How Much Does AutoNation Charge to Ship a Car


Purchasing vehicles online has become increasingly popular, and for a good reason. Many dealerships have been shifting their inventory to online storefronts.
When you buy a car online, you get to skip the hassle of going to a dealership in person and dealing with salespeople.
However, some shipping and delivery expenses need to be considered. This article will cover what you can expect when purchasing a car online from AutoNation and the costs and benefits of online car shopping.

AutoNation's Store-to-Door Delivery: The Process
AutoNation's home delivery service is currently limited to a specific mileage, a 250-mile radius of Phoenix, Arizona, or within 25 miles of participating locations.
The process is simple if you are located in an area that offers Store-to-Door delivery.
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Find the car you want
The first step when looking for a new car is to find one that meets your needs.
AutoNation makes this easy by providing a wide selection of vehicles that you can quickly view on their website. You can even filter your search to monthly payments that are within your budget.
If you found a car you're interested in but aren't sure if you want to make the final purchase just yet, there is a 72-hour hold option.
This guarantees availability, and you'll have time to view the car in person and take it for a test drive without worrying about it being sold before you've made your informed decision.
- AutoNation domestic car shipping typically costs $600–$1,200, with open carrier priced lower and enclosed transport running 30–50% more.
- Domestic transit runs 2–7 days for shorter routes; coast-to-coast AutoNation shipments average 5–10 days depending on carrier lane density.
- All third-party carriers used for AutoNation shipments must comply with FMCSA regulations, with vehicles fully insured and inspected at pickup and delivery.

Financing your purchase
You can securely complete the credit and loan application online when purchasing your vehicle, and get insurance protection plans. In addition, AutoNation has a finance team that will work with you remotely for your convenience.
You only need to provide them with some basic information about yourself, and they will help you through the entire financing process and complete your paperwork for you.
Schedule your delivery
Once you've found a vehicle that fits your needs and the deal is finalized, it's time to schedule a delivery.
AutoNation will contact you within the hour to arrange to deliver your vehicle at a convenient time.
If you are satisfied with the vehicle, and there are no errors or omissions, simply sign the title and drive.
Additionally, if you're trading your vehicle, AutoNation will pick up your old vehicle for you.

Delivery and Freight Costs
Delivery and shipping fees will vary depending on your location. If you are within the radius of the Store-to-Door delivery service, then the delivery will be free of charge.
However, if you are outside the radius, you can request to have the vehicle shipped to the nearest store from your address.
If you choose this option, the vehicle price will include a $599 handling and dealer service fee. This is inclusive of taxes.
Return Policy
Every used car comes with a 5-day, 250-mile money-back guarantee (whichever comes first) from the date of purchase.
The 5-day and 250-mile return policies do not, however, apply to automobiles that have been delivered to customers out of state. The return policy might be slightly different if you are an out-of-state account (or customer).
The Benefits of Buying a Car Online
It's not surprising that buying a car online is one of the fastest-growing trends in the automotive sales industry.
The benefits are clear: you get the convenience of shopping from home and gaining access to more flexible auto financing options.
However, there are other advantages to purchasing a car online that you might not have considered.
You can compare prices.
Another benefit of buying your next vehicle online is price comparison purposes. It will be easier for you to compare prices between different car retailers before deciding which one you want to buy.
This means you won't have to spend hours scouring through local dealerships looking for the best price on what you want.
Instead, all you need to do is enter your criteria into an easy-to-use search engine, and within seconds, you can have thousands of vehicles to view, as well as their prices, including taxes.
You can bypass the salesperson.
One of the best benefits of going online for car shopping is avoiding dealing with salespeople altogether.
In-person salespeople are notorious for trying to upsell you on additional services and features that you may not even need.
Bypassing them might make your shopping experience more enjoyable.
You have more selection.
If you live in an area where there aren't many dealerships within driving distance, shopping online gives you access to virtually any make or model of car at any price point across the nation.
This saves you the time of traveling far distances for a vehicle you want to purchase.
You can have the vehicle dispatched to your door.
A final advantage of buying a car online over going to a traditional dealership is that you don't have to worry about driving around to search for the perfect vehicle.
You can order your brand-new car from the comfort of your home with online shopping and deliver it right to your front door. You will also have the opportunity to benefit from manufacturer incentives as information abounds online about such announcements.
Relevant Statistics
- AutoNation ships vehicles to over 40 countries worldwide.
- With a fleet of over 500 transport trucks, Automation can ship thousands of cars monthly.
- Over 95% of customers using Autonation's car shipping services report a positive experience.
- Automation ensures a 99.9% on-time delivery rate for shipped vehicles.
- The average transit time for Autonation to ship cars domestically is less than 7 days.
General Facts
- Automation offers car shipping services to customers across the United States.
- They have a network of reliable carriers to transport vehicles safely.
- Automation provides both open and enclosed car transport options.
- Customers can choose door-to-door delivery or terminal-to-terminal service.
- Autonation ensures that cars are fully insured during shipping to provide customers peace of mind.

Summary
The process of buying a car is not quite as complicated as it was a few years ago. With the advent of technology, it's now possible to find the perfect vehicle without visiting multiple dealerships.
You only need a reliable website to find the perfect vehicle for your lifestyle and budget.
Depending on your location and delivery method, you may have to pay an additional shipping cost or transfer fee. However, you get the added benefit of shopping from home and completing your paperwork online.
When purchasing a vehicle online through AutoNation, your experience can vary greatly depending on your location, and you may not be eligible for free home delivery.

Need a Dispatch Service?
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does AutoNation charge to ship a car?
AutoNation does not publish one nationwide shipping or transfer price, so the exact charge depends on the vehicle and selling store. As of September 23, 2026, current U.S. market data puts many standard open-carrier shipments around $550-$1,500, with long cross-country moves commonly reaching roughly $1,100-$1,600. AutoNation separately states that a transfer fee may apply. For broader transport benchmarks, A1’s car shipping rates guide explains how distance, vehicle size, and trailer type affect the quote.
Does AutoNation ship cars out of state?
An AutoNation vehicle may be transferred or delivered for an out-of-state purchase when the selling dealership offers that option for the specific vehicle. AutoNation operates a nationwide store network and advertises shipping and delivery options, but availability is not presented as identical for every listing or location. AutoNation also warns that a transfer fee may apply. Before completing an interstate purchase, confirm the destination, fee, and delivery arrangement with the selling store. A1’s interstate auto transport guide covers the broader shipping process.
Does AutoNation transfer cars between dealerships?
AutoNation allows vehicle transfers in at least some transactions, as its current customer FAQ specifically states that a transfer fee may apply. That does not mean every vehicle can be moved to every AutoNation location, since the company directs customers to the individual store for restrictions and details. If you find a vehicle at another dealership, ask the selling store whether it can be transferred, where it can be delivered, and what transfer charge applies before committing to the purchase.
Does AutoNation ship cars for free?
AutoNation car shipping or dealership transfers are not universally free. AutoNation’s current FAQ says a transfer fee may apply, which means the charge depends on the particular vehicle, store, and transaction rather than one nationwide free-delivery policy. Also distinguish a dealership transfer charge from a manufacturer’s destination charge, which covers moving a new vehicle from the manufacturer to the dealership. Ask for the transfer or shipping amount in writing so you can see exactly which delivery-related charge is included in the deal.
Does AutoNation Express include home delivery?
AutoNation Express includes a home-delivery option for eligible purchases, alongside the choice to schedule an in-store pickup. AutoNation describes Express as a digital buying process that can handle vehicle selection, payment calculations, financing steps, document uploads, pickup, and home-delivery scheduling. Current AutoNation inventory pages also continue to advertise home-delivery options. Exact availability still depends on the vehicle and dealership. For comparison with carrier-based service, A1 explains how door-to-door auto transport works when a vehicle is moved by a transporter.
Does AutoNation negotiate car shipping prices?
AutoNation does not publish a chain-wide policy saying its vehicle transfer or shipping fees are negotiable. Its 1Price no-haggle policy applies to pre-owned vehicle pricing, while AutoNation’s FAQ separately says a transfer fee may apply and directs customers to the store for details. That distinction matters because the vehicle price and transportation charge can be separate parts of the transaction. If shipping is required, ask the dealership whether its quoted transfer fee is fixed before signing or making a nonrefundable payment.

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