Hello All-

I have to say I've been visiting this post for the past month now and can't get enough info! I live in the Southern California area (L.A. County) and am purchasing my S2k from a dealer in Maryland. I'm having the car shipped out here because I do not want to drive it cross country. "And no I'm definitely not paying anyone else to drive it back." However, I'm looking for advice on getting the car shipped over here, scratch and dent free! I've priced a Auto Moving service and for a closed trailer they want $1800! For an open carrier they want about half. I'm just worried that we an open auto carrier the car is more prone to minor damage than if it were nicely tucked away in some big 18 wheeler. However, I'm not very interested in paying $1800 for the move. Any suggestions??? Thanks guys and gals!

 

By all means use a "closed" trailer. Six friends and myself caravanned (sp) from Phoenix and LA to Atlanta for NSXPO 2000 this past October. After the weekend we shipped our cars back. We used a company called "Pilot Transport". They use closed trailers and are actually the ones who ship NSXs for Acura/Honda. The cost per car (we filled the entire truck) was about $800. All cars arrived without a scratch. Give them a call. I suspect they price will be higher given you are shipping only one vehicle. It's well worth the extra money.

 

Passport Transport is generally recognized as the leader in the industry. Try them.

 

I'm in the same situation. TX to Seattle. Open transport: $950. Closed: $1950.

I value the S2000. But, I've talked to several people with experience in transporting. It comes down to getting rock chips and facing inclement weather. They say open transports rarely have problems with customers finding chips and et cetera on their cars upon receipt. They wouldn't be in business if it was so bad. If I was getting a Ferrari, yes I'd do the enclosed transport. But this is a $35,000 car.

So I'm assuming the guy who posted isn't interested in paying for the industry leader. He (me, too) want affordability.

So is open transport that bad? Has anyone had experiences with them? SCS2K, could you give me the contact number for Pilot Transport?

Silver, I'm afraid it's either $1800 or $900 for the move. I'm willing to risk a chip or two for $1000 savings. Chips and such are bound to happen.

 

I spoke with Intercity Lines at the recommendation of someone on this board. They use closed carriers, and for shipping my S2000 from Tampa, FL to Austin, TX, they quoted me $1000.

You might try them at http://www.intercitylines.com or also Exotic Car Transport at http://www.exoticcartransport.com. I contacted both but only Intercity got back to me, so guess who I'm using??

 

sondra, $1000 since FL to Tx is a lot closer than TX to seattle or cost to coast. thanks.

 

Wow, thanks for all of the advice. Money is certainly an issue but so is my "baby". If I can get a closed carrier for closer to a grand I'll do it. I think I'll check out Pilot Transport and these other links you guys left. I'll let you know how it goes and I really appreciate all of your help. SCS2K, do you have that contact info??

 

Can you get an open, but have the Honda car cover fitted once it's on the truck?

 

About 35 years ago we had a huge fire at a lumber yard in my town that attracted hundreds of spectators from a nearby disadvantaged neighborhood.. Our vantage point was on a raised railroad siding. A train loaded with new GM cars was slowly rolling by. It was an open transport, and one or two young men began to hurl large rocks at the cars on the train. The brand new cars sustained both broken windshields and body damage. Soon, nearly the entire crowd (present company excluded) began to join the others. Before the train had passed, I'm sure almost every car aboard that train was damaged. This example is another strong argument for closed transport, I'd say.

 

I would get a closed transport....worth the cost.

If you do get an open transport, you should try and get them to put your car on the upper level, if possible. That way, you won't get leaking coolant, oil, etc from the car above you dripping on the top.

As for putting a car cover on during the transport, I would advise against it. I put a cover on my black Prelude during a cross country move thinking it will protect the car better. Instead, the cover began flapping all over the place due to the turbulence and the cover cable and lock scratched up a rear fender.

My .02 cents

Mike