After my latest back lot find ('83 caprice wagon;see my images) just want to remind people to check local dealership back lots for your next project.The price of scrap is high with a 4100lbs. full size wagon bringing about $471.50 they are just crushing nice older cars with blown or broke engines.As I was told "we gave them $100 trade in for a broken car and can scrap it and get triple our money for that junk." The car I got was in the back lot for 7 months.I offered them $500 for mine in January and left my phone number. I got a call on 2/25/11 and was told they would accept my offer as long as I got it on 2/28/11 before 3pm because at 5pm it would be loaded on rollback to be crushed with some other wrecked cars they had 3/1/11.Monday couldn't come quick enough for me to get it and see what else they were going to crush.The others were complete totals.I had no use for.I gave them about $25 more than scrap and they left the chrome wheels on it and the interior is perfect except a few stains on carpet. This is the 4th auto I purchased like this.I bought a 2000 ram 1500 v6 for $300 2 years ago that needed 3/4 front cap.I bought a used one for $350 and my uncle now has the truck 44,000 miles later. So be sure to look and ask,sometimes you have to go back 2 or 3 times to find out who to talk to and be prepared to scoop them up on a moments notice.Happy hunting.
Before I went into the car lot business I used to do the back lot search all the time. I got some really good cars that way that were due to go to auction. Pay below wholesale and get a great car. I mean....these cars were rust free and good runners. You would pay at LEAST $2000 more for it on a lot.
When I worked at dealership I used to come in Monday morning and walk the lot looking for trade ins.Always knew which ones they didn't want to fool with because they would park them along side of the alleyway on side of dealer.My wife hates me working for a dealership she says ,"It's like a drug addict selling drugs!" I end up with more "stuff" they think is junk.
Here's a back lot story.....Mine! Back in 1974 I was at Spartan Dodge in San Jose, Ca. looking at cars. The salesman tried to get me to buy the 1965 Mustang GT 350 on the back lot for $450. A few dents and three flat tires and would not start. I passed. What a dumb A$$!!!!:banghead3: I could retire on that car now.
Retrospect is always a bummer, TB. Yeah Tire...some lots don't want anything over 50K miles....some 60K, etc. You can get some good deals if you know how to work it.
In a couple of months I will be back at a Dodge,Chrysler and Jeep dealership again and back to hunting their "junk."
I had one in 1977, and I was tight for cash when I bought it for $250. So I sold the rusty-floored gem for $150. :banghead3::banghead3::banghead3: Hope I can join this illustrious club of DAs.
