I’ve purchased a lot of new and used vehicles over the years.
I wouldn’t buy a used car without seeing theCarfaxor something similar because every car has its secrets… Those vehicles will need to be shipped at the customer’s expense.
I’m not buying into the new process.
Of course, there’s alwayseBay, Craigslist,orFacebook Marketplace…
Basic warranties cover 30 days and 1,200 miles, which is nothing.
Hard-sell finance guys push extended warranties at a premium during the signing.
One greedy dealership told me the selling price would increase if I chose to get my own financing.
The entire process has become a big money grab…
I worked in the auto industry years ago (1977-‘78) as an auto reconditioner.
I loved seeing the transformation that a good detailing made on a filthy high-mileage vehicle.
They came out great, and we were hired on the spot.
They were doing a horrible job and not showing up every day, according to the service manager.
It wasn’t fun, and I never trusted any of the managers there.
Then, I was approached by Ken, a guy who had a small used car lot.
They were nice-looking cars and an affordable alternative toChevrolet Monte Carlos.
Then he took out a pushpin and rolled the odometer back to 26,000 from 106,000.
I immediately called Ken…
According to Ken, everyone was still doing it.
It had a 400, 4-speed, and 84,000 miles.
I liked it, and I called Ken about buying it before I reconditioned it.
He wanted out, and because he was a good friend, we parted ways amicably.
But, I was stuck with a very expensive damaged leather seat…
I drove there Friday morning, and after looking at it, he said he needed about 2 hours.
We had to wait a while for the seats to dry, but they ended up looking phenomenal.
The biggest car scam I heard of took place in 1988, and it involved two people I knew.
One of the laborers was the brother of a kid I graduated high school with.
It was running, and no one could shut it off inside or out.
The house was in rough shape… Another guy I knew heard the younger brother was shopping for a new car.
They arranged a time to meet at the dealership…
The salesman was wearing an expensive suit and a big smile, standing next to the car waiting.
The excited kid handed him a brown paper bag filled with cash…
The kid hung out by the car and waited.
When the salesman hadn’t returned after 15 minutes, the kid got a little concerned.
He waited another five minutes before heading for the showroom… That salesman said he didn’t know anybody by that name.
Then, jumped into his car, left the dealership, and hit the highway laughing.
It was way too easy…
The police were called, and the two parties ended up in front of a judge.
The kid told his story, and the guy denied having anything to do with it.
Who hands someone $16,000 cash without getting a receipt?
Sorry kid, this case is dismissed for lack of evidence.
He was out $16,000, his life’s savings…
I’m a highway star!
