Moving to STX in 2 weeks!!

What would be your opinion on either buying a car when we get there or buying one here and shipping it over? If shipping is better, what company would you use?
Thanks!

Also, if anyone knows of an older jeep for sale we are looking to purchase a car when we arrive as well. Thanks and hopefully we will meet you all soon! Cheers!

What do you consider 'older'? To me an older car is 20 years old and older.

IT depends on your budget.
If you only have $5K to spend, I would bring one over that you know is on good condition. It is hard to find a good one on STX for that amount. ( I have bought three that were in great condition but only because of networking with friends, and that takes a while )
If you bring one, make sure the brakes are in good condition especially the rotors as the salt air is hard on them depending on where you live. Also make sure the suspension is good as the potholes are bad.
I used Barry at Flemming to ship mine.

If you are really just 'waiting around' and have done all the things needed to move it may well be worth your time to find a car there and ship it - lots of threads about shipping here already on the search function - You will be able to find a car in better condition than most here and cheaper - with more miles though for sure but not"island miles" - and shipping, taxes and registration added will likely make it a financial wash over all but you have a huge choice there versus here. Since you are not bringing a car you already know - better shopping there. You will have to get it to a shipping port though -- if you are not close enough to drive it will be an added expense.
Spend some time reading through the many posts about cars and shipping that are already on this forum for a good idea about what you are facing.
Buying a car here is not a problem for the most part - just a small selection at any time and luck of the draw on condition issues.
Good Luck with the move and the dogs.

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I would bring your own car if you can.

Other than that. Welcome. Service jobs might take a bit to find. Slow season and all.

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Bring your own car, take it to your mechanic and say "go through it and fix everything I'm moving to an island" That's what I did and the car is still humming along after 4 years here, I've had it for 12 years. Make sure its a US made car or you will be taxed extra. Look at the 1st number of the VIN and you will know. This web page will tell you which ones are US made.

I think it might be a good idea to buy and ship too. You can find cars here, but you will get less for your money. There are some good threads about shipping, but Meme St. John (who has an ad on the top right of this page) at International Logistics can help take the guess work of of the shipping process. I used her and it made things super easy. Shipped down a Ford F150 and the whole thing cost about $2,500. Totally worth it for us because it's hard to find a pickup that isn't completely beat up for a decent price here. (Well, St. John for sure, St. Thomas was hard too)

Excuse me for not addressing your question with this one.... but you said two big dogs will be coming with you. Who are you flying with? That is usually a problem this time of year with the temps. Just wondering who will let you take dogs in cargo when it's this hot.

We are flying with American Airlines. I'm hoping the temp will be ok the day we fly. We're flying super early in the morning. Thanks guys for all of your tips. See yall soon!

What are you going to do if the temps not right?
Have a back up plan?
Good luck, tho!

A back up plan would be wise. If the forecasted temperature is to be more than 85 at any leg of the trip, they don't let the dogs in cargo. And you don't really want them in cargo either if it's going to be that hot. You might want to look at forecasted temps for the next 10 days in each of the spots your plane changes/stops so you know what you are up against. Make sure the dogs have lots and lots of water too. Big dogs need lots of water, especially when its hot like it is here. My 65lb dog goes through at least a gallon and a half a day this time of year and he isn't even very active.

Good luck. I hope the cargo temp holds for you

We have one stop and it is in Miami. They said if it's above 85 we will just have to wait until a later flight out when the temp drops.

Thats not so bad

Yea we paid a little more to just have one stop. Looking at the forecast though it's 90 in C'sted and 85 in Miami. It's only 59 here in Nashville. We may have to leave her with family for a couple of weeks. Then when the temp drops fly her over. Our other dog is an emotional support animal so she will be flying in the cabin with us.

JennSeay - after reading your posts about your dogs I was perusing online and found this site very informative and helpful.

https://adata.org/publication/service-animals-booklet

Thanks!

Interesting article on Emotional Support Animals in the New Yorker.
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/10/20/pets-allowed

Edited to add: Not that I'm saying you aren't legit....

That was a good read. We have taken all proper steps and have all proper documentation for my wife's ESA. She is very well behaved and trained.

Good quality in a wife!*-)

Haha funny Alana! Our dog Penny Lane is who I was referring to being well behaved and trained.

If your other dog is flying cargo - not a chance they'll let him on. Heat index of 108 a couple days ago. I haven't been this hot since AZ with 70% humidity LOL. Ohhhh I dream of northside STT where it rarely got above 80 in my house... and I don't have an invasion of fire ants, flying roaches and mysterious gnats that glue themselves to my ceiling. So over it.... but hey welcome HAHHAHHA!