I am about to buy a mini and I live in CA, but I am planning my move to NJ but I desperately need a car as soon as possible.

What are my options in Shipping the mini across the country. Has anyone does this before?

Definitly not going to drive, so shipping is the only option.

 

When do you plan on moving?

Here is a website I found that will quote you. Just put in your ship from and to zip codes. I have never heard of this company but I would think this is a good ballpark number to use.

http://www.dasautoshippers.com/

 

I shipped a Miata from Miami to San Fran about 10 years ago. It cost me around $850 to go on an open truck and took about 2 weeks. They picked up the car on a standard flatbed wrecker and shifted it to a long haul truck somewhere. I was given a date the car would arrive and a number to call to arrange delivery as I did not have a fixed address yet. The car showed up on time. I needed an alignment as a result of the tie downand there were a couple of rock hits as the truck was an open one - same as your car was on from the port to your dealer in all probability and less than I saw 2 years later when I drove the car back to Norfolk (CG transfers). You can get a covered carrier but these cost more. And there ARE specialized carriers for exotic and collector cars if you REALLY want to pay.

I had no complaints about my experience. Take photos or video when they take the car to avoid any arguements at delivery altho I suspect today the company does this too for their protection (I know auto-train does)

When I searched for auto transport company on the web I found one place where you could submit your information and get bids from several carriers. (that WAS ten years ago tho . . .)

There are plenty of carriers, but expect the transit time to be about 2 weeks ... they pool cars until there's a full truck and then they move 'em.

OPTION

Have you considered buying from a NJ dealer? Sending your deal out there? Or is your car already en route? Just a thought...have a car waiting at the other end. Even if you pay full sticker - you probably aren't getting much off a MINI and once you add in the shipping cost and effort required . . .

 

I've shipped many vehicles around the country... Lot's of companies in the biz... Rates vary on point of origin, destination, how quick you need it and whether it is shipped in an enclosed trailer or open-air... Make sure whatever carrier you use is insured and bonded... Then google them for reviews before you agree to a contract... Google is your friend...

 

I just bought my Mini in Miami and had it shipped to me in Philladelphia. I was able to do it for just $425! Of course this is the time opposite of the snow birds going down to Florida so that helped.
Be sure to haggle! The Mini is a light car and their biggest expense in shipping your car is gas. Argue that the mini doesnt take up much room and would require far less gas to transport. Shop around and haggle for your best price!

and a +1 to the above post. make sure ya check reviews!

 

I just shipped my mini. $700 was the best deal I got on an open carrier. Its en route now. I hope it comes back the same way I got it!! :/ thanks for the input

 

if you do ship it, take a picture of the odometer with the date before it goes onto the trailer, that way if the driver decides to go joy riding you have proof of mileage. just some precautions.
I believe there was a thread on here about it awhile back.
gl

 

Oh yea good point.... I believe my odo was at 66669 when I gave it up ... we'll see!!

 

I would suggest you wait until you get to NJ.
Any CA car will have all the extreme pollution control stuff on it.
You won't need that in NJ.
The extra costs of shipping can then be used for buying a better car.
If that's not an opition, I will be glad to drive your Mini from CA to NJ.
You pay gas.
I'll pay the rest.
Let me know.

 

Good point vollgas and thanks for the offer! But I already bought it in December and I just shipped it on monday.

I figured I didn't want to buy the car in NJ because I didn't want the damage from salt and snow in the under carriege. I chose the pollution :P

 

No problem.
Jersey could probally use a little cleaner air anyway.