If you are moving across Canada and are deciding whether to sell or transport your car, you’ve got a little bit of math homework to do. Firstly, you’re most likely asking yourself this question because you’ve determined that driving your vehicle yourself does not add up. Perhaps the distance you are moving does not warrant putting that sort of mileage and wear and tear on the car or possibly the inconvenience of the long road trip is enough of a reason to review other options.
Sell Your Car Or Transport Your Car?
So, you’re either going to sell your car and get another one when you move or you’re going to use a car transport company. Let’s take a look at some of the variables you should be factoring into your decision:
- Value and Condition of Your Vehicle
- Affordability – Cost Analysis
- Convenience
- Regional Environmental Regulations
Value and Condition of Your Vehicle
Before assessing costs, you first need to ask yourself, “What is this car worth to me?” The question is not always an established monetary value. You may have babied your car and kept it in near mint condition, or you may even have developed a relationship with your car that encapsulates journeys of experience that you are not prepared to clinically dismiss for a cold hard number. Perhaps your vehicle is a classic collectible or has sentimental value having been passed down from a loved one. The condition of your car can also play a role. If your vehicle is near the end of its life, dumping it and starting afresh may be the logical choice rather than paying shipping. Doing a mental balance sheet of tangibles and intangibles is your first order.
Affordability
Now for some math. The impact to your wallet is likely the number one consideration and that means assessing Canada car transport costs versus the cost of buying a new vehicle. In almost every instance, shipping your car will be more affordable than buying a new car. There are costs and benefits associated with both of course.
Selling your car means money in your pocket from the sale and cost savings from not having to incur car transport costs. Conversely, those costs are transferred to your destination where you will need to buy another vehicle. New vehicle costs will far surpass saved transport fees unless you are looking to acquire a used car and/or the car you have has low value and is near the end of its life. Another cost consideration is insurance and registration fees for your new vehicle that are unavoidable.
Transporting your car means short term costs that you will need to outlay to have it shipped across Canada. These costs should be assessed as they depend on the distance you need it shipped and the type of carrier, whether you want it shipped door-to-door or terminal to terminal which has some cost savings. If shipping your vehicle can piggyback on shipping other household goods, you may realize additional savings. Either way, you will want to get a few quotes on well reviewed and reputable vehicle relocation companies. You will also incur costs to register and insure your car in your new abode. On the positive side, you are saving big by not having to buy a new car when you get to your destination.
Convenience
Car transport in Canada may appear cumbersome; however, vehicle transport companies are quite easy to deal with. While there is a process in ensuring your car is ready including cleaning it inside and out and making certain it is running smoothly, these shipping companies take care of the rest.
Selling your car and/or buying a new car have their own processes and may eat up your time depending on the particulars of your market and what you need in terms of sale or purchase price. The search, purchase, delivery, and registration process for a new vehicle may also leave you without a ride for a period of time, adding inconvenience.
Regional Environmental Regulations
Another cost consideration that you will want to investigate is whether the Province you are moving to has a progressive energy policy that stipulates whether vehicles registered there need to meet drive clean emissions regulatory requirements. Shipping an old car only to find it will be subject to additional costs for registration or even mandatory retrofitting could sway your decision.
Ship or Sell?
Now that you’ve looked at the pros and cons of both options, you’re ready for the big move. If you sell your car, you can look forward to something new to drive as you embark upon your new adventure. If you decide that shipping is your way forward, it’s time to get a personalized quote and review your options of car transport companies. Take care to go with one that has the capacity to deliver and the reputation to make the experience seamless so you can pickup where you left off at your new residence. Whichever route you have chosen, if you have done your homework, you can’t go wrong.
SAC Car Transport in Canada
Snowbirds Auto Connection (SAC) can help you transport your car across Canada with an easy quoting and guidance process to ensure the safe and seamless delivery of your vehicle to its destination. Contact SAC today to find out more about their services and to receive your personalized quote.