ITSEL33

I am on the fence. Just bought an 06 CLS 55 in Coral Springs,FL debating should I fly down and drive her back (almost 1,000 miles) or trust a shipping co. with her. Lowest quote $750 for open transport. What would you do. I do have friends willing to drive back with me.

2K6E55

I would drive her back if I was in your shoes. 1000 miles isnt that bad and you get to enjoy a road trip.

vb26

I was in your shoes several years ago. flew to FL drove CLS back. It was one hell of a road trip. Mandy (my navigation) was great.

ITSEL33

You drove to NY by yourself?

vb26

my GF and I. took two days, 1 night being at a hotel.

bigben320e

Well, my CLS was shipped to the house from Texas.

My R, that was a flight up to Chicago in the winter. That was a blast, the food, sights, and visiting some of my wife's relatives.

The drive back down, was crazy fun. Started out in 21 degree weather, by the time we hit Atl is was about 60. All types of sights, mountains, and fun driving. For 1000 miles, I think that drive would be fun.

A note: I had the clear bra put on the R before taking it home. Keeps the front from getting that road rash.

ITSEL33

I just don't know about shipping, don't want it to get damaged. Yeah I know they have insurance but damage is damage.

bigben320e

Who is the shipper? Are they reputable? My shipping experience was great, no issues.

nick 55

I would only recommend Reliable Auto Carriers(the big orange semis), or Horseless Carriage, enclosed, and they haul cars way more expensive than the CLS all the time. FYI, they are the carriers that transport all new SL65 Blacks and SLRs.


Nick

ITSEL33

Sounds very expensive but I will check it out.

Trirotor

Your best source for info on who to use (price and quality) will be found at your local MB dealer. They have tons of experience with shipping these type cars back and forth to each other every week. Most trucking firms will have areas that they service in order to be competitive, and have the same driver making the same run over and over. Your local dealer will know who to contact and who has given them the best service with the best trucks. They will also give you pros and cons of enclosed vs. open. This is based on preference, time of season, road path, etc. Since it is summer in both areas for you, driving it home sounds good, and will be the shortest 1000 miles you will ever drive. I have done this, and was very happy. My CLS63 was brought in from the west coast 1900 miles. It was more effective for me to ship enclosed. (time lost, mileage on the car, hotel, gas) The car made it here in record time, and the driver was very thorough and sharp. In the weeks after, I now realize he services a lot of the local MB, BMW, Lexus dealers since I have seen him half a dozen times. You should do whatever works best for you.

turbotom1

If you dont see the vehicle at pick up who is responsible for any damage notice later .. seller or carrier ?

I would fly down because of past problems with the blame game.

HouTxCLS55

Had my CL65 shipped-but if I had to do it over again I would drive.

bigben320e

+1, good recommend.

I think from this point, you have your two choices.

A. Fly up, and drive it home. I think that would be a fun road trip, and it is a little less than 1000 miles. You would get to see the car firsthand, before taking it as opposed to shipped.

B. Go with shipping, pick a reliable shipper, and see it when it arrives.

Like I mentioned earlier, I have done both methods. Both worked great, but in hindsight on my CLS (shipped car) I would have liked to seen it firsthand. Reason is, the temp gauge sensor was not working, sure it was under warranty and I replaced it after I got it but just saying. The dealer did not say anything about the sensor not working, (Am i being nitpicky) so you would get to see those types of things by doing A or fly up (down in your case) ans see the car before shipped. That would add more cost and time on though.

Do what works best, but I would do A. in your case.

ITSEL33

Looks like most people would take the drive, which is what me and wifey are leaning towards. I think we will spend the night in Miami and hang out then head up but make stops on the way. Always wanted to visit Atlanta, might spend a night there also or Myrtle Beach. We will make a long weekend of it. Fly down on Fri. make it home by Mon.

jsr

I guess I am one of the few people that would ship it.

You might also want to look into the tax considerations of shipping vs driving it. I recently bought an out of state car and I was able to save about $1600 on taxes because my local use tax rate is much lower than the sales tax rate of where I bought the car. If I was to drive it off the lot, they would have been required to collect the higher sales tax rate.

ITSEL33

Yeah I know. I checked into it. For the temp. tag to drive it home, I would have to pay 6% sales tax. Then show that I already paid it when I register the car when I get home. Luckily my sales tax in PA. is 6% also.

vb26

god speed. after all, who can say they did a road trip in an AMG.

ITSEL33

I had a deal to purchase an 06 cls 55 for $43,000. It has 33,000 miles and is super clean, also it has warranty til 6/12 thru MB bumper to bumper and no deductible. Here's the catch, The car is in FL. I am in PA. I was gonna fly down and drive it back BBUUUTTTTTT!!!
I just had them take it to the local Benz dealer and the car has 3 BENT RIMS!!! It has some 20" Lowenhart chrome wheels which I don't want anyway but I wasn't gonna swap the wheels for awhile. Saving for some Vossen or HRE's.
What would you guys do?

Kenny Pollock

Not drive on them! Bent wheels are the worse. And they get worse when you drive on them, especially fast, especially for long periods of time. At least have them replace the rims before you go pick it up.

ITSEL33

Private party purchase.