Anybody ever bought a car and had it shipped?

[mikeb23ft]

I'm trying to figure out how to pick up an E30 that I really like that's about 7 hours away from me and it looks like having it shipped is going to be the most cost-effective way to do it. Shipping is going to be between $350 and $400.

Neither the seller nor I have ever been through this process before, though. We're trying to figure out how to work out the payment and title transfer portions of the deal. I'm also concerned about insuring the vehicle while it's on the trailer. Anybody got input on this?

[IRON-E]

Yes, VLAD.

[M-technik-3]

Yes, had a car shipped x-country. For seven hours take a bus and drive it home. Any shipper should offer insurance as basically part of their bonding process.

Have you decided on a company?

And answers like Vlad are not really relevant are they? With 12K posts try to help out some newbies and offer constructive comments.

[vert_this]

u could use these guys http://www.aaat.com/

u can get a quote on the site too.

[mikeb23ft]

Yes, had a car shipped x-country. For seven hours take a bus and drive it home. Any shipper should offer insurance as basically part of their bonding process.

I wanted to take a bus and drive it, but the bus is $140 and takes 10-12 hours. That does not sound like a fun way to spend 10-12 hours.

[steven g]

Do you have a friend or an RV3 buddy who can help you locally ? Do you have a good level of trust with the buyer ? If yes, send the buyer a bank check and the buyer sends you the title. Contact your insurance agent and get the car insured on your policy - you shouldn't even need to have the title to do this, all you need would be the VIN to give your agent. You would still need to find a shipping company to pick up the car which could take some time. They do not exactly come right away, from my experience. I once had a car shipped from the sellers house in Phoenix to Chicago and luckily the seller was cool with having the car in his driveway for a week. The shipper wanted someone to sign for the car which meant they were home when the shipper showed up - not sure if you can get your seller to do that. My recommendation would be to take the bus ride and go get the car and drive it home. My only concern would be, are you 100% sure that the car is mechanically ok to take on that kind of trip ? If not you might want to work with some local RV3 folks to get the car fixed before you drive it.

[flyboyx]

www.uship.com. if you use a company like this, they have their own insurance or make sure the shipper has it.

another good place to look is a web site called yesterdaystractors.com.

they have an area on this site where you can post that you need something hauled or look for a trucker traveling between certain places that you can email for a rate to go a bit out of the way to pick up your car.

i have used both. i had an ix shipped from ohio through the latter for 350.00 to houston.

on the former, i had an m3 shipped from miami for about 600 bucks.

good luck

[markseven]

Jay Leno recommends:

http://www.intercitylines.com/

[mikeb23ft]

So if I have it shipped how do I get the title? It's just in the glovebox when the car gets unloaded or something like that?

[M-technik-3]

Jay Leno recommends:

http://www.intercitylines.com/

That is who I use. They are on the higher side but Service is the best hands down. Had my M3 shipped from San Fran to Western Mass for $1400 in non-op status.

We know the family, and misses used them exclusively when she managed Yankee Candle's car museum.

[blunttech]

90% of shipping companies are sub'd out and couldnt care less about your car. Unless you go full enclosed and pay the price. Its a no brainer to me. Jump on a bus and drive it back and any damage incurred will be on you. Not some uninsured dirtbag. Last 02 I had shipped arrived with the nose pushed in and forged expired insurance papers

[FLG]

Never buy a car sight unseen, 7hrs is nothing. Get a friend and go on a road trip, or ask a forum member to help. If this car is anywhere in the nyc area I'd be more then happy to take a look for you.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[dannyyisntt]

Shipping a car? Psh, I drove from Michigan to Maine and back for my e30. 16 hours one way.

[agent]

Where is the car?

[Threehz]

If you don't want a long bus ride, fly! I'm sure it'll be cheaper than shipping the car, and the drive home will be a truly bonding experience -- trust me.