800-321-2051

Posts Tagged ‘Affordable Car Shipping’

Classic Car Guide: Buying And Shipping

Classic Car Collecting

Classic car collecting and restoration is a popular hobby practiced by individuals all across the United States, and even the entire the world. People love classic and antique automobiles for a number of reasons. They may see it as an investment opportunity, a chance to relive childhood memories, or the perfect time to live out their life-long dream.

Many individuals choose to buy a classic car, because it presents an opportunity to invest and resell for a profit. If you are a mechanic or know a lot about cars, then it can be the perfect past time for you. The decision to purchase a classic car can be an emotional one. You can be driven by the desire to own the model you loved as a child or the car your dad drove. Whatever your reason to purchase a classic vehicle, we are here to help guide you.

Not only are we here to assist you in making a smart purchase, but we can help you with transporting your prized possession after you buy. Shipping your car with National Dispatch provides you with peace of mind. You can relax knowing that your classic vehicle will be transported with the utmost care.

Tips: Buying A Classic Car

Purchasing a classic car is exciting, but there are also some items to consider before deciding on the car you want to take home. There is a lot that goes into purchasing a car, old or new. You must decide on the model you like best, search local listings or online classifieds, and transport the vehicle back home. We have assembled a list of tips to help you in making an informed decision.

Decide why you want it.

What are your reasons for buying a classic vehicle? Maybe, you want a classic car for one of the reasons we already mentioned. On the other hand, you might have hopes of entering a classic car show. Think about why you have a strong desire to purchase one of these vintage models. Consider if you are prepared for the time, money, and maintenance that comes with this type of investment. Also, consider a storage location. Most classic car collectors only use their vehicles for occasional drives. Do you have a garage to protect your car when it is not in use?

Do your research.

Make a wish list of features you want in your classic car, such as the desired color, engine, body style, and interior trim. Ask yourself which features you absolutely need. You may already have an idea of the classic vehicle you want, but this will help narrow down the choices. Research the positives and negatives of each model you are interested in. Read as much as you can on the cars you like. Read buyer’s guides or ask people in owner’s clubs for advice on purchasing a particular model. Find out if one model is prone to certain problems. If so, what? And how much would it cost to fix them? If you are not handy or do not know much about cars, it may be a good idea to get the advice of a trusted mechanic on potential models. Plus, if any mechanical issues arise or if repairs are needed, you know where to send your classic.

Budget your money.

One of the most important tips in purchasing a vehicle, no matter the make, model, or year, is budgeting your money. Decide what your budget is and what you can afford to pay for a car. This will be the ultimate decision maker. Set a budget, and stick to it. Make sure you include the cost of insurance, as well as the cost to get the vehicle to your house. It is best to use a reliable car shipping company to transport your vehicle to your home. Your car will be protected during transit, and you can rest easy knowing that your new purchase is being cared for properly. Older cars demand more attention. Meaning, they need more frequent servicing, which can be costly and time-consuming. You should budget for the cost of maintenance and repairs by setting aside a special fund. This is especially important if you intend on buying a fixer-upper.

Contact the seller.

Whether you are looking at a car from a dealer or private seller, make a phone call first. A phone call could save you time going to look at a car that may not be the best fit for you. Ask a lot of questions. It may sway your decision in either direction. You may find out that your dream car is not the right car for you. Arrange a time to look at the vehicle. Conduct a visual inspection to look for signs of rust or poor restoration jobs. Test drive the car. You never know how you will feel behind the wheel.

Get the best deal.

When you are ready to make an offer with the dealer or owner, remember to be courteous. If the vehicle has any obvious problems, discuss your findings with the owner. You can use these to help negotiate to get the best price. Make an educated offer by knowing the car’s value, first. You can check pricing on online sites, in magazines, or with trusted individuals. Whether you are buying a car online or in person, you can conduct your own inspection by running a VIN report and checking the Blue Book value of the vehicle. Always know that you can walk away if the pricing falls outside your budget.

Which Classic Car Should You Buy?

If you are a car enthusiast, you likely have a fantasy involving getting behind the wheel of an iconic, vintage vehicle. There are numerous models that have earned their place in history, from the sophisticated yet sporty Ford Thunderbird to the fun Volkswagen Bug. If you were to survey collectors to see what their favorite model and year would be, you would receive a variety of opinions. Therefore, we have created our own list of makes and models that have been adored by collectors all across the globe.

  • Ford Mustang

    The Ford Mustang is beloved by people all across the world for its iconic history. The sports car has been manufactured for over fifty years, making it the second-longest running sports car in the United States. The car provides a reliable form of transportation, while also offering consumers with variety and the ability to customize. Some of the more memorable models include the 1965 Shelby GT 350, 1967 Shelby GT 500, 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302, and 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1. The Shelby GT 350 served to influence many of the models that came after it.

  • Ford Thunderbird

    The Thunderbird was introduced in 1955, and today, it is a car collector’s dream. It served as a sophisticated, personal luxury car with two seats and a V8 engine. Ford manufactured the vehicle in response to Chevrolet’s creation of the Corvette. When it first debuted, it was only offered in the convertible style. Although the two-seater was doing well in sales, Ford decided to introduce a four-passenger option. In 1967, the four-door sedan was added to the lineup. The most popular model years include, but are not limited to the 1955, 1958, 1965, and 1967 Ford Thunderbird.

  • Chevrolet Corvette

    The first Corvette was introduced to the market in 1953. It is now one of America’s favorite muscle cars, marking almost sixty-five years in the making. It remains an American icon for its horsepower and performance. Newer models can hit the sixty mile per hour mark in 3.6 seconds. Each Corvette model offered something a little bit different, whether that be in the body style, trim work, or under the hood. Some of the more popular models include the 1955 Corvette V8, 1963 Corvette Stingray Split Window, and 1970 Corvette Stingray LT-1.

  • Porsche 911

    The classic Porsche 911 was meant to be a luxury sports car. Porsche began manufacturing the original model design in 1963. It is beloved by collectors for its style, performance, and features. The 911s feature the engine in the back and the trunks in the front. This is not commonly seen in many American vehicles, other than Volkswagen. Some of the favorite Porsche 911s of all time include the 1965 Porsche 911, 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7, and 1984 Porsche 911 Carrera.

  • Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing

    Mercedes introduced this model in 1954 at the New York International Automobile Show. Soon thereafter, it became known as the “Gullwing”, because of its unique upward-opening doors. Approximately 1400 models were made in a three-year time span, some of which having an all-aluminum body. The original Gullwing came in Silver. However, there were other options available per special request. In 1959, the Roadster branched off of the Gullwing. Although it resembled the Gullwing in appearance, many revisions were made. The 300 SL Roadster was produced up until 1963.

  • Volkswagen Beetle

    If you are looking for a fun vintage vehicle, then the Volkswagen Beetle is for you. After all, what other car can you think of that came with its own flower vase? The Volkswagen Beetle, or Bug, has a long production history, starting way back in 1938 until 2003. It became popular for its role as Herbie in Walt Disney’s 1968 film, The Love Bug. Not many major changes occurred in the design of the Beetle until the late 1990s. The rear windows did change over the years, however. The split-rear window design was replaced with a single oval rear window in 1952. Then, again in 1958, Volkswagen made the window even larger for visibility.

  • Chevrolet Camaro

    The Chevrolet Camaro, both classic and otherwise, is a well-sought after vehicle. The first generation Camaro of the 1960s is widely popular, because it includes the very first Camaro models ever produced. Although the generation only lasted a few years, hundreds of thousands were manufactured. Unfortunately, they may be hard to come by. The second generation Camaros lasted from 1970 until 1981. One valuable model of this generation is the Z28 Rally Sport, known as one of the best Camaros ever built in the muscle car era. The third generation introduced a different body style. It was more sleek, rather than rugged. This generation lasted into the 1990s.

  • Vintage Jeep

    If you are looking for a tough vehicle capable of conquering a variety of terrain, then a Jeep may be for you. A classic Jeep is made in either the Willys Jeep model used in war times or branched from that model in style, shape, and overall design. Due to the Jeep’s prior history in the military, it is known for being a long-lasting, reliable four-wheel drive vehicle. A few of the most popular models include Willys MB, Jeep M38A1, Jeep CJ-5, Jeep CJ-7, and J10 Shortbed. The CJ-5 served to later influence other models, including the Jeep Wranglers.

Shipping Your Classic Car

Classic cars are not just another car. To their owners, they hold great sentimental value and importance. This is why it is crucial you take the time to find a reliable car shipping company to ship one of your most prized possessions.

National Dispatch is a leading provider of auto transport services for all types of vehicles, including classic cars. We transport vehicles all across the United States. Therefore, we will deliver your car anywhere in the nation with our licensed, insured, and expedited auto transport services.

Classic car owners choose to ship their vehicles with us, because they know their car will be transported safely to its destination. We offer enclosed auto transport services, in addition to the standard open auto transport method. An enclosed carrier provides added protection by safeguarding the vehicle from the weather and road elements. This gives the owners the peace of mind they need.

Requesting a quote could not be more simple. Go to our website at www.nationaldispatch.com. There you will find our easy-to-use online car shipping quote calculator. No personal information is asked of you, just four simple fields: vehicle make, vehicle model, pickup location, and delivery location. After submitting the form, you will receive your free quote in seconds. You can also call us at 800-321-2051 to speak with one of our representatives.

We hope to hear from you soon!

Reasons To Ship Your Car To College

Starting College Off Right

You filled out the application and waited anxiously to hear back with a decision from the school of your dreams. When you finally received that acceptance letter, your heart filled with joy. The next four years will be the time of your life! The college experience is a time of independence and freedom.

There are still some decisions to be made. Will you take your car to school with you? If so, how will you get it there? You might think that driving is the best option. However, there is a much safer, faster, and affordable solution. Ship your car to its destination using a reliable nationwide car shipping company, National Dispatch.

If you are on the fence about taking your car to school with you, let us assist you in making a decision. We have provided some pros and cons of having a vehicle on campus.

Here are a few pros associated with having a car on campus.

  1. Convenience. Rather than walking everywhere or paying for expensive taxi fares or Uber fees, you can drive wherever you need to go. Having a car on campus can come in handy when you need to grab something in a hurry for a project. You do not have to waste time waiting for a cab or public transportation.
  2. Independence. You can drive anywhere on your own time schedule. You do not have to ask your friends for rides and wait around until they are available.
  3. Explore. Most likely, you will be living in a new city and state for the next four years. One of the best parts about college, besides getting a top-notch education, is the opportunity to explore. If you have your own car, you can check out the new city whenever you feel like it. Try new restaurants around town, and visit local attractions when you are not studying.

Here are a few cons associated with having a car on campus.

  1. Gas bills. Although having a car allows for freedom to come and go as you please, it comes at a price. If you want to go anywhere, you will have to fuel up. You will most likely need to get a part-time job, either on campus or at a local business.
  2. Parking costs. You will need to purchase a parking pass to park on campus. Otherwise, you will be accumulating quite a few parking tickets by campus police.

Having a car on campus is not a necessity. It just makes life easier, since you will be moving to a new city to start a new chapter in your life.

Shipping Your Car This Fall

August is only a few months away. Soon, it will be time to begin your Freshman year of college. Starting college is exciting, but it can also be stressful. You will be leaving friends and family behind. Make the move to college easier on yourself by shipping your car.

Here are few reasons why it is a good idea to transport your car to school:

  • More cost-efficient. A road trip may sound like fun, but in reality, it can be hard on the wallet. A number of expenses are involved in driving to college. This would include the costs of gas and food. If the school is more than just a few hours away, then you will want to stop to rest at a hotel for the night. In addition, if you do not own the most fuel-efficient vehicle, then you will making frequent stops at the gas station to top off the tank. Shipping your car is not as expensive as you may think.
  • A safer option. By investing in an auto transport company to ship your car, you will not face the risks of the road. You do not have to dread the long distance drive. Plus, you do not have to worry about traffic or getting into accidents. You will be filled with excitement, so you will be eager to get to the university as fast as you can. Not stopping to get proper rest leaves you tired. This makes for a dangerous driving situation.
  • Easier than the alternative. At National Dispatch, we provide door-to-door shipping. This means that the driver will pick up the car from your home, as long as conditions allow. During the transport process, you can fly to your destination. Then, you will be there when your car is delivered. What could be more simple? No driving across the country alone, or waiting in long lines of traffic. All the headaches are taken out of the auto transport process.
  • A faster solution. It could take you several hours, or even a few days, to drive to your school depending on its location. Flying is a faster form of transportation. If you choose to fly and ship your car, this clears up time in your schedule to do more important things. You have extra time to spend with your family before you leave. In addition, you will have plenty of time to get all your belongings together for college.
  • Keeps your car in great shape. You want to take care of your car, because it has to last you the next four years. Driving a long distance to school adds mileage to your vehicle. This means that it puts unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle. Not many college kids have brand new cars, so keeping down the mileage is key. Ship your car to school, so that you have a reliable form of transportation to drive around campus.

Planning Auto Transport

Before you know it, Fall will be here. It is time to start planning for auto transport. Therefore, learn everything you can about the process now so that you are informed when the time comes.

National Dispatch is a leading provider in the car shipping industry. We transport a variety of vehicles to customers all across the country. We pride ourselves in shipping cars in a fast and safe manner. Our drivers are knowledgeable and experienced to handle whatever situation comes their way.

Planning your vehicle shipment starts with a free car shipping quote on our website at  www.nationaldispatch.com. It is a completely hassle-free and no obligation quote with no personal information required. All you have to do is fill out four simple fields.

Here is a list of some of the key services that National Dispatch offers:

  • Door-to-Door Shipping: This service offers you convenience by having the driver come directly to your location, as long as conditions permit. If the driver cannot meet you at your door, then he will meet you at the closest retail parking lot. This certainly beats the alternatives. No guesswork is involved in the shipping process, because you will remain informed every step of the way.
  • Enclosed Auto Transport: This method of transport is not used as frequently as Open Auto Transport. In comparison, enclosed is more expensive, because the car receives a higher level of protection. The vehicle is not exposed to weather, environmental elements, or road hazards. In addition, a hydraulic lift system may be utilized to load and unload the car. Owners of luxury, classic, and exotic vehicles tend to choose this service. However, this option is available to any of our customers regardless of the type of car you own.
  • Guaranteed Shipping: Here, at National Dispatch, we offer three levels of shipping to meet your time schedule. Guaranteed shipping may cost more compared to our other shipping options. However, it is a small price to pay for the added convenience. This shipping option is best used when you are transporting last minute and need your car at its destination as soon as possible.

What To Bring: The Essentials

Moving to college is a big life step, but packing can be hard. It is difficult to know what you will need and what you will actually use. This is why overpacking is a regular occurrence. We have created a list of some of the essential items to pack.

Here are the essential items that will come in handy while at school:

  • Rain gear: You can expect that at some point it is going to rain. It is best to be prepared. Pack typical rain gear to have just in case. This would include: umbrella, rain boots, rain jacket, etc.
  • Business casual clothing: Business casual attire is great for class presentations, job fairs, and interviews. Young women should pack casual sweaters, blouses, jackets, skirts, and dresses that are appropriate for these occasions. While young men should pack dress shirts, khakis, dress pants, and jackets to wear.
  • Cold gear: You will be at your school to see the changing of the seasons. It is a good idea to pack winter items, if you are going to college in an area that might see snow. Be sure to pack up your gloves or mittens, scarf, and hat.
  • Mattress pad: Dorm beds are not the most comfortable to sleep on. After pulling an all nighter in the library, you will want to come back to a soft and comfy bed. Invest in an inexpensive egg crate mattress pad, or upgrade to a memory foam one.
  • Organizers: Get used to the idea of sharing your space with another person. Due to this fact, you will want to make the most out the space you do have. Staying organized is important. You can do this by purchasing drawer, jewelry, desk, and closet organizers.

College Packing Tips

To save on space and time, you do not want to take everything in your room. We have gathered a few tips to help assist you in your move to college. Hopefully, this list will help you decide what to pack now and what you can hold off on until a later time.

Here are a few college packing tips to help with the big move:

  • Avoid taking large furniture. Most universities provide the basics, which are a bed, dresser, and desk. If you have a shared living room or common area, then buy small chairs or beanbags to decorate the space. Theses items are easy to move around. If you want to purchase a couch, consider shopping for one after you arrive.
  • Bring only the essentials. Take only what you need. Dorm rooms are not the most spacious. Plus, you will be sharing half the area with another person. If you forget an item of importance at home, you can always drive to the store and pick another one up or have your parents mail it to you.
  • Communicate with your future roommate. Plan all large items with your roommate. This would include items, such as televisions, ironing boards, mini fridges, and microwaves. Small kitchen appliances are nice for storing snacks and heating up meals between classes. However, you do not need two of each taking up space.
  • Label your boxes. After packing up your items into boxes, label with your last name and room number. This will safeguard your items from becoming lost or misplaced.
  • Buy once you arrive. Cut down on packing by purchasing items once you arrive. It is recommended to wait on buying school supplies and food until you get to your destination. This makes it easier on you.
  • Consider how you will get around. Having a car is great for running errands when you need to. However, when you live on campus, investing in a bike or skateboard is beneficial for getting to and from class. It beats walking or waiting for the bus.

Contact our knowledgeable and experienced staff at National Dispatch. We are more than happy to assist you in deciding on the best auto transport options to fit your specific needs. We will schedule your car to arrive exactly when you need it, so that you can start college off the right way.

For a free, instant car shipping quote, remember to go to our website and use our online quote calculator. Feel free to contact us via phone at 800-321-2051 to discuss any and all auto transport questions. We wish you the very best as you take this next step in your life!