Automotive

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review

2018 Lexus RX 350L Review Lexus redesigned the RX 350 for the 2016 model year and, in a way, it looks as if the lines were chiseled by a samurai’s sword. It exudes a new attitude that shouts contemporary and easily runs away from the conservative models of the last generation. And now, Lexus gives the RX a third-row seat for the very first time.
Families wanting luxury with more kid-hauling capability can now look at the Lexus RX. This past weekend, we drove the new Lexus RX 350L.
What’s New For 2018
The Lexus RX gets a new 350L variant with third-row seating.
Features & Options
The 2018 RX 350L ($49,070) comes standard with leather upholstery, rearview camera, nine-speaker audio, an eight-inch screen, HD and satellite radio, CD player, Bluetooth, and full-time all-wheel drive.
Options on this tester included Blind Spot Monitor, heated/ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, navigation, Mark Levinson premium audio, 20-inch alloy wheels and a power tilt/slide moonroof. Total MSRP including destination: $58,190.

Interior Highlights
Stepping into the RXL cabin we were greeted with an attractive contrasting color scheme. The seats were surrounded by black leather accents on the doors and dash. Metal trim is featured on the dash, console, and door panels for an extra contemporary look. The cockpit is driver-focused with plenty of leather trim and quality materials throughout. You can’t miss the large 12.3-inch screen in the middle of the two-tier dash.
We felt right at home in the cabin. We especially liked the cooled front seats during a recent 100-degree Denver day. The back seat offers enough legroom and headroom for taller passengers. The soft leather rear seats are especially comfortable for longer rides as our passengers commented on our extended July 4th trip.
The new third-row seat isn’t big enough for adults but perfect for kids. Even with the second-row seat positioned all the way forward, average size adults will find the lack of legroom problematic for anything other than a short trip. It’s a similar story for headroom: You’ll find your head brushing up against the headliner if you’re taller than 5 feet 5 inches.
Access to the third row is so-so. The second-row seats have a handy lever that brings the seat backs forward and unlocks the fore-aft adjuster, allowing the seat to slide forward and make a narrow aisle to crawl into the third row.
The standard RX, with its rear seats up, has 18.4 cubic feet of cargo volume, while the L provides 23 cubic feet of volume with the second and third rows up. But with the second and third rows folded down, the gains are less tangible. The regular RX has 56.3 cubic feet versus 58.5 cubic feet in the L.

Engine & Fuel Mileage Specs
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is powered by a 3.5-liter V6, developing 290 horsepower and 263 lb-ft. of torque. It comes mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters. It sends power to all four wheels by way of a full-time, Active Torque Control system.
EPA-estimates come in at 18/25 city/highway and 21 combined with all-wheel drive.
Driving Dynamics
We couldn’t tell much difference between the new L and the standard RX. The crossover offers good communication with the road for an energetic and fun experience, whether in the city or on mountain roads. Along with performance, the main goal of the RX 350L is to provide occupants with a comfortable ride and plenty of utility. Visibility is good, especially in the city, with thinner pillars and wider rear quarter windows.
On the open road at highway cruising speed, the cabin is quiet. The ride is smooth, even with the larger 20-inch blackened aluminum sport wheels our tester had. The RXL did send some engine noise inside, but it’s barely noticeable.
When we got out of town, we chucked the L around some tight mountain curves. The RX suspension kept the crossover stable and flat. With the V6 having more horsepower than previous models and combined with all-wheel drive, we felt safe, secure, and confident well beyond any average commute. The 2018 Lexus RXL features Drive Mode Select, which affects powertrain response and steering effort. You can select the mode based on your driving preferences.
Conclusion
The 2018 Lexus RX 350L is a good crossover for families needing a third-row seat. It delivers the smooth, quiet, and comfortable ride you would expect from a luxury vehicle. There are lots of positive attributes that make the Lexus RX 350L a smart, practical, energizing choice for families.
Denis Flierl has invested over 25 years in the automotive industry in a variety of roles. Follow his work on Twitter: @CarReviewGuy
2018 Lexus RX 350L Gallery

Lexus RX Official Site.
Photos: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition

Nissan Titan Surfcamp Flexes Beach Bod, Towel Snaps Competition Nissan is showing off their six pack this summer and towel-snapping the competition with the new Titan Surfcamp. The super truck is ideal for beach goers and surfing enthusiasts: Nitto off-road tires? Check. Rooftop tent? Yep. Fishing rods? Bet your bottom dollar. Solar-powered shower? Better Believe It!
Inquires from everyone on the beach when pulling up? Indeed. Get ready to field a few questions.
Sun & Sand
The Surfcamp is the latest in Nissan’s Titan Adventure series, an array of lifestyle-themed project builds. It started with the Titan Project Basecamp for the camping lifestyle, then the skiing-themed Armada Snow Patrol, and the family adventure-themed Armada Mountain Patrol. The BBQ crowd even got their coals stoked with the Smokin’ Titan, a flagship truck for those carnivorous cookouts where bringing a salad won’t make you any friends.
“In the summer, beach parking lots are full of trucks hauling surfboards, fishing rods, boats, and campers as people crave the sun and sand,” explained Fred DePerez, Vice President, Nissan North America LCV Business Unit. “Inspired by the vintage beach trucks of the 1960s, Titan Surfcamp is a celebration of the beach truck tradition with all the modern technologies Titan customers want when they head out to surf, shore fish, and camp-out by the water.”
Photo: Nissan North America.
Essential Equipment
The Titan Surfcamp comes with a surfboard, stand-up paddleboard rack, and a Rhino-Rack Batwing awning for extra shade. Fishing rods can be stored along the roof rack while integrated rod holders in the bumper are there for when the lines are cast. While shooting the breeze, the Yeti 125-quart cooler keeps your beverages chill and once the sun sets, the party can continue with lighting from KC, Rigid, and Baja Designs.
A Road Shower rack-mounted solar shower and teak wood deck was incorporated for washing off the salt and sand. For the interior, a set of WeatherTech floor mats help trap and contain any excess sand from that well-earned day on the beach.
In Person
The Titan Surfcamp heads west to the Pacific Ocean for the Supergirl Surf Pro in Oceanside, California beginning on July 27th. A complete spec sheet on this beach warrior is below the gallery.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and resides in Detroit, Michigan. He studies mechanical engineering at Wayne State University, serves on the Board of Directors for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Foundation, and is a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
Nissan Titan Surfcamp Gallery

2018 Nissan Titan Surfcamp Build Sheet
Exterior
Vehicle Wrap
IF Signs; inspired by Hot Wheels 1971 Datsun Bluebird Wagon nicknamed “JNC Surf Patrol”
Wheels
ICON Alloy Alpha Wheels
Tires
Nitto Ridge Grapplers 35/12.50/17
Front Bumper
Fab Four Vengeance Series
Lift Kit
ICON Stage 5, 3-inch lift
Auxiliary Lighting

KC Hilites Pro 6 Lights
Rigid Industries E-Series LED Light Bar
Baja Designs XL9s

Gear Storage
Bed Rack
Leitner Designs Cargo Rack
Roof Rack
Rhino-Rack Cab Roof Rack
Storage Drawers
Decked bed drawer system
Recovery
Jack
Hi-Lift
Shovel
Rhino-Rack
Interior
Seat Covers
Wetskinz neoprene
Floor Mats
WeatherTech
Fishing Gear
Fishing Rod Holders
Custom surf rod mounts
Surf Gear
Paddle Board
DragonFly
Surf Boards
Chris Birch custom surf boards
Protection from the Elements
Tent
Freespirit Recreation Elite Series Automatic
Awning
Rhino-Rack Batwing Awning
Convenience
Coolers
Yeti 125 Hard Cooler
Shower
Road Shower 4 Solar
Photos & Source: Nissan North America.

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BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production

BMW Plant Spartanburg Prepping For X5 Production BMW’s Plant Spartanburg in South Carolina is prepping for production of the all-new X5. The forthcoming X5 will be the tenth X model produced at the facility since it opened in 1994. BMW’s manufacturing base in South Carolina is the single largest exporter of automobiles by value in the United States, according to the company.
Since the introduction of the X5 nearly 20 years ago, two of every three vehicles produced were exported to customers outside the U.S. When considering the Spartanburg-built X3, X4, X5, and X6 together, more than 70 percent of the annual production is shipped to export markets.
Increased Capacity
The X5 is one of BMW’s top-selling models in the U.S. as well, fueling enough growth in Spartanburg to make it BMW’s largest plant in the world. Overall, the X5 accounts for more than half of the 4.4 million vehicles produced at Spartanburg since its opening. Demand for X models is expected to rise globally, and officials say Spartanburg’s output will eventually reach the plant’s yearly capacity of 450,000 units.
Photo: BMW of North America, LLC.
Economic Footprint
When Plant Spartanburg opened in 1994, its shifts employed no more than 500 people, contrasted with 10,000 today and another 1,000 expected to join the team by 2021. BMW’s parts and materials purchases for production totaled nearly $6 billion in the U.S. last year, coming from more than 300 American supplier companies.
A recent study by the University of South Carolina found that for every 10 jobs that are directly generated at a U.S. BMW facility, an additional 90 jobs are created elsewhere in the U.S. economy as a direct result of those jobs.
Production & Training
BMW X5 production begins later this summer. In the meantime, new employees will undergo a dual apprenticeship training program that utilizes classroom learning and firsthand experience.
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.

Photos & Source: BMW of North America, LLC.

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Nissan & DeNA Begin Field Testing Robo-Vehicle Service

Nissan & DeNA Begin Field Testing Robo-Vehicle Service Nissan and DeNA will begin testing a new robo-vehicle mobility service called Easy Ride on March 5th. The field test, held in the Minatomirai district of Yokohama, in Japan’s Kanagawa Prefecture, will have participants in vehicles equipped with automated technology. A preassigned route has been established near Nissan’s global headquarters and the Yokohama World Porters shopping center.
Points of Interest
Nissan and DeNA will be examining what they call Easy Ride’s “unique service functions.” Through a mobile app, passengers can text or use voice commands to choose where they want to go from a list of recommended destinations. An in-car screen will show an additional 500 points of interest and events in the vicinity, with about 40 discount coupons for certain area retailers and restaurants offered to passengers.
Planned Expansion
The two companies have set up a remote operations center to monitor the experience of each Easy Ride participant. Nissan and DeNA say they are developing different “service designs for driverless environments,” while expanding available routes, optimizing vehicle distribution, and the pick-up/drop-off process. The goal is for Easy Ride to achieve a full service capacity, complete with multilingual support, in the early 2020s.
Participants complete a survey about their overall experience, which Nissan and DeNA will use to further refine the service. The video below explains more.

Easy Ride Gallery

Photos, Video & Source: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.

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Past, Present & Future: 4 Evolving Trends In Automotive & Insurance

Past, Present & Future: 4 Evolving Trends In Automotive & Insurance From the Model T to Tesla’s autopilot-enabled vehicle, the automotive industry has come a long way – and it’s not slowing down. With potential for new technology and functionality growing daily, automakers are paving the way for the future of transportation . . . and insurance. Let’s take a look at how the auto industry has transformed insurance over the years, and what’s to come.
GPS Systems
Been awhile since you last pulled your trusty Rand McNally atlas from the glove box to help guide your journey? Those days probably seem like another lifetime. How we receive directions has changed dramatically since then. Today, there are 24 U.S.-based GPS satellites orbiting the globe, each providing guidance to drivers everywhere with just the push of a button.
While the availability of GPS has simplified how we get from point A to point B, it has also created an added benefit for insurers by providing a valuable cache of driver data. Thanks to this information, providers will soon be able to adapt policies based on driver habits, creating personalized plans that fit the needs of each individual.

Telematics
Data gleaned from GPS technology is just one part of the picture. A fairly fresh idea, auto telematics provide opportunities to do even more with driver data, extending into everything from speedometer tracking to mileage logs. However, according to a recent Deloitte report, 74 percent of consumers are not too keen on sharing that data. But given the potential benefits of telematics, insurers are undeterred and have begun offering added value to drivers willing to share their driving behaviors. Those who do can enjoy savings such as lower premiums based on driving performance.
Mercedes PRO Connect, found on the forthcoming Sprinter, is an example of an on-board telematics system. The technology helps with the logistical challenges and transport requirements fleet managers face, regardless of how many vehicles they oversee. Mercedes PRO links the fleet manager with each vehicle and driver so they can better manage assignments and vital vehicle information like location, fuel level or maintenance intervals. Photo: MBUSA.
Driverless Cars
Driverless cars aren’t exactly new to the conversation, but as they creep closer to a mainstream reality they’re worth another look. It’s predicted that in just two years, 10 million driverless cars will be on the road, and automakers like General Motors and Audi are already paving the way. But what does this mean for insurance? To keep pace, insurers will need to build relationships with automakers to better understand new vehicle capabilities and how they affect policies. Together they can work to build relevant plans for an autonomous future.
Backup Cameras
While proper usage of mirrors is still an important part of a safe driving experience, now 30 percent of drivers say they rely on their backup camera to direct them when in reverse. And that demand continues to grow, with more than half of drivers saying they want a backup camera in their next vehicle. Well, they’re about to get their wish: by May, all new models will be required to include a backup camera.
While this all sounds promising, more technology means more things can and will break – making products like extended service contracts when you purchase a vehicle that much more valuable.
When we look at how much the auto industry continues to change, it’s apparent that insurance will need to continue to evolve with it. These are just a few of the many ways insurers can adapt coverage for new technology to keep customers on track.
Scott McLaren is the Chief Marketing Officer of Fortegra Financial Corporation, a Tiptree Inc. company. He once flew the Saturn VUE Lightship and awarded a Saturn Sky to Travis Pastrana for the first double back flip in the history of the X Games.

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2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers

2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Heads To U.S. Dealers Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) says the first shipment of Eclipse Cross CUVs has arrived in the United States. The vehicle was unveiled in December and will begin making its way to U.S. dealers from Port Hueneme on the West Coast. The Eclipse Cross is Mitsubishi’s second all-new vehicle to hit the U.S. for 2018. The new Outlander PHEV arrived in dealerships at the end of last year and is currently on sale across the country.
Available Features
The new Eclipse Cross features a 1.5-liter direct-injected turbo engine, creating 152 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft. of torque at 3,500 rpm. All-wheel drive is available for additional traction via Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Other features include an available panoramic sunroof, heads-up display, and lane departure warning. The Eclipse Cross also comes with Mitsubishi Connect, which includes a Telematics Control Unit, a 4G LTE cellular modem, and a GPS system.
“2018 represents an exciting next chapter for Mitsubishi Motors, and the all-new Eclipse Cross is a large part of that story,” said Don Swearingen, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, MMNA. “The Eclipse Cross builds on the strong Mitsubishi heritage of automotive performance, technology, and fun-to-drive dynamics revived in a CUV.”
2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross arrives in the United States. Photo: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
Pricing
The Eclipse Cross goes on sale early next month with a starting MSRP of $23,295. Trim levels include ES, LE, SE, and SEL. Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. is responsible for all research and development, marketing, and sales for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States, and operates through a network of approximately 360 dealers.
“We’re excited to add the Eclipse Cross to our established CUV lineup and know it will continue to fuel the brand’s current sales momentum,” Swearingen added.
Photos & Source: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.

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McLaren 600LT: One Rare Bird

McLaren 600LT: One Rare Bird The new McLaren 600LT is here. The LT stands for “Longtail” and McLaren is making a bit of a fetish of what it means. What it all comes down to though is that the new 600LT is the fastest, most powerful and most track-focused, but still road legal, Sports Series McLaren yet.
Still road legal?
Music to my ears.
Longer & Lighter
This longtail stuff (one word in the preferred nomenclature) all started with the F1 GTR Longtail, a racing permutation of the fantastic F1 three-seater. It later showed up in a variant of the 675, the McLaren 675LT, and now the McLaren 600LT. From the outside, the most notable features of the 600LT are the extra, 2.9 inches added to the back end, the extended front splitter, lengthened rear diffuser (of course), and fixed rear wing.
You can’t see all the weight saving they did on this beast, but Woking was able to trim a substantial 211.6 lbs. off the 570S Coupé and its base measurements. The chassis is a lightweight carbon fiber “monocoque” (of course) and there’s also new carbon fiber bodywork to lower weight and optimize aero performance.
McLaren has also added top-exit exhausts for the new LT model, and I’m sure there’s sound engineering reasons for that – in the 600LT’s case, that would be a “substantial weight savings” – but it also seems like these top-exit exhausts are turning into some sort of fashion statement since Porsche first used them on their sublime 918 Spyder.
The top-exit exhaust system of the new McLaren 600LT helps reduce back pressure. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Less Is More
The interior of the track-focused but still road legal 600LT is pretty minimalist. There are carbon fiber racing seats that were first seen on the McLaren P1 and lightweight Alcantara trim throughout. If the P1-sourced seats aren’t enough, you can opt for super-lightweight carbon fiber seats developed for the McLaren Senna. And if you want even more, other weight saving options include a carbon fiber roof and cantrails and vented carbon fiber front fenders.
If you tick every lightweight option box, the lightest dry weight of the new McLaren 600LT is as low as 2,749.2 lbs.
Power & Performance
Motive force for the 600LT is supplied by a twin-turbocharged, 3.8-liter V8 with an uprated cooling system for 592 horsepower and a maximum torque output of 457 lb-ft. The power-to-weight ratio of the McLaren 600LT is an inspiring 474 horsepower per ton.
The McLaren 600LT rides on the forged aluminum double-wishbone suspension and the braking system from the second-generation McLaren Super Series. The tires are (what else?) Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires; the steering is quicker, and the throttle and brake pedal responses have been sharpened. And along with mounting the exhausts virtually behind the driver’s shoulder, the significantly firmer engine mounts should bring incredible sounds from the powertrain into the cabin.
Yum!
McLaren 600LT in Chicane Grey. This new variant is only the fourth “Longtail” McLaren in more than twenty years. Photo: McLaren Automotive.
Manufacturing & Availability
Production of the hand-assembled 600LT Coupé will begin this October at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey and should last a year, but no word on the total number McLaren will make. The company only says that volume will be “strictly limited.”
You might want to head down to your McLaren dealer and check, however, since the 600LT is still available to order. Sadly, no word on price, but whatever it turns out to be, purchasing your new 600LT Coupé also includes the tuition for the Pure McLaren Road Owner Track Day.
Nice!
Tony Borroz has spent his entire life racing antique and sports cars. He is the author of Bricks & Bones: The Endearing Legacy and Nitty-Gritty Phenomenon of The Indy 500, available in paperback or Kindle format. His forthcoming new book The Future In Front of Me, The Past Behind Me will be available soon. Follow his work on Twitter: @TonyBorroz
McLaren 600LT Gallery

Photos & Source: McLaren Automotive.

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Volvo Launches Stand-Alone Personal Mobility Service

Volvo Launches Stand-Alone Personal Mobility Service Volvo Cars has launched a new, stand-alone brand simply titled “M” that will provide on-demand access to cars and other mobility services through an app. M will also learn the preferences and habits of each individual user in an effort to create a more personalized experience.
“Volvo Cars is becoming more than just a car company,” explained Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars President and Chief Executive. “We recognize that urban consumers are rethinking traditional car ownership. M is part of our answer.”
Personalized Service
M will go beyond merely informing users where they can pick up their car. A proprietary learning technology, currently under development, can ask users what their needs are.
“We are evolving to become a direct-to-consumer services provider under our new mission ‘Freedom to Move’,” Samuelsson continued. “The launch of M creates new sources of revenue for Volvo Cars and will be integral to the company’s ambition to build more than 5 million direct consumer relationships by the middle of the next decade.”
“The services currently available mainly offer alternatives to a taxi or public transit,” said Bodil Eriksson, CEO of Volvo Car Mobility. “We’re focused on the way people use the cars they own, which sets us apart. We aim to provide a real alternative to that experience. It should enable us to live life on our terms, getting things done and maximizing precious time.”
Markets & Locations
Volvo Car Group has also partnered with Sunfleet, a top car sharing company in Sweden where M will first be put into service. The company will be fully integrated into M next year, making the service available to all existing Sunfleet members. Further information will be released later this year, although M is slated to debut in the United States next spring.
“Stockholm, Sweden, will serve as M’s base of development and where we already conduct extensive testing,” Eriksson added. “A broader Beta test will take place this autumn.”
The Automoblog Staff contributed to this report and can be reached anytime.
Photos & Source: Volvo Car Group.

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Shipping Your Car Across The Country? What You Need To Know To Save Money

Shipping Your Car Across The Country? What You Need To Know To Save Money Cheap does not necessarily mean cheerful. This is the biggest problem in choosing the best car shipping service. In order to save money on car shipping costs, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. We’re here to shed light on the various ins and outs of shipping a car with some insight from our friends at Car Shipping Carriers (CSC), who have been in the business since 2011.
Did you recently buy a car from an online seller across the state? Looking for an efficient way to transport your vintage automobile to a show 800 to 1,000 miles away? Here are a few helpful tips on how to save money on car shipping costs.
1. Driving Versus Shipping: Which Is Better?
Here’s everyone’s favorite answer: It depends. There are many things that determine the costs of shipping a car from state to state, so let’s take a look at some of the many factors involved. If you bought a car from another state and you are planning to drive the vehicle home, you might want to consider the following expenses, which could drive (pun intended) up costs unexpectedly:
Plane tickets, cab fares, and fuel cost to fly to the next city, pick up the car, and drive the vehicle home.
Wear and tear. Driving for long distances might negatively affect the longevity of the engine, transmission, brakes, and tires. This holds especially true for vintage or classic automobiles. There is also a risk of breaking down along the way and the necessary repair costs (and time) needed to get the car running again.
Hotel or lodging expenses. Unless you’re He-Man and fortified with the powers of Castle Grayskull, it is dangerous to drive for more than eight hours a day. Studies have shown that 20 percent of accidents on major roads can be attributed to driving fatigue and tiredness. Sleeping in a cramped car will only make you feel cranky in the morning.
But if you decide to ship the car, you can get an express delivery at a fully competitive rate. Considering the fact current gas prices are hovering around $3.60 to $3.80 per gallon, and replacing a flat tire may cost upwards of $100.00 (or more), shipping a car might save you more money than you can imagine, not to mention saving you time and the potential headaches associated with driving a vehicle over long distances.

2. Consider The Variables
In order to determine the cost of shipping a car, you also need to ponder on four main variables:
Shipping distance. Fuel costs and labor expenses will rise in relation to the total distance of the shipment. This is the main factor that will determine the final shipping price of your vehicle.
Size, weight, and condition. It will be less expensive to ship a VW Golf or Ford Fiesta from New York to Miami compared to shipping a Cadillac Escalade or GMC Yukon over the same distance. The vehicle will be classified as a sedan, truck, SUV, or van and will be further categorized as small, medium, or large prior to shipping. It is also less expensive to ship a working car versus one that doesn’t run at all. The car shipping company takes longer to ship an inoperable vehicle. It will also require a special truck with a winch to safely load the vehicle.
The destination and route. It is more affordable to ship a vehicle close to interstates and highways. You can expect to pay more if the shipping address is located hundreds of miles from the nearest town or interstate. If you belong to the latter, you can arrange to pick-up the vehicle or meet the driver at the nearest exit to save on shipping costs. Although distance will primarily determine the cost, don’t be surprised to pay less money on long-distance “hot routes.”
Time frame and season. It is better to ship a car in the spring and winter than in the summer and fall. Shipping activity in the south will rise during the fall while people up north prefer to do most of their shipping in the spring. If you live in California, for example, the cost of shipping a car to Los Angeles is better in the winter since fewer clients are shipping cars to this particular area during that time.
Shipping an exotic, classic, or collectible car will likely cost more. Photo: Toby Parsons.
3. Type & Means of Transport
Door-to-door transport is the most common and least expensive way to ship a car. What this simply means is the driver will load the vehicle and drop it off as close to your home as possible. Transport trucks may be prohibited to roam on certain residential areas and are restricted by the presence of speed bumps, tight turns, narrow streets, and even low-hanging tree branches along the way.
The simplest way to save money on door-to-door car shipping is to meet the driver at the most convenient location with a large parking lot.
Another consideration is “open air versus enclosed” transport. Open car shipping is the cheapest way to ship a car and is the most common method. However, the car will be exposed to harmful elements such as sun, sand, rain, dust, or snow. If you choose open car shipping, make sure to tick the Top Load option to prevent paint damage caused by road debris if the car is placed in the lower section of the hauler.
If you are dealing with a high-priced customized sports car, supercar, hyper car, or vintage automobile, it is best to choose enclosed transport, albeit at a higher price. Enclosed transport will ensure the vehicle is protected against the elements.
You can eliminate most of the hassles associated with shipping a car by simply asking for a free and no obligation quote from Car Shipping Carriers, who can help facilitate the process.
Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

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