There is nothing like the joy of the open road with a friend in the passenger seat and a trunk full of surfing, camping, and touring gear. It’s an essential rite of passage for anyone hoping to explore the United States and see all the amazing parks and attractions.
The problem is that not every vehicle you want to buy is suitable for long-distance road trips. It may guzzle too much gas or not have the storage space needed for all the souvenirs you want to bring back home. In these cases, a local dealership won’t get the job done.
If you want a quality vehicle for your next adventure, you need to shop out of state. That will open up more inventory, but also means coordinating how to buy a car out of state and have it shipped home before your trip. Here are the top models to consider, along with tips for getting the auto transport you need.
Why Buyers Shop Outside Their Local Market for Road Trip Cars
Shopping for a car out of state makes a lot of sense. The average price of a new vehicle is around $49K, so you want a shipping system that can shave off some of that price. You could also be in the market for a rare trim, a specific color, lower-mileage options, or better towing and off-road capabilities for camping.
Someone living in New England will look for rust-free SUVs from southern states. A person hoping for a nostalgic ride might need to shop in North Carolina to ensure they have access to the latest hybrid models that evoke memories of fun on the highway. It’s all about balancing mileage, travel costs, storage, and aesthetics.
You need to consider marketplaces, dealers, auctions, and other out-of-state car-buying options to get the best road-trip vehicle.
What Makes a Great Road Trip Vehicle?
If you want a road trip to remember, look for the vehicles that have the features you need, not just flashy marketing or tech. The whole reason for learning how to buy a car out of state and have it shipped back home is to get features like:
Enough passenger space
Fuel efficiency to lower road trip expenses
Cargo room for gear, clothes, pets, and souvenirs
Ride comfort for longer hours on the road
Driver assistance technology to reduce stress
AWD or off-road tech for safety
Charging access for accessories
Towing capacity and long-term reliability
Take the time to look around the best websites to buy a car, and you’ll find a vehicle that checks all your road trip boxes. Then, use a reliable nationwide car shipping team that provides coordinated door-to-door support to ensure your car is in your driveway when it’s time to leave.
Driving vs. Shipping an Out-of-State Car
Driving it Yourself | Professional Auto Transport | Towing it Yourself | |
|---|---|---|---|
Total Travel Expenses (Gas, Hotels, Food, Tolls) | Is expensive on long routes | Usually a single upfront shipping cost | High fuel costs plus trailer rental |
Time Commitment Required | Several days | Minimal time commitment | Significant planning and driving time |
Vehicle Wear, Tear & Mileage Added | Adds full trip mileage and long-distance wear | No additional road mileage added during transport | Adds mileage and strain to the towing vehicle |
Safety & Risk of Road Damage | Exposure to weather, debris, accidents, and mechanical breakdowns | Professional carriers reduce exposure and secure vehicles | Increased towing risks, trailer sway, road debris, and loading mistakes |
Overall Convenience | Lower convenience | Highest convenience | Moderate to low convenience |
Best Road Trip Cars Worth Buying Out of State
Best for Small Families: Honda Civic Hybrid or Subaru Outback
When you have a small family of 2 to 4 people, you want high fuel efficiency, cargo flexibility, and complete ride comfort. That is where the Honda Civic Hybrid comes into play. You can get around 519 to 595 miles per tank, and it comes with driver-assistance technology when road-tripping the new baby to grandma’s house a few states away.
The base Subaru Outback comes with a 2.5L engine and an EPA-estimated range of up to 518 miles on a full tank. Plus, there are dual touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for entertainment. You also get solid roof racks for extra luggage.
Best for Large Families: Hyundai Kona or Nissan Rogue
For larger families, go with the mid-sized Hyundai Kona gas SEL Premium. It gives you about 26 City/31 Highway miles. It has H-Tex-trimmed seats and ambient interior lighting that make everything feel more relaxing when you need a nap at a scenic overlook.
The Nissan Rogue is a 5-passenger compact SUV with more than enough cargo space for bringing the dog along in a crate. It also has 225lbs of torque to get around traffic and dual-zone automatic temperature control in the premium models to keep the backseat cool when road-tripping through Southern California.
Best for Weekend Road Trips: Mazda MX-5 Miata
If you’re more in the mood for a weekend road trip where you can corner around mountain passes and put the top down for beach weather, try the Mazda MX-5 Miata. This redefines the classic Miata with 50/50 weight distribution and a Rear Wheel Drive control that is both elegant and sports-car styled. Just avoid the white and red ones, as those colors get pulled the most.
Best EV Road Trip: Hyundai Ioniq 5 or Toyota Prius
Most of the US has improved its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. That is great when you want to go on a cross-country road trip in the Hyundai Ioniq 5. It has a range of about 318 miles on a single charge and a Vehicle-to-Load feature to power tools, camping gear, and other road-trip electronics.
One of the best classic road trip cars is the Toyota Prius. The hybrid will get you around 514 to 644 miles, but the real advantage is that you can easily sleep in this car. It has more than enough room when you put the seats down for a long road trip before committing to college.
Best for Towing Camping Gear: Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban
Any family towing a large camper, boat, or utility trailer should look to the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban. Both models deliver more than enough power and torque, and the Suburban adds third-row seating and storage.
These are full-size SUVs, meaning you will sacrifice fuel efficiency for power, so be sure to budget for your road trip accordingly. If you can, get all-season tires and any towing package for more versatility.
Best for Off-Roading: Ford Bronco
Most articles about how to buy a car out of state and have it shipped for a road trip will mention a Jeep for off-roading. Certainly, the Jeep brand has its advantages for mud, snow, sleet, and sand, but the Ford Bronco is a bit better.
You can use 2WD, 4WDH, or 4WDL for any terrain, and quick accessories include rock rails, removable running boards, skid plates, heavy-duty front bumpers, and air snorkels. The 4:7 drive ratio gives you the low-speed torque and power needed for pretty much any road trip into the wild.
Best for Nostalgic Road Trips: Volkswagen ID Buzz
Go and look at the Volkswagen ID Buzz. It’s amazing. It’ll go 0 to 60 in 6 seconds with the 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, and there is a ton of cargo and passenger space. Best of all, it looks like the old-school wagon groups of Grateful Dead followers would have loved it in the 1960s and 1970s. The difference is that it's fully equipped with modern tech and driver safety features for a smoother road trip.
Why Professional Shipping Makes More Sense for Road Trip Cars
Once you've found the best car for your road trip at an out-of-state dealer, you’ll need to have it shipped safely back home. That is where working with Nexus Auto Transport's clear pricing and coordinated support can help.
You’ll gain access to a growing network of vetted carriers that offer everything from easy-to-book open transport to specialty loading equipment and better car protection with enclosed vehicle shipping.
Nexus frequently works with collectors, families relocating, professionals starting a new job, and military members hoping to get in an adventure before fulfilling their duty. That diversity of clients is why you can find a great deal on coast-to-coast shipping that ensures your newly purchased car is safe and delivered to your doorstep.
Explore our complete guide to car shipping services to better understand your options. Once you have a quote, you can better budget for your next road trip.
The Right Road Trip Vehicle Starts with the Right Buying Strategy
Learning how to buy a car out of state and have it shipped before your road trip is crucial to enjoying your break from the real world. It gives you the information needed to find a great deal on hard-to-find cars that your dealer likely doesn’t carry.
Take your time searching for the right model so when the car is packed, the kids are prepared, and there’s space for shopping, you’ll be more than ready to hit the road.
FAQs
Is it more cost-effective to ship a car cross-country rather than driving it home myself?
It depends. In most cases, you’ll save money by booking hotels, adding wear to your car, paying for food, and dealing with tolls and parking.
Can your carriers pick up a vehicle directly from an out-of-state dealership or private seller?
Yes! Nexus Auto Transport offers coordinated door-to-door car shipping through a massive network of vetted, professional carriers, including dealers, auctions, and private sellers.
Will my newly purchased vehicle be fully insured against damage during the entire transit process?
Nexus offers different forms of insurance for your peace of mind, but it's always worth calling up your private insurance provider to see if you have additional protection.
How much advance notice is required to schedule a pickup right after I finalize my car purchase?
It’s best to schedule about 2 to 3 weeks before shipping pickup. That is how you’ll get access to the cost-effective deals and better driver availability.
How do you document and guarantee the car arrives in the exact condition it was bought?
Every car is shipped with both pre- and post-delivery inspections. That includes using videos, photos, documentation, and other details to ensure your vehicle is safe during transit and upon arrival in your driveway.
