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Looking for a specific car at auctions?

Discussion in 'General Automotive Discussion' started by damcgee, Apr 28, 2007.

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  1. damcgee

    damcgee Formula 3

    Feb 23, 2003
    1,864
    Mobile, AL
    #1 damcgee, Apr 28, 2007
    Has anyone ever had a broker/used car dealer look for a specific car/color combo? The car I want is not extremely rare (late model M3), but the color combo I want is rare (Laguna Seca Blue with a black or cinnamon interior), and was only made in certain years (01-04, I think), and the only year I would really want is an 04 because a factory warranty is important to me.

    I'm still 6 months away from buying. This thread is my self-indulgent excitement leading up to a "dream car" purchase, but I do think I'll have to spend some time waiting for the "right car" to come available, and even when it does, it is not as if I'll have carte blanche -- the car still has to be in the mainstream of pricing for these cars (I expect high 30's to low 40's for a nice SMG coupe).

    Several higher end used car dealers are in the area surrounding my business, and many of them are my customers. More than one has specifically mentioned an auction in Atlanta, GA called Manheim as having a lot of great cars. Could/Should I attend this auction with them, or just give them a deposit and tell them what I want? I don't want to obligate myself to buy a car sight unseen (I think my wife would kill me!).
     
  2. Cajun

    Cajun Formula 3

    Mar 20, 2004
    1,618
    Da BY-U
    Full Name:
    MJG
    #2 Cajun, Apr 29, 2007
    If you have a good relationship with a dealer who regularly attends the auction where your car is most likely to be, then take the time and tag along with them.

    No one knows what you want/what you are looking for better than you. You can tell someone all day long and in great detail what you want, but there is no substitute at the end of the day for you being present.

    Also, who knows, you might be looking for this one car in particular, and come across something equally as nice at a price you simply cannot pass up... If you are not there to see it, then you contact will not pull the trigger because it is not within the parameters you gave.

    Another alternative, if you can't be there, is to have them call you from the auction and describe the car to you in detail. In this day and age, they can probably send you pictures/video on the spot from their phone... Remember, most of the guys who attend these auctions do so for a living and are pretty good at.

    Good luck
     
  3. Husker

    Husker F1 World Champ

    Dec 31, 2003
    11,792
    western hemisphere
    #3 Husker, Apr 30, 2007
    Many of the Manheim auctions are now video simulcast, so you can actually bid on cars without attending the auction. The disclosure on the Manheim units is pretty thorough.
     
  4. swilliams

    swilliams Formula 3

    Jun 14, 2006
    1,407
    Bowling Green, KY
    Full Name:
    Scott
    #4 swilliams, Apr 30, 2007
    I go to all of the highline sales at Atlanta, that's prob where you would have the best luck..
    BMW financial runs there and has about 300+ cars every month.

    A lot of 04's Are coming off of lease this year so that year would be good for you. Color may be hard to pic on a M series.

    If you want to go to ATL sometime let me know, I can probably get you in to look even though they are strict now on retail customers.

    BTW, you need to be in the position to buy when you start looking. NO dealer wants to buy one for you just to hear "I'll get it from you in 6 months." :)

    Simulcast is scary, I have bought over 50 cars and sometimes you get screwed. I have gotten out of 3 deals due to the condition report not matching the actual condition. For example, 03 745LI 31k miles, condition report said clean interior. I purchased it for 39,700, got it transported to me and I was pissed. The carpet was screwed, 4 vents were totally broken, at least 20 cigar burns, and horrible paint work on Fand R bumpers and
    R fender(no mention of paint work on condition report) At first they offered me $500 I told them to keep there money I just won't use them again as a source. The next day the manager called back and took the car back, thank GOD!!

    Moral of the story, be careful, and buy in person whenever possible. I am lucky to have people to move these cars to or else I would have lost money on a few simulcast cars.

    Good luck,
    Scott
     

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