Greetings,

I've found a car I want but it's far from me so I'm asking for your experience having a car transported.

Has anyone done this?
What company did you use?
How did they do?

Any "insider" tips as to what to look out for like scams, etc.?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

My 2 cent's.. Go to E Bay Auto section, see what the dealer's are using for shipper's .. Then research the shipper. That's the best I can do I shippers,,
Be careful if it is Craiglist .. Lots of scammer there.. Get all the owner info, Name, Address phone #.. Check the # on the White Pages, You can back track the phone # or call 411 to check the #,,
If you know someone close who can look at the car ,better then a wasted ride.. DO NOT Pay with Cash site unseen, Bank Check, If you pay cash get a receipt, Name,address, phone # and driver's licence # All I can think of at the moment,, Hope someone on site has better info,, Best of luck and please post a pic of the new ride if you get it :)
Found this link on Google

http://www.autobytel.com/auto-news/b...-state-105710/



http://www.ehow.com/how_5391391_buy-...out-state.html

http://www.ehow.com/how_5201308_purc...out-state.html

http://community.cartalk.com/discuss...r-out-of-state


Rich

 

Thanks Rich,

I'm buying from a new car dealer (Fiore Toyota in PA) and have scheduled a mechanic's inspection with a small deposit to hold it pending the result of the inspection, so I'm covered there.

I'm now in the process of finding a transport company to deliver it and I'm concerned that I find a reputable one so I'll follow up on your leads.

Thanks again,
Woody

 

I would add to be careful it was not a Flood vehicle.. But I don't think a reputable dealer would do this.

 

No flood damage, I have the CarFax and as flawed as that service is, things like flood damage would show up. Besides, new car dealers only keep their best trade-ins.

BTW, it's an '06 Malibu Maxx SS with 40k miles.

 

Dealers are part of a network, and they pull cars from different areas of the nation to suit customer need. You could ask if it's possible to have the car piggy backed on a transfer truck (Though, PA to NC might be a longshot. I know Toyota dealerships pull from anywhere really. (They were going to ship in a blue 2014 TC with a manual for me from MN)

 

That's a great idea, I'll as about that. I've been getting quotes from auto transport companies and the going rate is around $450 - $500.

 

That pricing isn't bad actually. I'd still say the piggyback idea could work out well, and they may even do it free, especially if they have a partially full truck.

 

You're about 400 miles away from the car. Do you have the time and means to get there and drive it back yourself?

I bought my HHR new at the end of the model year in 2008. I live in NYC but found the car I wanted in Leesburg, VA. I took Amtrack down to my sister who lives in Alexandria, VA, and she dropped me off at the dealer the next morning.

Nothing like a long drive to put it through its paces and shake out any issues.

 

NYC has a good point. You said you're buying an '06 Malibu Maxx? I'm sure that car has some miles on it already.

If they're selling it with some kind of warranty, 400 miles should give you at least a taste of the shape the car is in. (little faults that don't seem to show up initially tend to start showing their face after the first few hundred miles on used cars)

I'd say, if you have any way of driving it back on your own without great expense, do it.

Otherwise, my recommendation of the piggyback still stands.