The Money Mustache Community

Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: tipster350 on June 27, 2014, 04:45:20 PM

Title: Ship Car Across Country or Sell and Buy?
Post by: tipster350 on June 27, 2014, 04:45:20 PM
I am looking into moving cross country, coast to coast. A brief check on car shipping costs lands it in about the $600-$800 range. I am wondering if it makes sense to take on the expense of shipping, or sell the car then buy a another one at my destination. I have a 2012 Kia Soul. Thoughts?
Title: Re: Ship Car Across Country or Sell and Buy?
Post by: gimp on June 27, 2014, 04:59:46 PM
New car? Ship. Old car? Sell. I'd ship the 2012. (Someone will recommend you sell the 2012 and buy something closer to 2002, saving you shipping and freeing up cash. Your mileage may vary, pun fully intended.)
Title: Re: Ship Car Across Country or Sell and Buy?
Post by: ketchup on June 27, 2014, 06:17:17 PM
I'd drive it across the country.
Title: Re: Ship Car Across Country or Sell and Buy?
Post by: gimp on June 27, 2014, 07:34:30 PM
Okay, yeah, driving it across country is my preference too. I've done five of them in two years. The first one changed me, and my life. The last one's ending coincided with another ending, and beginning, for me. The second was the start of something pretty great; the third was the continuation of it; the fourth was a monster of trying my nerves and hope. Here's to the sixth.

But enough about me - driving it across country is great, it's a beautiful vacation, a lovely drive, but it's not for everyone. Coast to coast is at minimum a 30-hour drive (San Diego, CA to Jacksonville, FL). More likely, it's something like 45-50 (for example, Boston to SF). In the absolute best case that's a solid two day's drive; two and a half or three is more likely, and that's if you're willing to drive a thousand miles a day.
Title: Re: Ship Car Across Country or Sell and Buy?
Post by: tipster350 on June 27, 2014, 07:55:34 PM
I've driven across the country twice and don't think I'm up for a third time. I'm focusing my choice on shipping on selling.