EC928NC

I've contacted two sellers for a couple pre 82 OB's... both are a Looooonnnnngggg drive away from me, but when one is looking for particular options (or lack there-of)... one has to be choosy.

What are your thoughts on towing a prize back?
1) Trailered is the only way to go...
2) Front wheel dolly is OK for 5-spds...

Tell me what you think... and thanks!

Abby Normal

Trailer only. I'd never dolly a 928.

Why not fly and drive?

ALKada

A car carrier service or a flat bed tow. I would also not dolly tow it. Or the best which is driving it back...

EC928NC

On my 928 budget, economy is key here... I can't get either car AND a plane ticket....

My thoughts were to flat tow as well (U-haul is $62 per day)... just wanted to hear other's opinions.

ALKada

Brad, I understand. When I bought mine out of PHX this year I had a great set of PO pics to look it over but I could not pull the trigger without seeing and driving it. I had to get it back to Dallas but decided to fly ($150.00) and drive it back instead of a car carrier service ($500.00). It was just too far to tow for me.

Ethre

Flying might not be as bad (relatively) as you think.
Ex:
$300 flight to LAX = 5 days U-haul rental

Remember, you'll probably only be driving 16 hrs/day (at max) - so the rental days will add up. Flatbed's don't get great gas mileage either.

If its only the middle of the country though, it'll be a tougher decision. It would be nice to know where you are going - then we might be able to give you some better numbers/answers.

EC928NC

Naw... either is equally as far (FL/NY), but both are less than 12 hours - 2 days (for me) away there and back. Sister is north and I could camp there for a night... good friends are south, ditto camping there for a night.

Flying really isn't an option as either car's major airport would be WAY more than the +/- $375 for the trailer and gas... Flying in and driving never really was considered. I'm thinking the difference in price between the trailer and a dolly really isn't worth the risk either...

Maybe this post was moot...... lol... Thanks in any event for all opinions.

tmpusfugit

I have used a U-Haul open trailer on 3 928's with no real issues. One was a short haul of 20 miles, one was 65 miles and the longest was about 300 miles.

Of course if I were to buy a "running car" I would attempt to drive it home.....

I would avoid a dolly tow even on a 5 speed. The only real issues on a trailer tow would include what you have to tow it with. My truck is set up with a towing package, and it is most helpful. ....my gas mileage fell off by about 2-3 mpg using a 5.7 liter Ford truck for towing.....other than stopping and manuvering I generally tended not to notice the car was even there......and I kept it to about 60 mph most of the time....

The only other concern I had on any of the tows were the idiot drivers who don't care if it takes you far longer to stop, they will still pull out in front of you, cut you off, and be generally unplesant because you are not going the prerequsite 85 MPH in the slow lane

IcemanG17

How far is "far" Are you talking across the country or 500 miles....quite a difference....

Do either of them run? Since a trailer that can hold two cars will require a serious tow rig & mileage drops big time.....

EC928NC

No no, sorry... 2 options, but I am buying only one car... they are polar opposites in direction from NC. One in NY, and the other in FL.

I was specifically looking for a pre-82, 5 spd... sans sun roof, rub strips, elec seats.... a couple showed up in my search, but at opposite ends of the east coast.

Ethre

Ah, 12hrs isn't bad.

Could you get a ride there from family/dedicated friend? Even with their gas expenses, that might be the cheapest option yet.

polecat702

Jump on the Hound, and drive it back.

JHowell37

Do a flat bed. Get the FL car. See what the price difference is between a one-way U-haul and a 2-way. The 2-way is usually cheaper, but even towing an empty u-haul flatbed still requires more energy from you. It also will noticeably lower your mileage.

Landseer

Plus you'll save $150 in tolls by not rolling north. They add up quick at the booth when paying a premium for extra axles.

Mike Frye

Do not repeat DO NOT just use your road service to pick up the car unless you have the option of choosing the carrier and you're familiar with them.

I tried that. It didn't end well. I did end up suing the company and winning (and eventually collecting) about 2/3 of the original purchase price of the car making the net cost less than $2k but I would rather have had an undamanged spoiler and front bumper cover instead of the smashed up and gauged one I still have...

I was assured it would be flat bedded, instead they drove my car 300 miles on a wheel lift with the spoiler and nose crunched up by the straps and chains. How could I prove it? He also ran through the EZ pass lane without paying so I got a picture of it mailed to ME because my license appeared in the photo.

(hey, you asked for horror stories).