Any one been to a car dealer auction?

[daveymark]

What's the difference between a car dealer auction and a normal public auction? A dealer says he'll let me tag along and I can buy anything I'd like if I give him $150. Should I consider this?

 

[xaeniac]

yes

 

[holden j caufield]

watch out for cars at auctions now. Some maybe coming from flooded areas. Check CNN homepage they have a story about them trying to unload cars in LA

 

[Midlander]

Most dealers who will let you do this will charge more than $150. $500 is typical. This is a good deal.

 

[Willoughbyva]

Yeah they get some decent deals most of the time. Depends on the day, some stuff is newer and more expensive anyway. I've been to a couple, but didn't buy anything.

 

[Pacfanweb]

There are cars available to franchise dealers that are not available to independent dealers, and lots of good deals, too.

For example, in Darlington SC, and Greensboro NC, there are auctions held there that are brand-only dealer auctions....so if you are looking for a Ford, then Greensboro is a great place to go. The used car manager at the dealership I used to work for went up there every time. That's where the so-called "program cars" came from. I remember back in 2002, he was buying 2001 and 2002 Explorer Sports for about 10k. Sometimes 8-9k if they had more then 30k miles.
Used Tauruses of the same year that was current, were 10-12k cheaper than new, and with less than 30k.
I'd imagine that it's the same or maybe even better now, with all the deals they had on new units last year....the used market had to drop.