When shipping a car across the nation, most think of newer vehicles or high-value luxury cars. What about older vehicles, particularly those that are over 10 years old? You might wonder if it's worth the expense to ship a vehicle that's no longer in its best years. Whether you are relocating from state to state, buying a pre-owned vehicle, or moving your classic vehicle, there are various considerations to weigh before deciding whether shipping an old car is a good idea.
In this article, we are going to detail the key aspects of shipping a 10+ year-old car and assist you in making the right decision as to whether it's a wise investment.
1. The Car's Condition
The initial consideration when deciding whether to transport a 10+ year-old vehicle nationwide is the condition of the vehicle. If the vehicle is running fine, well maintained, and does not have any serious mechanical problems, it could be worth shipping, particularly if repairing it to make it roadworthy would cost more than shipping it.
But if your car is badly damaged by rust or significant mechanical problems, it's not worth shipping. Transport companies can ship a vehicle in rough shape, but consider the expense of repairing the vehicle if the vehicle's likely to get damaged while in transit; you could be spending more money on repairs than the vehicle's worth.
2. The Value of the Vehicle
The value of the car plays a critical role in determining whether shipping it across the country is a worthwhile expense. Older vehicles that have depreciated significantly may not justify the cost of shipping, especially when considering the shipping fees themselves. Depending on the distance, shipping a car can range anywhere from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
- High-Value Vintage or Antique Vehicles: If your car is over 10 years old and is vintage, antique, or a collector's car, shipping is a good idea since such cars increase in value with age. Owners of such cars often shell out for sending their vehicles thousands of miles across the nation for car shows, auctions, or even to maintain the vehicle's integrity.
- Daily Older Cars: For regular older cars, like daily drivers or vehicles with poor resale value, it may not be financially worthwhile to pay the money to ship the vehicle. Rather, it may be cheaper to drive the car yourself (if it's still in operating condition) or look around locally to purchase a vehicle at your new location.
3. Shipping Costs vs. Driving the Car Yourself
One of the main reasons that people consider shipping their car is the distance. If you are moving across the country, you may not want to drive a 10+ year-old car thousands of miles because you are worried about it being reliable, burning up gas, or wearing down. Shipping a car is expensive, however, and the price can escalate fast.
- Open vs. Enclosed Shipping: Transport fees differ based on the form of transport you decide on. Open transport (in which the automobile is driven onto a carrier exposed to the weather) tends to be less expensive than enclosed transport, which adds an extra level of security for your vehicle en-route. Though enclosed transport may be well worth it for an expensive or specialty vehicle, it may be an overkill option for an older, less expensive car.
- Cost Comparison: Taking your vehicle across the nation could be expensive for fuel, accommodations, meals, and possible repairs in between. The overall cost of transporting the car is equal to or even less than driving when you consider the time, vehicle wear, and possible maintenance expenses that you would pay in driving.
4. Possible Risks In Transit
All cars, no matter their age, can be damaged during shipping. With a 10+ year old vehicle, you might worry about the car being fragile and its potential for existing damage to increase during the shipment.
It is wise to consult with the shipping company about the status of your car prior to the transport. Most reliable auto transport companies will provide you with an option to have the vehicle photographed in detail prior to shipment. They will have any damage that is already there documented. That way, you will be covered in case any new problems occur during the transportation process.
In addition, if your car is very old or fragile, be sure to select enclosed transport to limit exposure to the elements, road debris, and possible accidents that might harm your vehicle.
5. Convenience and Time-Saving
Another essential factor to consider is the ease of shipping your car versus driving it from one end of the country to the other. Shipping an old car can save you time and aggravation, especially if you're traveling far or have little time to spare. A road trip across the country in an old car can take a while, especially when you have to consider the reliability of the vehicle, rest stops, and the likelihood of spontaneous breakdowns.
Moreover, if you have to move for work, relatives, or any other private reason, shipping your car saves you time to attend to the rest of your move without worrying about taking the vehicle yourself. For this reason, the ease of shipping an old car may be worth the expense, mainly if you have limited time or if your vehicle is not in a condition for driving over a long distance.
6. State and Local Regulations
Some states have particular regulations for older cars, mainly if the vehicle is more than 10 years old. For instance, some regions might demand emissions testing, which might be a problem if the car does not pass the test. Some states also have regulations regarding registering and inspecting older vehicles upon arrival. Prior to opting to have your automobile shipped, check the local registration and emission laws at your destination to determine if the car will be capable of satisfying local regulations.
7. Other Options
If shipping a 10+ year-old automobile still does not sound like an option, there are other options available that you can look into:
- Sell the Car and Purchase Another: If your vehicle is not worth the cost of shipping it and is not valuable enough to hold onto, then it would be better to sell it prior to your move and buy another when you reach your destination. Most used cars are cheap and readily available.
- Drive the Car in Segments: If the vehicle is in good shape and you are worried about the distance, drive the car in segments. This way, you can check the car's performance over some time and ensure it is safe to drive for long distances.
Whether it's worth shipping a 10+ year-old vehicle across the country depends primarily on the car's value, condition, the expense of shipping versus driving, and your preferences. If your vehicle is in excellent condition, has sentimental or high resale value, and you don't feel like driving it, shipping can be a viable option. Alternatively, if the vehicle is not worth a great deal of money and may lead to further stress or cost throughout a lengthy drive, you should consider alternatives.
Ultimately, it is up to you—but by taking these primary points into account, you are in a better position to make a well-informed decision that will meet your needs and financial means.
