Need input on Car shipping

is this st Croix? If so, I have a very dependable vehicle for sale

to me it sounds worthwhile. you might even be able to sell it for more than you paid, its also cheaper than renting a car here. IMO

I remain confused about why so many posters insist that bringing a vehicle here is the only way to go. We have more than enough vehicles here already and finding a good, reliable used vehicle is simply not a major chore and doesn't require a ton of money more than buying a vehicle stateside - although there is no question that the majority of cars here are "dinged" as soon as they get off the lot!. Just as you would do anywhere, have a mechanic check out anything you're interested in - it'll cost you no more than $100.

Your $2-3K car will cost you around $2K minimum to ship, and after 6 months, you're going to have to go through all the hassle of selling it.

In my 30+ years here I've purchased only used vehicles at very reasonable prices, have had no problem reselling and the only one I lost money on was one which was unfortunately stolen and stripped!

Used vehicles are NOT hard to come by here, are NOT expensive and not intrinsically unreliable.

If you're only going to be here for 6 months why not lease a car thru a car rental agency? If it breaks, they fix or replace, no hassles running around to clear customs, pay road tax, register and sell when you leave. If you were going to be here longer and already have a reliable vehicle, it would make sense to bring.
Just be aware that unless a vehicle is completely American made, there'll be customs duty on it. Check the VIN with Customs to be sure.

I'm told that Budget offers 3 month max rentals for around $700/month.

700 a month is pretty high, still might be better financially to bring one and sell it when leaving

OP is only 21 so neither renting nor leasing may be an option. But buying a car for $2-$3K, spending minimum $2K to ship it and then with all the additional expenses involved it makes little sense for only a 6 month stay on the vague hope that it might be sold quickly. The OP is coming to STT and there are tons of decent vehicles for sale here at decent prices.

if the op is not old enough to rent, why suggest it? stt does have better options though

if the op is not old enough to rent, why suggest it? stt does have better options though

I didn't, Alana33 did. I then mentioned Budget and then double checked the OP's previous posts as I vaguely recalled she might be too young, although I understand Budget is the one agency which does rent to those under 24 for a slightly higher premium. Whether or not that also applies to a long term rental I have no idea. Do hope that clarifies.

I wasn't aware of OP's age from the post.
If in STT, she can check this link.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/777745255630505?multi_permalinks=1092056567532704&ref=m_notif&notif_t=commerce_interesting_product&actorid=1647661107&notif_id=1461716879421751

Or check Craig's List.
http://virgin.craigslist.org/search/cto

Whatever you buy, take to a trusted mechanic to check out.
It might cost you upfront but it'll save you a headache and money down the road.
Don't buy, send money or give personal information, sight unseen!

Thanks so much for your input everyone!

It just seems like a HUGE hassle to me to have to buy a car here, make sure it's American made, get it transferred to Florida, and then shipped there since I'll only be there 6 months. I would have spent more on getting the car there than it'd be worth! That's why I'd rather just get a car there so thanks for making me feel better about that!

I am sorry I forgot to mention my age and that I'm going to Stt. I did consider lease/rent as an option but like you said, I have to be at least 25 or pay a lot more.

Good luck with everything!