Ship or Sell Your Car When You Move?
In the process of a long-distance move, a car owner may find themselves in the position of having to choose whether to drive, sell, or ship their vehicle. In some circumstances, a car owner is under constraints, such as having to be immediately available for a job, for example. In others, they will find themselves in a situation where their car is required to transport other family members to the new location. However, if nothing immediately lends itself as a deciding factor, a vehicle owner can be faced with options. Here are some considerations when deciding if it’s right to ship or sell your car before a big move:
There is no use saving the miles on your old classic car if the shippers damage it. Do your research before trusting a shipping company!
Shipping Saves Miles
If you don’t particularly want to add several thousand miles to the vehicle, shipping can save a whole bunch of turns on the odometer. Also, it will save someone the necessity of driving the car that many miles to the new location.
Cost
Another consideration is the cost to ship your car. Shipping costs run between $500-1100, according to Consumer Affairs. Your $58,000 SUV is worth shipping. That $1400 Buick? Not so much. In some situations, a car owner may be better off to sell the old vehicle and buy a new one after the move.
Time
Typical delivery takes about two weeks, so if you need your car before that time or longer, you might have to drive it or have someone else drive it. In many cases, a car owner might even be better off to use public transportation, a car service, or even a short term rental if they don’t have the car available because it’s in transport.
Risks
There are inherent risks to shipping. Vandalism, theft, weather, and other types of damage can occur. Research into various shipping companies is crucial before trusting them with your beloved car.
Other considerations
Size, weight, season, and special requirements will all affect the final price of shipping your car. For example, summer months are the busiest time of year for movers and shippers alike, which drives up the price and lowers the efficiency of shippers. Families with school-age children, college students, and those who live in cold climates are more likely to move in the summer. Summer is the peak time for home sales, as well. These all add up to higher shipping costs.
We hope that this has given you some insight into the nuances of car shipping. If you decide car shipping is not for you and want to sell your car quickly, give us a call. We’d love to help! The cash from the sale can help procure another car on the other end of your move.
If you are in the Phoenix Metro area and want a no-hassle cash offer on an old, wrecked, unwanted, salvage or burned car, SUV, van or truck, give us a call at I Buy Junk Cars. 480-771-8290.