When you are preparing for a long distance move, you probably find yourself wondering which items are really worth taking with you. You may even ask yourself, “Should I bring this with me or sell it and buy a new one when I get to my new home?” This decision will need to be made about many things you own, including your car. Moving a car across the country can seem like a daunting task and you may be wondering whether or not you should just sell your car and buy a new one. The decision on whether or not to sell or ship your car will depend on your unique circumstances. Here we will break down all the factors that can affect your decision so you can decide for yourself how to navigate this situation. 

Why Ship Your Car?

Save Money- Depending on the size and make of your vehicle, you could be looking at several hundred or even more than a thousand dollars to ship your car. While this may seem like a big expense, it actually pales in comparison to the price of a brand new car. It’s almost always cheaper to ship a car than it is to sell it and buy a brand new one.

Convenience-  Moving across the country is no easy feat and having your car shipped means one less thing you have to worry about. You don’t have to worry about selling it before you move and rushing to buy a new car as soon as you arrive. Shipping your car is easy and convenient and can save you a great deal of hassle. 

Why Sell Your Car?

As stated before, buying a new car is always going to be far more expensive than shipping your car. However, there are times when it might be more cost-effective to sell your car and buy a new one. 

Your Car is Worn Out- If your car is on its last leg and you are planning to replace it soon anyway, then the price of shipping probably isn’t worth a few months of driving it in your new city. In this case, you are probably better off using the money you would have spent on shipping as a down payment for your new car. 

Your Car Isn’t Worth Much- If you have an old car with several thousand miles on it, you may be better off buying a new car than paying more than the car is worth to ship it. This definitely depends on the condition of your vehicle and how much longer you plan to drive it. 

You Need Cash- If you own your car, then the proceeds of selling it can help offset some of your moving expenses. Just be mindful about setting some aside as a down payment for your new car. 

All in all, the decision about whether or not to sell your car or ship it comes down to how much your car is worth, how old it is, and whether or not you plan on upgrading your vehicle. In many cases, it is far more cost effective and convenient to have your car shipped. Car shipping is easy, convenient, and very affordable compared to buying a brand new car. That said, be sure to consider all of the costs before making your decision.