alot higher.

[rangerjake]

Originally Posted by healeydays

If you're talking coast to coast and can do it for about $1000 that's a deal. I've had quotes NH to AZ alot higher.

I actually fucked up the quote. Prices consistently $1300-$1700. But, still about $800-1000 less than the dealer quote.

[cwickberg]

Originally Posted by rangerjake

I actually fucked up the quote. Prices consistently $1300-$1700. But, still about $800-1000 less than the dealer quote.

The "dealer" quote is likely a similar service, you're paying their upcharge. Definitely get enclosed. Ask for livestream or video of load and unload. Best would to be present for load and unload.

[05X3lover]

The dealer's qoute is not unrealistic, imo. I shipped my miata just about the same distance 5 years ago and it cost $1,600. I would expect with today's prices $2K to ship a small SUV would be likely. Do some research OP, and you'll quickly find there are very few legitimate car shippers. Most people you talk to are nothing more than 'agents' that farm the job out to whomever they can get to do it the cheapest. Horror stories abound on the internet from people who went this route. It sucks that legitimate shipping is so expensive but that's what it is these days. I can guarantee the $1K quote you were given is impossible.

Btw the other poster's idea about flying out and driving the vehicle would be a good way to go too. I would've done that with my Miata if possible at the time but it simply wasn't. Please make sure you update this thread with whatever way you choose and good luck.

[aloyouis]

Make it an adventure.

Go get it. Drive back through the south and up the coast.

Spend the same $ as the dealer BUT MAKE IT FUN!

Find football games to attend on the way. Play a round or two of golf on the way. Hit a beach on the way.

Concerts.
Restaurants.
Museums.

Shit. I wish I was near your final destination. I'd do it.

[Gamb1t]

I shipped my Saab 92x Aero on rail when my company relocated us to the PNW. While the moving costs were covered by my company, I think the vehicle shipping were ~$1000 from coast to coast. Delivered right to my new home. That was over a decade ago.
Just watch for rail dust! Needs a good cleaning after.