considering selling my car-mass transit options on Big Island? (Hilo: motels, house)

[jaydurette]

So I'm over in cold grey NH and looking at trudging through my LAST winter here. I have a friend in Hilo that can help me settle in to a large degree. But I'm conflicted about selling my car.

As of now I would have to drive across country (fun sure but hella $$$) then pay about a grand to ship over to HI by boat. I'm wondering what the mass transit situation is on Big Island, specifically Hilo. Thing is I hear Cars are SO expensive on HI up to 4k more than on the mainland on average, plus I guess I could always sell the car once I got there I guess.

Like I said HELP!

and wish me luck

Jay

[PacificFlights]

Mass transit

Have you been to the Big Island? There is a bus, but heard it's very limited in routes and schedule.

[Calico Salsa]

You could buy a used car here, but first check out Craig's List to see the kind of prices people are asking.

I shipped over my 98 4Runner, because it is paid off and works just fine. I'd rather spend the $1k to ship and have no car payments and a history I know than to sell a working vehicle and buy another that I don't know.

You could just look at the math. Sell your car for $X and buy a car for $Y. Or drive & ship for $Z - which comes out better? Do you have to drive it to the coast yourself? I had a friend ship his car from CA to KS recently - they put in on those trucks with layered cars you see on the highways. I don't know what it cost him, but he wasn't able drive it himself that distance, and these days with gasoline & motels & food you might be better off having your car delivered to the shipper.

Forget mass transit - it is not [yet] available for what you will need on the BI, and your friends will get tired of having to drive you everywhere. Maui has a new bus system that is continually expanding and great. Plenty of people starting to take it to work and for errands and visiting, but not yet one that could entirely replace having a car.

[leilaniguy]

The county lists routes and stops for the Hele On bus; County of Hawaii - Home Page The buses stop in most towns, but it still leaves large areas without service. It is 3 miles from my house to the bus stop. Oh, and there's no "park-and-ride" lots or bus shelters.

[hotzcatz]

If you are living in Hilo town itself, you could probably get around with a bicycle. There is a limited bus service but it is still quite limited. There are not that many places you can find housing within walking distance to shopping. At this time there is very little employment so I guess you won't have to worry about that.

[jaydurette]

Originally Posted by Calico Salsa

You could buy a used car here, but first check out Craig's List to see the kind of prices people are asking.

I shipped over my 98 4Runner, because it is paid off and works just fine. I'd rather spend the $1k to ship and have no car payments and a history I know than to sell a working vehicle and buy another that I don't know.

You could just look at the math. Sell your car for $X and buy a car for $Y. Or drive & ship for $Z - which comes out better? Do you have to drive it to the coast yourself? I had a friend ship his car from CA to KS recently - they put in on those trucks with layered cars you see on the highways. I don't know what it cost him, but he wasn't able drive it himself that distance, and these days with gasoline & motels & food you might be better off having your car delivered to the shipper.

Forget mass transit - it is not [yet] available for what you will need on the BI, and your friends will get tired of having to drive you everywhere. Maui has a new bus system that is continually expanding and great. Plenty of people starting to take it to work and for errands and visiting, but not yet one that could entirely replace having a car.

Yeah you make a compelling argument. and i haven't even thought of having the car delivered to the shipper like your friend I'll look into that as well.

And thanks everyone for your input. and keep it coming!!

Mahalos all around