A run on used cars is still in effect as global supply dips and consumers seek out a “good deal” for a reasonable family vehicle. With the average used car interest rate climbing over the past five years to 12% for some borrowers, protecting that investment is crucial to ensuring long-term ROI.
Thanks to online marketplaces, car auctions, and private sellers, finding a good-quality used car has become easier. You can happen across the perfect coupe or vintage truck in one state and use a professional network of drivers from car shipping services like Nexus Auto Transport to get that vehicle back home. The key is to secure a favorable deal on pickup and delivery without compromising quality or customer service.
What Every First-Time Buyer Should Check in a Used Car’s Vehicle History
The first step to getting any used car home is to double-check that the vehicle you’re buying won’t turn into a lemon when you start it up. Even the most experienced buyers rely on car history reports to avoid unexpected car repairs or usage issues. You should utilize services such as Carfax, AutoCheck, the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS), and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB). The goal is to determine if there are any underlying issues with the vehicle you’re considering. Look for:
- Accident and damage reports ranging from whether the car has been in a major collision to what type of ongoing maintenance it has received.
- Odometer accuracy that ensures no fraud from false mileage readings (over 450,000 vehicles are sold each year with such fraud, according to the NHTSA).
- Title and ownership history noting salvaged or rebuilt titles, frequent ownership changes, or out-of-state transfers.
- Service records to give you peace of mind this used car is well taken care of by its owner.
Of course, the best used car check you can do is hiring a locally based mechanic to give the vehicle a “once over” before buying. That will make it easier to check for broken parts, especially pieces that might drag or move in the wind during domestic transport.
Door-to-Door Auto Transport: Convenience and Assurance for Busy Professionals
When you’ve landed on the perfect used car for your lifestyle situation, it’s time to hire transport carriers to bring that asset home. With professional car shipping services like those from Nexus Auto Transport, this becomes a streamlined and affordable situation. Utilizing such logistics saves you time, money, and hassle as you attempt to coordinate your work and family schedules. After all, most people don’t have the time to travel 1,500 miles away to drive a used car back home.
When you get a quote or estimate from the best auto transport services, it should be easy to read and transparent. You want a delivery timeframe that skips terminal fees, long drives, and multi-step coordination. For example, with Nexus Auto Transport, everything is managed for you from the driveway of the seller on Facebook Marketplace to delivering the used car to your front door with the keys in hand.
Companies like Nexus Auto Transport, with over half a million customers and more than a decade of experience, show how the logistics side of buying a used car has matured. There is fantastic convenience in having a professional driver inspect the vehicle for any damage after delivery and provide you with original copies of all paperwork, so all the guesswork is taken out of the equation.
Avoiding Hidden Fees: How to Spot Honest Quotes in Car Shipping Services
Quality car transport companies offer a range of foundational services that distinguish them from those seeking to make a quick profit. The truth is, you want a simplified quote that includes everything, so when it comes time to pay the bill, there are no hidden fuel surcharges or liftgate access fees.
A good quote will include all the costs before you book the service. There will be a breakdown of what you’re paying for, including distance of travel, carrier type (enclosed or open auto transport), shipping insurance, flexible delivery timeframe, and any other details.
Just as the car history you used to judge whether a used vehicle is worth buying, the quote should make you feel confident in the transparency of the billing. Anything else should be a red flag that something out of the ordinary is up. Nexus Auto Transport offers a free car shipping services cost calculator tool for all clients. That tool provides instant, transparent quotes and details how the price is calculated before you even speak with a customer service professional.
Even with free tools for quotes, it’s still advisable to obtain multiple estimates and compare the costs. Be sure to receive a detailed breakdown and ask about any additional fees (such as non-operable vehicles, door-to-door service, handling time, etc.). Take time to research the company by reading online reviews and always look closely at the contract before you sign. This should be a painless experience, not a situation that drains your bank account.
The Real Cost of Shipping a Used Car
There are some ways to lower the cost of fleet management when getting your used car home. While avoiding hidden fees is essential, you can also opt for open over enclosed auto transport, be flexible with delivery dates, book in advance, and confirm that the vehicle is prepared appropriately before shipping.
A realistic view of what to expect when shipping a used car is based on several factors. The average expense is $650, but you can end up paying anywhere from $0.40 to $2.00 per mile, so you want to work with a team that can offer a better deal and quality service. What impacts price the most is the distance the used car travels, its size and weight, the type of carrier, whether expedited options are needed, and the car’s operability.
Another factor to consider when pricing vehicle shipping is weather conditions and the time of year. Any season with high move-in/move-out times for college students or families will be subject to peak pricing. The earlier you can call to secure your quote, the lower your overall cost will be. That’s why working with a team like Nexus Auto Transport is so important. You receive transparent pricing and experienced drivers who will provide real-time notifications if there are any issues due to shifting interstate transport laws, weather conditions, or traffic that delays delivery.
Ship Smart, Ship with Confidence
Whether you’re buying a used Toyota Tacoma for the farm and need cross-country car shipping or finally find the vintage Ford Mustang you dreamt about owning as a kid, working with a professional provider makes a difference. It ensures you get the quality service needed to keep your used car protected during delivery and helps you avoid hidden fees or sudden upcharges on your bill when it comes time to pay.
Take the time to do the research, and don’t be afraid to ask questions of any provider you’re picking from. The more information you have, the less stress about getting your newly found used car from Michigan to South Carolina or Maine to Pennsylvania. That way, you can focus on more important things like family outings, work obligations, and finally getting a peaceful few hours to yourself.
