Car Shipping vs. Buying Locally: Which Option Saves More?

When it comes to purchasing a car, one of the major decisions is whether to buy locally or ship the vehicle from another region. The choice depends on multiple factors, including cost, convenience, and the specific car model you're looking for. In this article, we will explore a comprehensive cost comparison between car shipping and buying locally, helping you determine whether car shipping or buying locally is the cheaper option for you.

Essential Considerations Before Making Your Decision

Before diving into the cost analysis, let’s establish the key factors involved in car shipping vs local purchase decisions. Typically, the price of a car depends on various factors such as geographical location, vehicle model, demand, and the dealership or seller. Depending on where you are located, local car purchase vs shipping costs can be significantly different.

The Cost of Buying a Car Locally

Buying a car locally means you can avoid the added costs of transporting the vehicle. Local car buying rates are transparent, and you can often negotiate better deals directly with dealerships or private sellers. However, there are a few potential downsides when buying locally:

Market Conditions: In some areas, demand for certain vehicles is high, leading to inflated prices. For example, if you're in a region where a specific model is popular, the price might be much higher than in other regions where the vehicle is less in demand.
Limited Inventory: Depending on your location, the availability of cars locally may be limited. If you're searching for a specific model, especially a rare one, you may find it difficult to find locally. This can push you to either settle for a different car or consider looking in other areas.
Hidden Fees: Some dealerships charge hidden fees, such as dealer prep, destination fees, or administrative charges. These fees may add significant amounts to the final cost of the car.

On the plus side, buying a car locally allows you to see and test the vehicle firsthand, which can reduce risks and uncertainties.

The Pros and Cons of Car Shipping

On the other hand, shipping a car offers the potential to save money, especially if cars in other areas are priced lower. However, before making your decision, it's important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages:

Benefits of Car Shipping

Access to Lower Prices: The cheapest way to buy a car could involve purchasing from a region where cars are priced lower. Factors like supply and demand can cause vehicle prices to vary dramatically between states and cities. By shipping a car, you might gain access to better deals that wouldn’t be available locally.
Specialized Models: If you're looking for a rare or specific vehicle, shipping allows you to search in wider markets where the model may be more readily available.
Avoiding Dealer Fees: By purchasing directly from a seller or in another market, you can bypass various dealer fees, such as marketing and delivery charges, which can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars to the price.

Drawbacks of Car Shipping

Shipping Costs: The cost of transporting a car can quickly add up, especially if the distance is long. How much does car shipping cost depends on factors such as distance, vehicle size, and whether you opt for door-to-door delivery or terminal-to-terminal transport. The greater the distance, the higher the cost will be. You can calculate the cost of transportation in the online calculator.
Insurance and Risk of Damage: While shipping services are generally reliable, there is always a small risk of the vehicle being damaged in transit. Additionally, you may need to purchase additional insurance, which increases your overall cost.
Delivery Delays: Depending on your location, it may take several days or even weeks for your car to arrive. This could be a significant inconvenience if you need the car immediately.
Limited Pickup Options: In some cases, you may not have a door-to-door shipping option, meaning you would need to pick up your vehicle at a terminal, potentially far from your location.

A Detailed Cost Comparison: Shipping vs Buying Locally

When trying to figure out whether car shipping expenses vs local purchase price are worth it, here are some factors to consider:

Shipping Rates: Shipping rates can vary depending on the distance, the vehicle's make and model, and other specific factors. If you’re shipping a car across the country, the cost can be several hundred to a few thousand dollars.
Total Price: When you compare car shipping cost vs car purchase price, be sure to factor in the total cost, which includes both the cost of the vehicle and the shipping expenses. If the total price of shipping a car from another state, including fees, is still less than the cost of buying locally, then shipping might be the better choice.
Local Prices: In some areas, especially where there is high demand, the price of cars at local dealerships can be quite high. Car shipping rates vs local car buying rates can give you a better idea of whether it’s worth shipping the car or simply buying locally.

Factors Affecting the Decision

Time: If you're in a hurry and need a car right away, purchasing locally may be the best option. Shipping a car can take time, especially if there are delays or if the transport service is not available immediately.
Vehicle Condition: When buying locally, you have the chance to inspect the car yourself, which eliminates the uncertainty of shipping a vehicle without knowing its exact condition. You can also take it for a test drive, which is not possible when the car is being shipped.
Resale Value: Depending on the market where the car is sold, local purchases can sometimes provide a better resale value down the line. Car buying vs shipping comparison for resale value should be considered if you're planning to sell the car in the future.
Logistical Hassles: Shipping a car involves coordinating with a transport company, tracking shipments, and ensuring everything goes smoothly. For some, the convenience of buying locally far outweighs the added logistical tasks of dealing with shipping.

The Bottom Line: Which Option Is Cheaper?

Ultimately, buying a car and shipping it vs buying locally will depend on your specific needs. If you find a significant price difference, even after factoring in shipping costs, you could save a considerable amount by shipping the vehicle. However, if you're looking for convenience, immediate availability, and fewer risks, buying a car locally may be the better choice.

Cost analysis of buying locally vs shipping requires considering not only the purchase price but also hidden fees, the convenience factor, and long-term value. If the cost of buying a car locally vs shipping is too high, and you're open to waiting for delivery, car shipping might be the right decision.

In conclusion, the decision comes down to distance, model availability, and your personal preferences. Weigh all these factors to decide whether car shipping or local purchase offers the best value for your unique situation.

Car Shipping vs. Local Purchase: Cost Comparison

Instant Car Shipping Quote

Shipping your car with OverFracht is a piece of cake.