Aloha Folks!

As the title would suggest, I was wondering (more like a friend asked) how easy would it be to purchase a car from HI and then ship and register it here in CA? A friend of mine, has a buddy over there selling his 2.5RS and they've already agreed on price. His main concern now is registration, in regards to the transfer of ownership, will it be too difficult? Also, has anyone on here shipped their car to/from HI to the Mainland? Suggestions and experiences with transport, as well as any personal experience concerning such a transaction, would be much appreciated.

Mahalo Plenty!
Karl

 

I've shipped a car from and a car to the mainland using Cross Country Auto Transport. If you decide to give them a call or email, ask for Beth, I've worked with her twice now and she gave me discounts the second time. From South Carolina to Hawaii cost me $17xx the first time, then I shipped another car from Hawaii to Alabama and cost me right under $1600 the second time. Both were open container shipping with door to door service. You can tell her Corey Staples referred you if you like (I get no benefit for referring), she'll probably remember me.

Feel free to ask her as many questions as you like she will answer everything. Shop around shipping quotes too, as competitors will often beat or match another companys quote. Good luck to your friend.

 

Is he military?

If so they should ship it for him as long as he makes the purchace before e leaves.

 

You need to make sure the title is transferred before its shipped. Some shippers even require valid insurance.
I've used Matson before, and one car was perfect, one had damage. They reimbursed the damaged one.
Registering it in cali is no problem, except you have to take it to a smog check before you can get the registration complete. hope they don't send the car to a smog referee, that's more of a pain in the ***.

 

^^^This is true...
I used Pasha Group $1000.00 to Cali Flat Rate

 

No, unfortunately he's not military.

Anyways, thanks for everyone else's response, I'll be sure to relay the information to him immediately.

 

I did the same, except I used Horizon instead of Matson.

 

And if you don't have the title and the bank still has a lien on the car. You will need to request the lien holder to write you a letter releasing the car from the island. Usually they base their approval on timely payments.