Transporting M3 via car carrier, which options to select?

[Neon01]

I'm looking at Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS) to potentially carry a used M3 from California to Maryland, and they quoted about $850 for the basic haul. I initially added on the top load option (would not be transported under other vehicles) for $150 and the enclosed carrier option for $350.

Question is, are these costs worth it? I'm debating whether the $500 might be spent on a really quality car detail after receiving it instead.

Thoughts?

[double eagle]

Highly recommend top load and enclosed trailer transport.

[Enzo08]

I agree enclosed transportation is the only way to go.

I just used INTERCITY LINES for transportation - Charleston S.C. to Southern California. Very professional relations. I would ship with them again. The car came off the truck in pristine condition.

[shendrick]

Intercity and Horseless Carriage both have very good reps.

[Benjjman007]

+1 for Intercity. Great People!

[Silvertige]

Enclosed, definitely. The cars get incredibly dirty otherwise.

[Ctm309]

I've used DAS a number of times. They have there own trucks and don't sub out the work! You can get station to station or home to home or any combo.
Enclosed top load is the only way to go. Good luck.

[RevFreak14]

Forget all this nonsense. Get in the car and drive it cross country. It was made for the highway.

[M3maniac20]

I don't know any specific company...but don't even think twice about going covered. So much less risk for damage and keeps your mind at peace.

[atomicdoc]

I was just watching " World's Most Expensive Cars " on HD Theater and they used Intercity to transport that Auto Union race car from Newark Airport to New York City.

[warzilla]

Originally Posted by atomicdoc

I was just watching " World's Most Expensive Cars " on HD Theater and they used Intercity to transport that Auto Union race car from Newark Airport to New York City.

Just saw that show also...didn't realize it was intercity. Damn that car was $$$$$$.

[STALKER]

I transported to of my cars to LA from Toronto.
First time I didn't get a enclosed trailer, big mistake. Second time I did and the car arrived just like how I loaded it in the truck in Toronto. Its def worth the extra cost.

[FredVMI]

For the $1,350 you're planning to spend, I'll drive it to MD for you and deliver it with a fresh detail!

[jeff@autocouture]

hmmm whats in maryland?

[Neon01]

Originally Posted by FredVMI

For the $1,350 you're planning to spend, I'll drive it to MD for you and deliver it with a fresh detail!

You cover gas, tolls, speeding tickets, and any damage to the car too? Hmm...I'm thinking...

I actually did the "drive it home" route form CA once before. Back in 2007, with a 2005 Dinan S2 M3. Loved the drive, but we had to make it home in less than 4 days, so it really wasn't as enjoyable as I would have liked. The big issue is that we'd be leaving my son with his grandparents for at least 4-5 days if we did it that way. When I figure all the costs I mentioned above, plus hotels and (the big one) time off work, it's actually far cheaper to just have it transported. Those costs don't even factor in the additional 2800ish miles that would go on the car. That's at least 3 months of driving for me.

Originally Posted by Studntloan

hmmm whats in maryland?

My home.

[Neon01]

Originally Posted by STALKER

I transported to of my cars to LA from Toronto.
First time I didn't get a enclosed trailer, big mistake. Second time I did and the car arrived just like how I loaded it in the truck in Toronto. Its def worth the extra cost.

Really? If you don't mind sharing the details about the open trailer issues, I'd love to know what the circumstances were - was it winter time? Which carrier did you go with? Was the car top loaded on the open trailer? Was the car actually damaged or just dirty?

If it's a matter of the car getting really dirty, I honestly don't care that much, because I'm gonna give it a thorough detailing when it gets home anyway (a little bonding time ). On the other hand, it I should be worried about damage, then I'm definitely springing for the extra enclosed trailer option.

I'm only curious because the guy that I spoke to at DAS seemed very knowledgeable about nice cars (he even talked to me about the M3 for awhile), and he recommended going with the express transport with top load options only. He said the express transport guarantees it'll go out right away and won't get transferred at all, and with it being summer I don't have to worry about road salt or debris damaging the car, especially if it's on the top. I can't figure out why he wouldn't try to upsell me to the enclosed trailer option unless it really wouldn't make a difference. Would have thought it would be in his best interest to push as many options as possible on the haul.

[Ctm309]

Some times it will go on an enclosed anyway , it's a matter of what's available going your way. Happened to me once, paid for open and came enclosed.

[jeffnnj]

We use R.A.T. in Santa Fe. They took an M3 from Santa Fe to Pittsburgh and it arrived in great condition. They pick up and ship all over the country.

[DCC]

Use Intercitylines...you won't regret it.

[Enzo08]

I think Neon01 is flying in to California and driving the M3 east. The OP posted in the California section looking for drive routes.

After driving two cars across country this summer I am very happy I shipped my M3 and did not have to deal with the second and third order effects of the drive to my two other cars.

[jvitas]

Enclosed is the only way to go. Call some local moving companies. Some of them haul cars instead of back hauling empty. Many of the companies on the internet are just agents for private haulers (like local movers). FedEx has a division that transports cars also.

[Neon01]

Originally Posted by Enzo08

I think Neon01 is flying in to California and driving the M3 east. The OP posted in the California section looking for drive routes.

After driving two cars across country this summer I am very happy I shipped my M3 and did not have to deal with the second and third order effects of the drive to my two other cars.

Originally the idea was to do the deal there in Fresno, drive the car around in CA for a day or so with my wife to see some sights, then bring it to the transporter to haul back to MD. That said, the deal actually fell through - the seller was being completely unreasonable. He wouldn't take anything but a wire transfer in payment without holding the vehicle himself until funds cleared. My credit union won't do wire transfers for auto loans. My plan was to pay him with a bank draft from Pen Fed Credit Union for part of the car, and a substantial amount with a cashier's check. He wouldn't accept these and allow me to drive the car away, even though I told him he could keep the title until all funds cleared. This would have left me with absolutely nothing after rendering full payment, so I walked away.

I'm now pursuing another sedan on the east coast that I won't have to ship. Should be picking it up tomorrow