Finding the exact car you want at the right price does not always happen locally. Sometimes the best deal is hundreds of miles away. But is it worth the time, cost, and hassle of travelling? Here is a practical guide to help you decide.
When It Is Worth Travelling
- The car is rare or specific: If you are looking for a particular model, colour, specification, or option combination, you may have no choice but to search nationally
- Significant price saving: Car prices vary by region. A car might be £1,000–£2,000 cheaper in a different part of the country. If the saving exceeds your travel costs, it is worth considering
- Better condition or lower mileage: A lower-mileage or better-condition example elsewhere may be worth more in the long run, even after travel costs
- Specialist seller: A marque specialist or enthusiast seller may have exactly what you want, properly maintained and honestly described
The Costs of Travelling
| Travel Method | Approximate Cost (200-mile round trip) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drive your current car | £50–£80 (fuel + potential tolls) | Flexible timing, carry your own stuff | Need someone to drive it back or leave it |
| Train (one way, you drive the car back) | £30–£80 (advance ticket) | No need for a second driver | Limited to station locations, fixed times |
| Two drivers (friend/family drives you) | £50–£80 (fuel) + goodwill | Most convenient | Need to find a willing helper |
Remote Viewing Options
Before committing to a long journey, you can do a lot remotely:
- Video call inspection: Ask the seller to walk around the car on a video call (FaceTime, WhatsApp Video). You can direct them to specific areas and ask them to start the engine, show the interior, and demonstrate features
- Detailed photographs: Request close-up photos of the bodywork, wheels, interior, engine bay, underside, and any areas of concern
- Independent inspection: Commission an AA, RAC, or local mechanic inspection at the car's location. You get a professional report without travelling
- Online vehicle checks: HPI check, MOT history, and road tax status can all be checked online from home
Pro Tip: Combine remote verification with a clear agreement before travelling. Ask the seller to confirm the car's condition, agree a price (subject to inspection), and confirm the car will be available when you arrive. Getting a deposit agreement in writing protects both parties.
Delivery Services
If travelling is impractical, you can have the car delivered to you:
- Professional car transporters: Companies transport cars on enclosed or open trailers. Cost: typically £1–£2 per mile. A 200-mile delivery would cost £200–£400
- Dealer delivery: Many dealers offer delivery for a fee (typically £200–£500). This is often the simplest option
- Driveaway services: A professional driver collects the car and drives it to you. Cheaper than trailer transport but adds miles to the car
Insurance for the Drive Home
If you are collecting the car yourself, you need to be insured to drive it home. Options include:
- Add to your existing policy: Call your insurer and add the new car to your policy before collecting it
- Short-term insurance: Providers like Cuvva and Tempcover offer insurance from 1 hour to 28 days. Cost: around £15–£40 for a day
- Dealer driveaway insurance: Some dealers offer temporary cover for the drive home
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When to Stay Local
- The car is a common model: If you are looking for a Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, there will be plenty of options locally. No need to travel
- The price difference is small: If the saving is less than your travel costs plus a day of your time, buy locally
- You want to test drive multiple cars: Viewing several options in one day is much easier locally
- You value a local dealer relationship: Buying from a local dealer means convenient access for warranty work and servicing
Final Thoughts
Travelling to buy a car makes sense when the right example is not available locally, the saving is significant, or the car is a specific model you cannot find nearby. For common models at average prices, buying locally saves time, money, and hassle. Whatever you decide, do your homework remotely first to avoid wasted journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. If the car is rare, significantly cheaper, or in better condition than local options, travelling can save you money overall. For common models at average prices, buying locally is usually more practical and cost-effective.
Call your existing insurer to add the car to your policy before collecting it, or use a short-term insurance provider like Cuvva or Tempcover for day cover (around £15–£40). Make sure you are insured before driving the car.
Yes. Professional car transporters charge around £1–£2 per mile. Dealers often offer delivery for £200–£500. Driveaway services are another option where a professional drives the car to you.
Only if you have done thorough remote verification (vehicle check, MOT history, video call, independent inspection) and the seller agrees to a refundable deposit subject to the car matching its description on arrival. Get the deposit terms in writing.
Walk away. It is frustrating to waste a trip, but buying a car that does not match its description is far more expensive. Before travelling, get the seller's description in writing (text, email) so you have evidence if needed.
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