Flying my car across the country?

[SES_D]

Okay...my girl moved to NJ from CA ... and I plan on visiting here this summer.
I want my car over in NJ ..... anyone know how much it'll cost? =P

[spacedogg]

I don't think they transport cars on domestic flights, do they? And if they do...it'll be crazy expensive. You'll probably best to:

a) drive it over
b) rent a car in CA
c) put it on a train

I know a two people who have used a train to transport their vehicle nationally. both people had something damaged (minor dents).

having said that...the train is how most of our cars get to our dealership...so it can't be that bad.

[SocalTy]

Why don't you just rent a car while you there?

It's going to be way to expensive to have your car transported to nj. Save your money and spend that saved money on mods

[SES_D]

i know....i should rent. I mean their family already has cars that I can use..its just i want my baby over there so i can drive it!! lol =P.

hm.....how long would it take from CA to NY .. haha

[spacedogg]

Depends on how fast you drive!

Go watch "The Gumball Rally" or the Cannonball Run movies.

I believe the record was set at 32 hours and 7 minutes and there is an upcoming documentary about it: http://www.32hours7minutes.com/

If you drive conservatively (i.e. about max 10 to 12 hours each day and generally following the speed limits) ...it will likely take you 5-6 days each way.

You should do it. Road trips are always fun.

[ChadE]

my friend shipped her car from NC to AZ and it took 5 days for it to get ther...and only cost about 350

[matt browne]

Don't mean to sound like an a?? but you only drive a 325. Go rent a car and not worry about it.

[spacedogg]

Originally Posted by matt browne

Don't mean to sound like an a?? but you only drive a 325. Go rent a car and not worry about it.

ouch.

frankly...i still prefer to drive my 325i to anything that is available at the rental lots...including the Shelby Mustang (Hertz edition).

frankly i pick roadtrip.

or as they did in Top Gear...buy a car for $1000 and then try to sell it once you get to CA/

[matt browne]

I'm not saying a bmw is not great to drive but it is not like an extreme exotic car that you can't live without for a week or two. Drive it across the country or just rent a car. I would rent an exige and it will be a blast to drive.

[SES_D]

I suppose a 330 is a step up then.
And I'm going to be there for at least 2 months

[matt browne]

My chevy suburban is worth more than my 330i but I still like to drive both. Does that mean I feel that my bmw is my dream car that I can't drive anything other than my bmw. I have a dream car in my mind and it may not be a bmw.

[spacedogg]

stop fighting kids!

SES_D you should totally do the roadtrip. I have done 2 huge roadtrips in my life (once west to east and back and once north to south and back). They were the best time of my life...especially if you like driving...and if you are not leasing...so you won't go over your mileage limit. I did both my roadtrips alone...solo. That's the best way...you get to pick your set of music and can crank it. Just be careful not to get speeding tickets.

Once you get to California...you MUST do Pacific Coastal Highway...up to Oregon if you can...but at least up to San Francisco. It's a helluva drive...one of the best highway/drives in the world.

If you are going to be in California for two months...it might not be worthwhile renting a car there...but that's just my opinion.

EDIT: errr...wait...SES_D...you already live in California, don't you? oops. well i still say road trip.

[matt browne]

His girl moved to NJ not Cali. I'm not sure of any good drives in NJ. Rent a car and abuse it for 2 months that is what rental car are for right???

[spacedogg]

he could still do the eastern seaboard i suppose.

[wuufer001]

Do what i did, haha. well my trip wasn't that for though. it was from dallas to chicago and it took me 12hours without resting and you still feel good when you arrive. it's was very comfortable when taking my 325 long distance and fun, feel it's comfortness and performance. 1 more day and leaving back to dallas. enjoy.
btw keep a couple of energy drinks with you haha

[2009BMW335]

dude 2 months...you need your car. ship it. my brother shipped his from WV to CA and then from CA to FL. not sure what company but i think it was about $400 and it took a matter of days

[just4kickz]

just buy a bike and mail it there.

and by bike i mean the one you use your feet to pedal with

[777ER]

You'd have to go thru air cargo but there's limitations due to it being a hazmat (ie fuel in your tank has to be 1/4th tank or less) and the battery disconnected once you drive it onto a 'cookie' pallet.

The car is then strapped down and you must leave the keys with the car. A forklift picks up the pallet with the car on it and puts it on a loader which will go to the aircraft, then rises to the cargo bay level and slides it into place. Once in the aircraft it's latched down to the floor in the belly.

At a minimum you'd need a 767 in the domestic network such as AA and DL does.
Once in a while Delta will use a 777 domestic route but they always stop over at one domestic airport before going long haul internationally.

I've seen a C5 corvette put in a 767 before.

[wuufer001]

recommend road trip even if it's by yourself

[SpecC]

that's a long way from SF! i'm with the rent a car deal