Cheap auto shipping - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Beastie · #1 03-20-2011, 08:49 AM

I may be buying a vehicle in California and with fuel prices I am comparing having it shipped out after I see it. Has anyone here had a good experience with a shipper or a bad one to avoid. It would be coast to coast.
Thanks
Alan

tomscat1 · #2 03-20-2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beastie

I may be buying a vehicle in California and with fuel prices I am comparing having it shipped out after I see it. Has anyone here had a good experience with a shipper or a bad one to avoid. It would be coast to coast.
Thanks
Alan

I had a good experience with DAS a couple of years ago... From Chattanooga to CT. They were advertising on eBay. My sister just shipped Chicago to CT and was very pleased... I will have to check what shipper she used.

There are some scammers out there though. You are well advised to research before signing up.

leathermang · #3 03-20-2011, 09:42 AM

Why would you ship a Cheap Auto ?
Spend that shipping money to buy a higher grade car.
LOL

Beastie · #4 03-20-2011, 10:20 AM

Just trying to look at all the options. I am researching fuel prices from origination to home base and will estimate fuel mileage to come up with a number. It will be approximately 2,920 miles with a vehicle that factory est 19 on the highway so it will depend on what the fuel prices are enroute.
Off the top of my head close to $600. dollars for fuel, plus hotel ( or pack my camping gear ) food and tolls. After I get a better idea of my route and can confirm the purchase I will check back here to see if anyone lives along my chosen route and can give some local advice on route food etc.
To Be Continued
Alan

JHZR2 · #5 03-20-2011, 11:00 AM

I bought my 300CD in LA and drive it back to NJ. The car was trustworthy, had every receipt, etc. Drove it home, no worries.

It was quite a trip... Wouldnt do it any other way. Seriously, Id try to drive it across. It is a beautiful and fun trip, especially if you do some of the US 66 alignments, etc., and is a real easy trip. I dont think we spent more than $60/night for mom and pop hotels along the trip. All were nice, clean and safe hotels.

Drive it!

leathermang · #6 03-20-2011, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JHZR2

I bought my 300CD in LA and drive it back to NJ. The car was trustworthy, had every receipt, etc. Drove it home, no worries.

It was quite a trip... Wouldnt do it any other way. Seriously, Id try to drive it across. It is a beautiful and fun trip, especially if you do some of the US 66 alignments, etc., and is a real easy trip. I dont think we spent more than $60/night for mom and pop hotels along the trip. All were nice, clean and safe hotels.

Drive it!

LOLOLOL ..
I love it when encouragement like this is given... BUT IT IS NOT YOUR ASS ON THE LINE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE COUNTRY if it breaks down... LOLOL

JHZR2 · #7 03-20-2011, 12:16 PM

Hey, just said it because I DID it. I was aware of the risks, brought the tools to do most stuff, and proceeded with caution. In the end was a great experience for my wife and I.

Obviously there is logistics to consider, but if the car is half decent and you have some slight capability, driving it home isnt a bad idea.

It does, of course, depend upon the condition of the car.

tbomachines · #8 03-20-2011, 01:01 PM

Uship.com is probably the easiest way to get the cheapest price on shipping. That being said, shipping a car 3,000 miles is not going to be cheap at all

Beastie · #9 03-20-2011, 01:10 PM

Thanks for both sides of the coin. Ideally I would do it with the forethought that it is an adventure. At this moment I have no job to keep me here and my kids school events will also have a lull so that would work out for me. I am awaiting a check a possibly the sale of my 68 Caddy so I can pull the trigger on this. The check comes Monday and the Caddy ?? Here is the deal it is an older
Toyota pickup truck that looks to be in great shape with receipts for a rebuilt engine less than 5,000. miles ago. The good thing is these trucks are almost as durable as the MBnz of the same time frame. Parts are readily available soooooo
I have made the drive across country before ( once in a 64 VW beetle no A/C
during the summer going through Tulsa etc whew!) once in a 1970 Buick "Wildcat" pulling a 16' U-Haul .....loaded!
Anyway I will update as I get into the week.
Thanks
Again
Alan

tbomachines · #10 03-20-2011, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beastie

Thanks for both sides of the coin. Ideally I would do it with the forethought that it is an adventure. At this moment I have no job to keep me here and my kids school events will also have a lull so that would work out for me. I am awaiting a check a possibly the sale of my 68 Caddy so I can pull the trigger on this. The check comes Monday and the Caddy ?? Here is the deal it is an older
Toyota pickup truck that looks to be in great shape with receipts for a rebuilt engine less than 5,000. miles ago. The good thing is these trucks are almost as durable as the MBnz of the same time frame. Parts are readily available soooooo
I have made the drive across country before ( once in a 64 VW beetle no A/C
during the summer going through Tulsa etc whew!) once in a 1970 Buick "Wildcat" pulling a 16' U-Haul .....loaded!
Anyway I will update as I get into the week.
Thanks
Again
Alan

Those are great little trucks! The major problem is the same as our MBs: rust. IIRC there were numerous recalls for Toyota trucks due to exessive rust, I would not recommend buying sight unseen (why is seller selling after throwing in a rebuilt engine 5k ago?). Just my $0.02

JimmyL · #11 03-20-2011, 02:34 PM

Tyler has a really reasonable shipper that he has used......

Beastie · #12 03-20-2011, 04:20 PM

I looked up the recalls and the late 90"s early 2000's had a few years that the frames were rusting out within a couple of years. This is an early 80's model
been in SoCall it's whole life. I may fly out to take a look and if it looks good drive it back. If not I'll try to get someone to touch my "Junk" as I go through security.

JHZR2 · #13 03-20-2011, 04:45 PM

When I did mine, I brought a whole bag filled with tools. The key would be to have a few of the things to keep you going just in case, get a few gallons of water, aaa membership, etc.

Beastie · #14 03-20-2011, 08:19 PM

JHZR2, If this works I plan on shipping one tool box and buying known expendables before departure. This is not my first ride at the rodeo but it has been a while since the last one of this distance. Again the thing of it is the journey not the destination ( although I would really like to end up at home when all is said and done)
Alan

winmutt · #15 03-20-2011, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beastie

Just trying to look at all the options. I am researching fuel prices from origination to home base and will estimate fuel mileage to come up with a number. It will be approximately 2,920 miles with a vehicle that factory est 19 on the highway so it will depend on what the fuel prices are enroute.
Off the top of my head close to $600. dollars for fuel, plus hotel ( or pack my camping gear ) food and tolls. After I get a better idea of my route and can confirm the purchase I will check back here to see if anyone lives along my chosen route and can give some local advice on route food etc.
To Be Continued
Alan

If you have the time, do the drive. Its an epic, make sure you hit up route 66 for some real nostalgia (and tourist traps).

Shipping from TX to Atlanta was ~$900 for a 300d. I'd bet LA to VA would be closer to 1200.