03-25-2015, 03:24 PM
I had a 2010, Mercedes Benz 3500 Series, Long Wheel Base Sprinter Van shipped from Chicago, IL to me on Long Island, NY in 2012. There were no serious problems but, if I were to do it again, I'll fly to Chicago, pick the vehicle up and, drive it home myself. Other than taking two days of my time, it would have been the same (or very possibly less expensive) that paying a shipper.
As already mentioned, for a new vehicle, I'd be surprised if a local dealer would not be willing to match (or come very close) to the out of state dealer. I know that most dealers do NOT "deal" on the Prius (I have a 2012 Prius C, Trim Level Two). Dealers can generally sell all the Prius models Toyota will send them so, there's really no incentive to discount a Prius. The dealer with the significantly better price might be in a different sales district; one where special incentives are being offered that your local dealers are not getting and therefore, cannot match.
That said, the selling dealership should know of a reputable car shipper. Car shippers aggregate vehicles so, you might have to wait several days ~ a week before the shipper has a full load going your way.
Inspect the vehicle VERY carefully upon arrival and before you sign. The driver will probably be in a hurry; that's his problem. Look at EVERYTHING because once you sign the delivery receipt, the shipper is off the hook and any problems found, will be considered to have occurred while in your custody. List even the most minor discrepancy on the shipping paper before you sign (my Sprinter had a cracked tail lens). The selling dealer will take LOTS of photos to document the vehicle's condition to cover his a$$. Ask that those pix be emailed to you; it will give you a good point of reference.
I've been VERY happy with my Prius C. Its' only real drawback (for me) is that the Prius cannot be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Now that I'm RVing, if I want to bring the Prius (so as to have local transportation), I have to get the front wheels up on a tow dolly (or put in / on a trailer).
As already mentioned, for a new vehicle, I'd be surprised if a local dealer would not be willing to match (or come very close) to the out of state dealer. I know that most dealers do NOT "deal" on the Prius (I have a 2012 Prius C, Trim Level Two). Dealers can generally sell all the Prius models Toyota will send them so, there's really no incentive to discount a Prius. The dealer with the significantly better price might be in a different sales district; one where special incentives are being offered that your local dealers are not getting and therefore, cannot match.
That said, the selling dealership should know of a reputable car shipper. Car shippers aggregate vehicles so, you might have to wait several days ~ a week before the shipper has a full load going your way.
Inspect the vehicle VERY carefully upon arrival and before you sign. The driver will probably be in a hurry; that's his problem. Look at EVERYTHING because once you sign the delivery receipt, the shipper is off the hook and any problems found, will be considered to have occurred while in your custody. List even the most minor discrepancy on the shipping paper before you sign (my Sprinter had a cracked tail lens). The selling dealer will take LOTS of photos to document the vehicle's condition to cover his a$$. Ask that those pix be emailed to you; it will give you a good point of reference.
I've been VERY happy with my Prius C. Its' only real drawback (for me) is that the Prius cannot be towed with all four wheels on the ground. Now that I'm RVing, if I want to bring the Prius (so as to have local transportation), I have to get the front wheels up on a tow dolly (or put in / on a trailer).