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#102671 - 02/07/2002 13:20 Anybody in Florida?
f_devocht
member

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 159
Loc: Belgium
I just bought a car off ebay and I'm flying in from Belgium somewhere next week. Would be nice to meet some of you guys!
Hoop to see as much as possible. Can I do Florida in 10 days?
Anything I should / shouldn't see?
BTW, anybody have so experience with shipping a car overseas?

Frank

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#102672 - 02/07/2002 13:23 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
visuvius
addict

Registered: 18/02/2002
Posts: 658
i'm sorry i can't help you with any of your questions, but i am interested to know what kind of car you bought?

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#102673 - 02/07/2002 13:24 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
I will be in Florida the week of July 15th.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#102674 - 02/07/2002 13:30 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: visuvius]
f_devocht
member

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 159
Loc: Belgium
It probably sounds stupid, but I bought a miata.
If you take a look at my site, you'll understand
http://come.to/miata

Frank

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#102675 - 02/07/2002 13:31 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: robricc]
f_devocht
member

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 159
Loc: Belgium
Ouch, I'm probably flying back the 14th. Have to get back to work the 16th, but I might take a fe w extra days off

Frank

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#102676 - 02/07/2002 13:39 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
SE_Sport_Driver
carpal tunnel

Registered: 05/01/2001
Posts: 4903
Loc: Detroit, MI USA
I'll be in Naples from the 14th to the 24th...
_________________________
Brad B.

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#102677 - 02/07/2002 13:40 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
jimhogan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 06/10/1999
Posts: 2591
Loc: Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
Here's one place to start, and there are others. The two basic methods are containerized and RORO (roll-on, roll-off). Assuming you can get hooked up with a RORO schedule (should be easy to get space as I thing they would be more full coming from Europe than going to), I think that could be cheaper. Not sure, but I think it could be if you are in a position to deliver/pick up at each port.

So, what car?

Several weeks ago in Tarbes, France I saw a *completely* unremarkable ~1969 Dodge Dart on a trailer being towed by something like a small Opel. What, indeed, was up with that??

10 days, IMO, is enough for Florida, unless you feel a compulsion to stuff like Disneyworld. The drive can be a pain, but consider taking in the Florida Keys. Like to fish??
_________________________
Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.

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#102678 - 02/07/2002 13:40 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
robricc
carpal tunnel

Registered: 30/10/2000
Posts: 4931
Loc: New Jersey, USA
Well, I will be in Spring Hill (Tampa area) from the evening of the 15th till the 19th or so. I am driving from New York, so I will definitely have my empeg with me. I am definitely up for a mini-meet as I have no plans to do anything down there. Just staying at my grandfathers to visit.
_________________________
-Rob Riccardelli
80GB 16MB MK2 090000736

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#102679 - 02/07/2002 14:49 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: jimhogan]
f_devocht
member

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 159
Loc: Belgium
Thanks for the link. I asked them for a quote. Hope they'll get back to me quickly. I guess RORO means that it's unprotected on the boat (it's a convertible - Mazda Miata). Might be dangerous. I can deliver the car anywhere I suppose. It can be driven so ...
(if it has number plates that is - do used cars keep their numberplates? - insurance might be difficult for a foreigner )

Don't think I'll be going to Disneyworld. Not my cup of tea really . I went to Disney in Paris, I guess they're pretty much alike.

I'll visit the Keys. Not much of a fisher no, might do some snorkeling though.

I'm told St. Augustine is nice?
Everglades worth a visit?

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#102680 - 02/07/2002 15:45 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
Anonymous
Unregistered


You can't go to Florida and not go to the beach. Just watchout for sharks.

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#102681 - 02/07/2002 15:59 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
jimhogan
carpal tunnel

Registered: 06/10/1999
Posts: 2591
Loc: Seattle, WA, U.S.A.
I guess RORO means that it's unprotected on the boat

ROROs are those huge slab-sided beasts that look like they should capsize in the slightest breeze. I don't know that they are climate controlled, but they are enclosed. They are what is used for new car deliveries; new car deliveries all seem to come through with protective temporary plastic sheet or shrink-wrap. A good expediter/shipper should be able to tell you what kind of treatment your Miata will get and may be able to help you with temporary licensure. In the U.S., the way that license plates/tags get handled and the associated paperwork for title gets handled varies from state to state. Maybe your seller can tell you whether the plates stay with the car or go with him?

might do some snorkeling though

Ah, yes, this. I have seen party boats out there from Marathon and Key Largo. Shouldn't be hard to find one. I *tried* snorkeling off my friend's boat out there but there was a lot of swell that day and i was nearly killed by a rogue swim ladder!


It came to my mind that Jacksonville in north Florida is their biggest port for Atlantic shipping. I turned up this link and it looks like Mercedes-Benz uses JAX as a port of entry, so maybe you can get a lift back to Bremerhaven or somewhere. Anyhow, it lists a few more auto shippers. Everglades? I don't have direct experience, but it is said to be unique (see it before it diries up and disappears) and you'll be in the neighborhood if going to the Keys. St. Augustine? Quaint. I took a boat trip from Daytona down to the Keys a few years back and I have to say I was impressed with the coastal waterway in North Florida. Once you hit the stretch from West Palm Beach to Key Biscayne, though, it becomes a PWC-overloaded madhouse until you get further south into the Keys and the more relaxed aspects resurface.


Edited by jimhogan (02/07/2002 16:20)
_________________________
Jim


'Tis the exceptional fellow who lies awake at night thinking of his successes.

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#102682 - 03/07/2002 15:07 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: jimhogan]
f_devocht
member

Registered: 28/12/2001
Posts: 159
Loc: Belgium
Thanks for the info Jim!
I'm leaving in 6 hours

Frank

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#102683 - 04/07/2002 01:29 Re: Anybody in Florida? [Re: f_devocht]
mandiola
enthusiast

Registered: 26/12/2001
Posts: 386
Loc: Miami, FL - Sioux Falls, SD
Hit Key Biscayne.. I use to live there... Nice little village.... you might be tempted to move ; )

-Greg

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