Shipping a Car Across the Country vs. Selling and Buying Another Vehicle

If you need to get your car across the country, you’re probably wondering “Is shipping a car worth it?” Of course, the best place to start is by getting some car shipping quotes, but what then?

Once you’ve got a few quotes you may find yourself wondering whether the cost to transport a car to another state is worth it, or would it be better to sell the car and buy another one? In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of both options which will help you decide.

Can you ship a car when you move?

When you’re moving, the last thing you need to be worrying about is having to drive hundreds or even thousands of miles because you don’t want to leave your car behind. Luckily, there are ways you can save all the stress. You can ship the car to where you’re going, or you can sell it and buy another one when you relocate. 

Aside from the cost of shipping a vehicle, there are various pros and cons that will help you decide either way.

The pros and cons of shipping your car

It’s only natural to be worried about the cost of having your car transported to another state, but when you’re moving cross-country, it'll likely be the best option if you don’t want to drive yourself.

The pros of shipping your car

There are plenty of benefits when it comes to shipping your car, rather than selling it and buying a new one. 

• Convenience: If you arrange for your car to be shipped it’s one less thing to worry about. You won’t have to worry about driving your car or the moving truck. Choose to hire professional movers and an auto transport company with an excellent reputation and you can fly to your new home and arrive much sooner. 
• Safety: Rather than driving your vehicle, you’ll be placing it in the hands of a professional car shipping company. Professional auto transport companies, like SGT Auto Transport, use professional drivers. This means you don’t have to worry about your car breaking down, getting into an accident, or being exposed to harsh road conditions. 
• Minimal wear and tear: There will be no additional miles on your vehicle and the wear and tear will be kept to a minimum.
• Cheaper option: Compared to selling your vehicle and buying a new one, the average cost to transport a vehicle is much more affordable. In addition, compared to driving your car it might also work out cheaper or at least a similar price.
• Saves time: If you ship your vehicle you won’t have to drive and the bigger the time saving the greater the distance. 

The cons of shipping your car

• Price: The cost of shipping a vehicle is what puts some people off, but it’s more affordable than you think, especially when you compare it with other options. 

The pros and cons of selling your car and buying another one 

It may seem like the best idea is to sell your car and simply buy a new one when you arrive in your new location. In some circumstances, there’s no denying that it does make sense. However, when it comes to cross country moves, it makes more sense to ship your car. 

The pros of selling your car and buying another one

• Option to upgrade: If it was already on the cards that you were going to buy a new vehicle, it might be a good idea to go ahead and sell the one you’ve got. Once you reach your new home you might have the opportunity to upgrade.  
• No need to drive cross country: If you sell your car you won’t have to stress about driving it which has to be a relief. 
• Cash in your pocket: If you manage to sell your car before you move you’ll have some cash in your pocket which is bound to help your finances. You could use the money to help pay for your move, but remember to leave some aside for a down payment on a new car. 

The cons of selling your car and buying another one

While there are a few benefits to selling your car, for the most, it makes more sense to ship your car. The following downsides of buying another car are usually the deal breakers.

• Car shopping: Let’s be honest here. Car shopping is not the most exciting thing to do, especially when you’ve just arrived in a new location and don’t know the best places to shop.
• Inconvenience: If you sell your vehicle before you move, you’ll have no way of getting around until you find a new one. If you haven’t already got a new car lined up, it could be a big headache. 
• Expensive: Selling your vehicle and buying another is likely to be more than the cost of shipping a vehicle across country. 
• Find a buyer: Selling a vehicle isn’t generally something that happens quickly. You have to go through the hassle of listing your car and then finding a buyer. Then you’ve got to negotiate a deal that you’re happy with. If time is running out before you have to move, you might get desperate and settle for a deal that’s less than you really wanted. 
• The risk of buying a lemon: If you’re buying a used vehicle, you could end up buying a complete lemon. Even if you have the car inspected, there’s always a risk that the used car will have issues. You could end up with car problems much sooner than if you’d shipped your current car.  

Is shipping a car worth it compared with buying a new one?

Before you make your final decision, it’s a good idea if you understand the financial implications of both options, especially if you’re thinking about buying a new car rather than a used one.

Here are a few examples of what it might cost to ship a car, depending on the distance:

• 250 miles: $200
• 700 miles: $511
• 1000 miles: $700
• 1750 miles: $840
• 2400 miles: $888
• 2700 miles: $945
• 3200 miles: $1122

While this might seem like a substantial amount of money, selling your vehicle and buying another is likely to cost you more. 

Alongside the actual cost of buying a vehicle, there are hidden costs you’ll need to consider such as sales tax, financing charges, registration and title fees, dealer fees, and possible higher insurance costs. 

If you haven’t booked your auto transport yet, get in touch with us here at SGT Auto Transport. Use our Live Chat or speak directly with our shipping advisors at (864) 546-5038.

Want to learn more about shipping your car across country? Find everything you need to know here.