Thanks for all the suggestions. I've been checking out each and every one, and welcome all of your input. I'm not quite there yet though, so keep 'em coming!

Re: Vehicle Transport, as I had posted, this industry is dominated brokered arrangements. Excluding the companies that provide 'Enclosed Transport' in a hard-sided trailer, it seems that EVERYTHING is through a broker. Every website seems to set up for a brokered transport arrangement, and not matter how many I've visited, it seems there's no guarantee that the company you schedule with will actually be moving the car. Further, often times a concerning percentage of the reviews (30-50%!) are horror stories!

Beyond the first priority of 'peace of mind' that I hope have in finding a reputable carrier that will transport the vehicle w/ the care anyone would expect for their 'prized possession', is the fact that this vehicle is lower than stock, and ensuring that the carrier exercises extra care during loading/unloading, as well as in determining the loading position/type of transporter that is utilized is important. This would probably be less of a concern if I didn't already have a pic showing some contact/damage to the center resonator that almost certainly occurred when the vehicle was transported previously. As the budget will not allow for the 'Enclosed Transporter' service that would eliminate just about all concerns one would have (at 2X the price!), it almost seems that a smaller transporter such as a single level goose-neck trailer that handles just a couple/few cars 'might' be best for my needs.

The one thing I do have in my favor is that the route (FL to New England) is a extremely common, and my need is occurring just as the 'Snowbird Migration Season' is getting ready to ramp up, so in theory, there should be lots of options and I just need to find the 'right' one.

Worst case, if nothing materializes that is the 'ideal' solution, the guy recommended by the dealer seemed to understand my needs, and empathize with my concerns, so if I gotta roll the dice, at least it's not just a random brokered arrangement I found on the internet.

Would your son ever forget the time he went to Florida to pick up his JDM with his dad and spent 2 days driving it back? Even if you got stranded in Georgia for 2 days, it would still make a core memory.

No way would I ship the car. Go spend the time with your kid.

^^ THIS...These are my thoughts EXACTLY! In fact, that's almost exactly what I told him as soon as the JDM car became a serious possibility. We were initially considering a car in VA, and driving it back would've been the plan, but that car was ultimately ruled out for the FL car. It's certainly my hope that he can be convinced to see the how epic of a road trip/memory that would be, but he has reservations re: the time/mileage involved, which I understand, but...I'd still do it in a heartbeat!

If I were his age (heck, even at my age!), it would be ZERO hesitation, and in fact, not just the original plan, but THE PLAN w/o any other consideration!

You wouldn't think it would take convincing, but Gen-Z doesn't think the same as we do! Time will tell...

Check with nearby auto auction companies for shipping, send an email. Let them know what you have and see if they can do it.

^^ Another good idea...I didn't think of that. Thanks

Has anyone mentioned uship.com yet? You can specify your requirements and let the shippers bid on your car.

A while back I saw what I presume to be one of these JDMs, a little Honda minivan. Not an Odyssey, but much shorter (front to back) and taller (ground to roof), and in 4wd. I looked underneath, and sure enough, there were front driving axles and a rear differential, possibly that of a Pilot. That would make a neat little camping vehicle for one or two (but crowded) people.

quote:

Originally posted by jeffxjet:
Has anyone mentioned uship.com yet? You can specify your requirements and let the shippers bid on your car.

Question(s) re: uship.com...Is uShip like a Aggregator that replaces the Broker, or do the Brokers provide the bids? Do you actually know 'exactly' who is transporting your car? Or another way...Are you ultimately dealing directly with the Transporter, and cutting out the Broker?

You are dealing with the shipper directly, it's like reverse ebay. You specify what you are shipping and the person moving the vehicle will bid against others to get your business.

^^ Excellent...Thanks for the explanation, and the suggestion! I'm gonna check it out right now!

If anyone has experience w/ uShip.com, please share your feedback. Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
A while back I saw what I presume to be one of these JDMs, a little Honda minivan. Not an Odyssey, but much shorter (front to back) and taller (ground to roof), and in 4wd. I looked underneath, and sure enough, there were front driving axles and a rear differential, possibly that of a Pilot. That would make a neat little camping vehicle for one or two (but crowded) people.

Honda Acty/Street/Vamos/N-Van?

Listed on uShip! I like that I was able to add the following specific and pertinent info regarding the vehicle/shipment in order to accurately describe my transport needs:

quote:

Vehicle is a Toyota Celsior (JDM import version of Lexus LS 400) and RHD (Right Hand Drive). Vehicle in on lowering springs (1.5” drop) and has aftermarket wheels/tires, which drop the car an add’l half inch, so 2” lower than a stock Lexus LS 400. Vehicle 'may' require shallow approach loading ramps and a 'flatter' trailer deck for transport. Vehicle is low(er), but definitely not Corvette low. Vehicle Dimensions = 16ft 5in. Long x 6ft 0in Wide.

Hopefully that will not only bring accurate quotes, but also weed out any low-ball offers by brokers that would waste everyone's time.

Posted by P250UA5:

quote:

Honda Acty/Street/Vamos/N-Van?

Like the top photo, but in "RealTime" as Honda calls it, 4wd.

C’mon man. Don’t make me tell you about the time I flew to TN with my then 6 year old youngest son, to drive my new truck back to FL. Or the time I drove that truck towing our travel trailer to TX with my oldest son to trade the travel trailer in on a fifth wheel. Or the time my now 18 year old oldest son and I flew into SC to pick up his VW GLI Autobahn and drove back to FL via NC, TN, and GA.

Seriously, you won’t regret a road trip with your kid.

^^ Oh, I'm quite aware...And I'm all for driving it home to NH.

Unfortunately, I'm not the one making the final decision on this 1500 mile road trip.

Amtrak's Auto Train runs from Sanford FL, to Lorton VA. My wife used it on her last trip north. The cost of the train was offset by saving one night lodging, and fuel costs.

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Amtrak's Auto Train runs from Sanford FL, to Lorton VA. My wife used it on her last trip north. The cost of the train was offset by saving one night lodging, and fuel costs.

Now that's a good thought. Take a lot of the mileage out of the equation & still get some time learning the car at the ends of the trip.

Adds a new experience/memory to the experience as well!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: P250UA5,

quote:

Originally posted by V-Tail:
Amtrak's Auto Train runs from Sanford FL, to Lorton VA. My wife used it on her last trip north. The cost of the train was offset by saving one night lodging, and fuel costs.

Interesting - Takes 17 hours (4:00 PM - 9:00 AM) and Costs $339 for a Private 'Roomette' but...

- Takes 900 miles off of the trip
- ZERO Hotel cost
- Saves 45 gal. of gas = $175
- Private Roomette includes First Class Meal(s), and each meal includes one 'complimentary' Bourbon!
- Leaves a 9 hour drive on the tail end (on a Friday though, so traffic...Maybe stay an extra day in FL?)

Hmmm, Planes, Trains and Automobiles...I seem to recall a tale about just such an adventure!

quote:

Originally posted by egregore:
A while back I saw what I presume to be one of these JDMs, a little Honda minivan. Not an Odyssey, but much shorter (front to back) and taller (ground to roof), and in 4wd. I looked underneath, and sure enough, there were front driving axles and a rear differential, possibly that of a Pilot. That would make a neat little camping vehicle for one or two (but crowded) people.

there is a JDM importer located in Christiansburg (few hours east of you )

^^ Duncan Imports - They had a car we were considering, but...

There's also DRIVER Motorsports in Rustburg, VA...Now those guys have some VERY Nice JDM Cars!