Anyone with Car Transport Experience? recommendations?

[ase2dais]

Hello my frens

Im seeking adivce from members who have used interstate car transport before.

Im in the middle of getting a car from Colorado, and deciding between

1. Driving it or
2. Shipping it

Has anyone have any good or bad experience from either open or close container transport?

Open transport cost $900 and twice as much for close transport, Im swaying open, for monetary reason of course. But is the risk worth it? you think? What possible thing can happen during open transport?

Have you guys any recommended car transport co. you were happy with or knows of someone whos happy with.

Who are the good ones?

[Asiann]

I would recommend going with an enclosed transport as they are not liable for damages that can occur from other drivers or debris from trucks. I had my new 06 Jetta transported from SC to Hawaii and it sustained $4000 in body damage that the transport company would not cover because they said that it was normal. I went with a reputable company that was in the business for 30 years and I did not know they booked the transport with another carrier. They basically paid some guy to haul my car across the country ona big transport with other cars. I will never do that again. I plan on driving my cars from LA to wherever the military send me next. It was really bad and I had to get my insurance company to cover it. It was contanerized from LA and then shipped here to Hawaii. It was actually a good thing since I got rid of it for the BMW. If it were me, I would just drive it myself and some headache.

[Asiann]

This is who I went with after researching about 20-30 other carriers. http://www.carmoves.com/ AAA Advantage

[voltron1011]

I'd drive it... Make a mini-vacation out of it with the 900 bux.

[Accounting4Speed]

I've done both numerous times. I am a promponent of shipping the car if you have the money. Driving long distances yourself insures that you'll get some lovely chips and scratches, since you'll be driving over 55 mph for all of it. If you do drive, avoid driving during peak hours, morning and early evening near metropolitan areas.
To ship your car, I'd recommend Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS). They have a variety of options, but you are looking in the ballpark of $1,200 to ship a car cross country in an enclosed carrier, that is important always use an enclosed carrier.

[Jason]

Al, see if this thread provides any good leads -

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13963

[ase2dais]

thks Jason!

Originally Posted by Asiann

I would recommend going with an enclosed transport as they are not liable for damages that can occur from other drivers or debris from trucks. I had my new 06 Jetta transported from SC to Hawaii and it sustained $4000 in body damage that the transport company would not cover because they said that it was normal. I went with a reputable company that was in the business for 30 years and I did not know they booked the transport with another carrier. They basically paid some guy to haul my car across the country ona big transport with other cars. I will never do that again. I plan on driving my cars from LA to wherever the military send me next. It was really bad and I had to get my insurance company to cover it. It was contanerized from LA and then shipped here to Hawaii. It was actually a good thing since I got rid of it for the BMW. If it were me, I would just drive it myself and some headache.

I had driven x-country once, LA-NY, 4 days by myself, but thats when i was a spring chicken, lolz.
I thought about that too! spoke to my better half, and what fun it would be to drive a M3-cabrio x-country
But I think most are correct, either drive it, or choose the finest close carrier for $1800. ;(
Im just pissed a car like that cant be found locally, most here are high miles, color selection is EKKKK! for my taste.
If I choose transport this car will really be expensive, the couple of Ks I save would be out the door.
Im torned, but I hate to see the car go! 02 steel-gray cab! w/ 21k miles, the car came from NoVa and will soon come home to NoVa.
Now I know how bella feels :mad:

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by Accounting4Speed

I've done both numerous times. I am a promponent of shipping the car if you have the money. Driving long distances yourself insures that you'll get some lovely chips and scratches, since you'll be driving over 55 mph for all of it. If you do drive, avoid driving during peak hours, morning and early evening near metropolitan areas.
To ship your car, I'd recommend Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS). They have a variety of options, but you are looking in the ballpark of $1,200 to ship a car cross country in an enclosed carrier, that is important always use an enclosed carrier.

$1200 I can live with for close container
I may have to call these guys up! The guys Im buying the car from is mucho dinero attorney, swapping his M3 with a Ferrari, and he highly recommend intercity lines close container transport. They deal with high end cars like Porches. but $$$$$$$

It was fun seeing their video
http://www.intercitylines.com/downlo...bo_loading.wmv
but that cost mucho! dinero! $1800.00
I dunno what to do!

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

I'd drive it... Make a mini-vacation out of it with the 900 bux.

I though about it, 1600 miles at 18 mpg = $350 gas, 11 hrs driving, 15 Starbuck Sumatra Grande coffees, 15 cans of 7-11 can beans, 2 nights in a roach motel with some crack heads willing to work for food.

" Can i still do it! " asked the old man.

[voltron1011]

ase2dais, what kind of car are you picking up? 18mpg? Sounds like an M to me...

[KL2DC]

Ase, as a friend I am personally offering to 'transport' your M3 cabrio to you, door-to-door

Congrats man, sounds like a sweet car

I'd go with an enclosed carrier but I'd definitely suggest you make a road trip out of it...take the scenic route back

Please keep us DC folks updated

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by ase2dais

I though about it, 1600 miles at 18 mpg = $350 gas, 11 hrs driving, 15 Starbuck Sumatra Grande coffees, 15 cans of 7-11 can beans...

I hope you will be driving that M3 cabrio with the roof down

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by voltron1011

ase2dais, what kind of car are you picking up? 18mpg? Sounds like an M to me...

I been screwing around the Inet alot in search for my M, until I saw this.
It was love at first sight I knew it was the one for me... just like when I met my wife... I had to work for it until i got some, same here!
I had my troubles and dissappoint it my previous quest.

This one is owned by a pvt party from DC before, and we clicked! He said he'll give the car to me for I make a good M3 owner! lolz
Imagine that!

I told him, I will care for it, like I care for my e90.
I will cover it after I wash and wax it, and it will be a hanger queen, ready for the next M meet or challenges made to his little e90 brother.

So! all you AMGs, G35s, S4s don't mess with my e90 from his big brother will Dust U Infidels away!

kidding aside, yes it one owner 02 steel grey cabrio w/ 21k. yes! 21k miles not dollars!

Pray for me guys! that my kids will still love me after spending their college funds!

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...0000&cardist=0

[KL2DC]

Al, the car is a beauty

Love the color And its low mileage, adult-owned, non-SMG and has an extended warranty? I assume you're getting a better price than listed...go for it!!!

A car like this you'd want to pick up on your own.

[ase2dais]

Isnt she? my heart melt and my knees weaken when I saw it,
Im still torn between driving it or forking $1450 for close shipping.


what do you think? yeah i think so, my sister from SF may look at it next mo. plus the guy is willing to hold it for me until next mo., and promised no to drive it...

thks guys for your support

[KL2DC]

Sell your Mrs on a romantic road trip like a 2nd/3rd/4th etc honeymoon. Schedule stops at bed and breakfasts along the way etc...take the scenic route. Make it just the 2 of you, the top down, nice and windy road. Score some brownie points with the wife as well

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Sell your Mrs on a romantic road trip like a 2nd/3rd/4th etc honeymoon. Schedule stops at bed and breakfasts along the way etc...take the scenic route. Make it just the 2 of you, the top down, nice and windy road. Score some brownie points with the wife as well

yeah! thats an idea!

just the 2 of us, the bimmer and me, right?
we dont need a third wheel lol

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Ase, as a friend I am personally offering to 'transport' your M3 cabrio to you, door-to-door
Congrats man, sounds like a sweet car
I'd go with an enclosed carrier but I'd definitely suggest you make a road trip out of it...take the scenic route back
Please keep us DC folks updated

thks for the offer, what a nice guy you are

.. if its a road trip! why not make it Al's Great Adventure Thread! post photos and diary along the way! lolz

[KL2DC]

Upload pictures and stories live from the car I would title it as "How Al got his groove back thread"

Nothing like a spiffy new ride to rejuvenate one's self

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Upload pictures and stories live from the car I would title it as "How Al got his groove back thread"

Nothing like a spiffy new ride to rejuvenate one's self

or maybe "Al's Nationwide Quest for the Automotive Viagra "

[ase2dais]

Originally Posted by Accounting4Speed

I've done both numerous times. I am a promponent of shipping the car if you have the money. Driving long distances yourself insures that you'll get some lovely chips and scratches, since you'll be driving over 55 mph for all of it. If you do drive, avoid driving during peak hours, morning and early evening near metropolitan areas.
To ship your car, I'd recommend Dependable Auto Shippers (DAS). They have a variety of options, but you are looking in the ballpark of $1,200 to ship a car cross country in an enclosed carrier, that is important always use an enclosed carrier.

Speed! thks for the heads up! you saved me money! qouted $1500 better than the rest for closed container, I even asked for futher discount, like military, govt, or BMWCCA.

And he jokingly said "ok! I'll used senior citizen discount, and make it $1450"

Ouch! Ibut I dont care ! fiftly bucks is fifty bucks.
Still on the fence on maybe driving it too! I dont know how State Cops are now and years back when I drove. most likely all are state of the Art equiped to Im hosed!

[KL2DC]

Use the SoCal crew's painter's tape method or get an M3 bra (make sure the surface is clean and waxed). Looks like sh*t from the outside but its the drive that matters. Ultimately, thats why you want the M3, for the drive :rocks:

[ase2dais]

thks Donny!

thats very helpful, tape the front edge for bugs, I think years ago, I use spam spray! on the hood! I saw those bugs slipping and sliding all the way to the windshield!