On moving to the Island!

I shipped one with Flemming Transport. Had very good service.
I would have them "pull it down" instead of you "pushing it down". That way they know when it will be expected. things sometimes end up on the wrong island. If they know it coming they will know something is wrong if it is not there when expected.
Three years ago it was around $2600 form AZ.
They had it waiting for me with the title transferred and the licenseing done.

I think they charge you based on cube space, where it's manufactured, and weight. I'd think an old minivan would rank high on space taken up and weight. But since it's a Dodge, you'd get out of the foreign tax.

Our horrible roads beat the hell out of any car. Shocks, struts, brake pads, calipers, rotors, batteries, tires, and even rims get damaged quickly. I've spent a pretty penny upkeeping my old beater of a car. You can find most parts here, but you pay for that convenience. I go online to www.rockauto.com and they ship directly here very quickly. If you have a friend stateside, that's a bonus. But that shipping will add up and hit their wallet hard as well.

I came from Colorado...where the air has no humidity or salt, the roads are maintained, and car parts are cheap and obtainable.
I bought an island junker when I moved here, and paid off my car in the states that's sitting on blocks.

Best of luck to you and your move

. But since it's a Dodge, you'd get out of the foreign tax.

If I'm not mistaken, these minivans are made in Canada...check the vin,

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Another two thumbs up for Fleming. I think it was about $3000 to ship from Arizona in July 2010, and it was ready and waiting for me at the airport along with Mr. Fleming himself, who handed me the keys.

Call me negative, or perhaps the voice of reason, but to spend even $2500 (or more) to ship a 1987 vehicle seems like something that needs more consideration. How much is the van worth? Shipping a car is "usually" not the best idea unless there is a particular reason.

What happens if you don't like it here? You could sell it here, but you won't re-coup your shipping fees.

thanks everyone for your input. i really appreciate your thoughts on this subject.

ive heard that to get a vehicle there is equally expensive or even more-so. and if i purchase something there, i won't know what i'm getting cuz i would certainly buy something used. the van i want to ship i paid 300 dollars for about 4 years ago. it runs well, very dependable, and if i decide to start a business of some sort then i know that i will have a business vehicle. also, its an all-round good van.

but im still going to keep researching the idea. and me not like it there? surely you jest! hahahaha.

in any case, it will be a little while before i get it sent over if that's what i decide to do... probably a month or so. so that should give me a good start of seeing where my future lies.

keep the thoughts and advice coming! thank you!

Hey, I don't think your are being negative . I want to transfer my job to the Island. Please tell me if there is any Starbucks there?

No, thank god.

hahahahahahaha one more reason i want to go to the island!

Try VI cargo for your car. I called last week and it $1590 plus road taxes to ship my camry from Miami.

I shipped my car here, cost as much to ship it as it would have cost to buy a new one. so why not ship what you are familiar with

Hey, thanks for responding, however, pls explain?

I chose not to ship my 2007 Subaru station wagon over here because I was quoted at least $2,500 in shipping fees, and I didn't want to expose my car to the salt air and damaging roads.

I bought a 1999 Pontiac V6 on island for $2,000 - put in new struts and brakes - and since it's already an "island car" (read: dinged, loose bumper, sun damage), I'm not worried about what happens to it, as long as it runs.

I would highly suggest selling your van and putting that money into buying a car on island. I don't really see the purpose of shipping such an old vehicle to St. Thomas when you could get a newer car for the cost of the shipment.

That being said - I was on island for months before I bought a car - if you live in town and in some parts of the south and east end you can get by just fine using the safari buses. I commuted everyday from Red Hook to town that way.

so my friend and I were discussing, what about getting a scooter? Cheap, good on gas, plus they are a little bit fun:)

hello chyna....

no offense i assure you! things here on the mainland are chained and pre-fabbed... nothing is exceptionally individualistic here. one of the reasons for my move is because i'm more of the laid-back hippie-type and i like to see the little mom-and-pop shops and the businesses that are born out of community spirit and not corporate image. i'm more into seeing an entrepreneur making his/her business succeed by integrity, hard work, and dilligence than watching a 'business model' walk in and toss a million dollars around to sell a half a million in product for the sake of perpetuating a name. (wow.... was that me? i haven't said anything so profound in a while! i guess the brain cells are finally starting to rejuvenate after the 70's!)

keep in touch!

so my friend and I were discussing, what about getting a scooter? Cheap, good on gas, plus they are a little bit fun:)

Almost nobody rides two-wheelers here, because of the road conditions: potholes, curves, overgrown brush, bad drivers, rain, etc.

so my friend and I were discussing, what about getting a scooter? Cheap, good on gas, plus they are a little bit fun:)

Almost nobody rides two-wheelers here, because of the road conditions: potholes, curves, overgrown brush, bad drivers, rain, etc.

We have a term for bikers here- Organ Doners. Unfortunate since I'd really like to have a Sportster.

i have a classic 1983 honda silverwing... was thinking about bringing that over but after the stories i've heard, i decided to look into shippin my van instead. it would be nice to have it there.... but... maybe later after i get to know the island better.

First, the Japanese have never made a classic car. But if you value the car as a classic, don't bring it unless you plan to keep it in a garage that is not right near the water. Don't plan on driving it every day, only now and then.
It will RUST badly.

IF you think the Japanese made a classic car, watch any of the auctions like Barret Jackson. You MIGHT see an old Datsun roadster go across but that is about it. And if you do, they don't bring very much.
There are collectors or enthusiasts that fancy some Japanese cars, the early Datsun Z's come to mind and the Datsun roadster. But that does not make them a classic in my book.

The Honda Silverwing is a motorcycle not a car!:D

Still not a classic. Some Harley's are classics, original Indian's are classics, and some Cushman's and Mustang scooters are classics.
However a motorcycle is easier to keep clean and rust free. Not a daily ride however.

The 1983 GL650 Honda Silverwing is a classic,It was the only year the GL650 Engine was sold in the US. Maybe one should GOOGLE Classic or Vintage motorcycles. The American Motorcycle Association Hall of Fame would disagree with your limited selection. LOL, you didn't even know the Honda silverwing was a motorcycle.

so i guess that counts out riding my bike as well?

Lizard you are right. I never heard of a Silver wing, only the Gold wings.
It may be considered a classic by some.
When something was sold in very limited qty. it could be that it is very rare or a piece of junk and no one wanted them. LOL
I guess you could argue that an Yugo is a classic because they were only produced / imported a few years. I would argue that they stopped because no one wanted them.