Shipping a Car You Bought on Craigslist Made Simple

YOU JUST BOUGHT A CAR ON CRAIGSLIST, NOW WHAT?

You are excited. You are thrilled. You can’t wait to sit behind that wheel. To get your hands on the keys and open that car door for the first time. It’s the next step! Just have patience. But what do you do now? The car is paid for. The vehicle is yours. But, it’s 1,865 miles away.

THE GOOD: YOU HAVE OPTIONS

You can get this vehicle to your garage, which is excellent. Most of the time on local listings sites, hauling the car will not be an option to purchase. Once in a while, you will see this option in Craigslist ads. But for the most part, the buyer (you!) is responsible for shipping the car. This means that you are now literally in the driver’s seat. This is the good side of having options; you have the power to safely and securely get this vehicle to you.

THE BAD: YOU HAVE OPTIONS

Any time we (people) have options, we need to do some work. Any time we have options, we have the chance to miss the best opportunity and choose an option that isn’t best for us. This is the downside of having an option. When you have purchased your Craigslist car, find the most reliable choice for getting your vehicle home. Hopefully, you won’t have a bad experience.

Understand Shipping Costs and Options

Shipping costs for a car purchased on Craigslist can vary based on distance, vehicle size, and transport type. Open transport is generally more affordable but exposes the vehicle to weather and road conditions, while enclosed transport offers more protection at a higher cost. Obtain quotes from multiple auto transport companies to compare prices and services. Be wary of unusually low quotes, which may indicate subpar service or hidden fees.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure a safer and more reliable experience when shipping a car purchased on Craigslist.

Ensure Proper Documentation Before Shipping

Before arranging transport, confirm that the vehicle's title is clear and properly signed over to you. Incomplete or incorrect paperwork can lead to registration issues upon delivery. Additionally, check for any liens on the vehicle and ensure the VIN matches all documents. Having all paperwork in order facilitates a smooth shipping process and protects you from potential legal complications.

Be Cautious of Seller-Offered Shipping

While some Craigslist sellers may offer to handle shipping, it's often safer to arrange transport yourself. Scammers might use fake shipping arrangements to collect payment without delivering the vehicle. By coordinating shipping independently, you maintain control over the process and reduce the risk of fraud. Always verify the legitimacy of any shipping offer and consider using reputable auto transport companies to ensure your vehicle arrives safely.

MANY OPTIONS

• Go pick it up yourself.

There is nothing quite like a road trip! Get your new car yourself! Have a friend, spouse, or girlfriend drive you to pick up your new ride. Make a little vacation out of it. This option will save you a lot of headaches and stress regarding the condition of your car.

• Please have a friend pick it up for you.

Uncle Joey is out of work right now, AND he only lives 120 miles from Austin, Texas, where your dream car is. Have him go pick up your vehicle! Pay for his gas, buy him a few beers, and put him in Motel 6 for a few nights. You have a trusted (hopefully) person driving your new car. Fly him home when it’s all done.

• Find a trusted transport company.

There are many different options for contracting a company for your vehicle. Any Google search will leave you with plenty to choose from. This is the option that will make the most sense for the most people. And to be honest, with the price of gas these days and a few nights in a motel for your Uncle Joey, it might be the least expensive when it is all said and done.

Most of the time, you are looking right around .75/mile. (Seventy-five cents a mile). So, shipping your vehicle from Austin, Texas to San Diego, CA (1,304 miles) might run you about $1,000. You will spend anywhere from $250 to $ 500 in gas alone, depending on the type of car. So, add a few nights in a hotel and your uncle’s meals to this, and you might just be charged about the same price. However, that transit company is NOT putting 1,304 miles on your car, something to consider!

Your car can be driven, towed, or loaded onto a trailer.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING YOUR CAR

• Credentials of the company you are going to choose

Make sure to do your research on the company you want to use. You can easily do this on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website. Ask them to see a copy of their USDOT credentials as well. This will serve as another background check. The United States Department of Transportation issues a number to every company that ships cars.

• Insurance

Ensure that the mover adequately insures your car if you are hauling it. If you will drive it yourself or have a friend drive it, don’t forget to buy insurance in your excitement about this new purchase. Your delivery contract needs to be very clear about the limits of their insurance policy. If your car is worth $45,000, and their limit is $25,000, you might need to purchase additional liability insurance.

• Your car can be towed or loaded onto a trailer.

If you have your car dispatched, note that it can be towed or loaded onto a trailer. It is essential to know this. If it is being towed, your rear tires will be affected. Consider this and make clear with your hauler.

• Condition pre-shipment and post-cargo

Lastly, you must ensure that what you paid for is what you get! Ensure you get perfect pictures from the seller if your car has been dispatched. You don’t want to receive a vehicle with a broken windshield. This isn’t what you paid for. It would not be a fun way to start your relationship with this new car. The vehicle's condition should be the same when you receive it as when you bought it. Document, document, document this with photographs, or even video if you can.

Conclusion

Purchasing a car on Craigslist opens up a world of possibilities, but it also places the responsibility of transportation squarely on your shoulders. Whether you're considering a cross-country road trip, enlisting a friend's help, or hiring a professional auto transport company, weighing each option's pros and cons is crucial. Opting for a reputable car shipping service can offer peace of mind, ensuring your new vehicle arrives safely and efficiently. By taking proactive steps, such as verifying the seller's credentials, securing proper documentation, and choosing a trusted transport provider, you can navigate the post-purchase process with confidence and ease.