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May 31, 2006
Purchasing a car at the auction?
We've decided that its time to get a car that we can haul things around in as we're doing renovations of our 4 family. We're looking for a used volvo wagon and are thinking of going to the auction. Anyone have good/bad experiences there, or tips?? thanks!
Comments
I've been thinking of doing the same thing.
If you are looking for a vehicle to haul with, don't by a used foreign station wagon. You need a vehicle that has an open or a large enclosed back and is cheap to repair since your materials are going to task the already used & old suspension, engine and transmission.
A volvo fails this test.
Find a 95 Ford Aerostar, 99 Ford Ranger, Chevy Cargo Van or some other American made minivan or pickup. The car, parts & repairs will be cheaper.
I can tell you from experience that the Ranger and Aerostar have great cargo characteristics for homeowners/renovators.
Posted by: victor at May 31, 2006 9:52 AM
We had great success buying our used station wagon on craigslist.
Posted by: clinton hillbilly at May 31, 2006 10:43 AM
be careful of the auctions that are actually just used car lots.
Many of these places set a reserve price which isn't very low. They use the auction to try and move the cars quickly.
If you find a true auction, like a police auction or bank auction where there are no reserves you can get a good deal but buyer beware. You don't get to test drive these cars so you really need to get a good deal to make it worthwhile.
Do your research online and check out values on kbb.com. Use carfax.com to check a vehicle's history to see if it's been in any accidents or floods. Learn the signs of flooding, there are many cars from katrina that are being resold and will have issues.
Other good sites are autotrader.com and leasetrader.com (if you are interested in taking over a lease)
Posted by: Anonymous at May 31, 2006 2:34 PM
Whatever you do please do not by a car at the auction under the gowanus,I bought a truck overthere and the same day on my way home broke down I turn around and the made fun of me telling me to read the papers I just signed.
Shop around,but just not there.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 31, 2006 5:12 PM
stay away from auctions unless you are a professional. The places are infested with guys who know each other, and know the lemons. You only get a short time for inspection and unless you are a mechanic you'd never know what you're getting.
You can do much better camping craigslist for private sales. You can also check autotrader.com and find a dealer with a car you want out of nyc area that is not going to be as cut-throat as the local guys who have to make profits to pay their high rent and taxes.
And to the first poster: there is nothing wrong with getting a volvo. They are solid cars built to take a lot more miles and abuse than they are typically used for. They aren't even very exotic to repair now compared to 2006 cars, and have a lot of space free under the hood.
Posted by: Anonymous at May 31, 2006 9:10 PM
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