Hi Guys,

my mini is on its way in from Oxford. I was going to make a road trip out of it, but work has been so busy, I cant get the time to go! I dont want to wait to have the car, so wanted to ask everyone here if they know of a cheap/good shipping company.

Car is coming from Missouri to California.

Thanks in advance!

 

Popsmuf,

I'm not sure that there is really such a thing as a cheap car transport service.

I'm sure that you want you MINI transported professionally and safely.

You may wish to check with a company called, Exotic Car Transport (800-766-8797) or check their website at...

 

I would suggest using nothing but an enclosed transport unit.

 

I got a few online quotes a while back and enclosed was running about 1800 but really never found anyone that I felt was "reliable" from online reviews. Maybe a MINI dealer would have a recommendation as I know there are several dealers that ship from the East Coast. Just a thought....

 

Seems to me that Mini uses Bavarian Motor Transport. I don't know if they operate where you need them to, or if they deal with the public . . . .

 

Reliable and Intercity are two of the leaders in the auto transport buisness. If you go to the SEMA show in vegas they seem to be everywhere.

 

Make the time! You should be DRIVING that baby home. It's going to cost you plenty more to ship it compared to the FUN of driving it home and getting the breakin done at the same time. There's no such thing as a CHEAP shipping company. And there are many of them who will NOT handle your car like you would want it handled. And you will WAIT. And you will WAIT. So rather than being FRUSTRATED, tell your boss you NEED those days off, and go get your new baby!! (This message from a guy who has moved cars and cycles several times via car/bike movers, and did NOT like the experience one bit, even though the vehicles came through unscathed)
ONE MORE TIME: MAKE TIME! You'll be money ahead and you'll have FUN instead of sitting around WAITING and wondering if your car is going to make it ok.

 

does anyone know who Mini of the Hamptons uses? They ship coast to coast for $500

 

I'd love to make time to do it, except 2 of my college buddies are getting married and I'm groomsmen to both of them!

 

Intercity is the BEST! They've transported a classic car for me and I've since communicated with many folks that have used them and have been delighted. Their fees are reasonable, AFAIK. When I engaged them I checked with two other carriers and was quoted higher fees than Intercity's by both.

http://www.intercitylines.com/

 

At least on the West Coast, Mini uses Waggoners. They operate nationwide. http://www.waggonerstrucking.com/

 

I just ran Kansas City MO to L.A., CA on calcruising.com and that's $1161 and change for an enclosed trailer. Send em each a new toaster with a nice card and get motoring!
Did you get that good a deal out of a MO dealer rather than just buy in CA?

 

I've used Intercity TWICE with excellent results from CA to Boston. I've had nothing but good luck with them. Last time around my little Audi TT rode with a Maserati, 2 ferraris, and a couple BMWs. The same driver picked up the car as dropped it off. Same truck. Covered. I think 2 years ago it was $1500 for everything. It took less than a week.

You PAY for good auto shippers. The cheap ones are a mess. My friend has a complete horror story. They used a hub-spoke system and open carrier, the car took over a month to get coast to coast, and it was a mess when she picked it up.

If you value the car, it's worth to ship with a quality carrier.

 

Thanks for all the input. Actually, I decided to get the car shipped to WA and drive it down from there! I always wanted to drive PCH from WA down to CA, so I'm going to take the opportunity to do it!

 

Awesome choice!!! It will be a GORGEOUS drive...

Donna

 

Don't get lost, though. You'll be looking for a long time to find the Pacific Coast Highway in either Washington or Oregon. Highways 101 and 103 in Washington and 101 in Oregon.

Still, it should be a nice drive.