Buddy is looking for a nice (not #s matching) older muscle car and is looking to bid at Mecum this spring. My concerns is that you can't test drive the car and you have no idea if it even is street worthy.

Anyone have personal feedback about buying a nice weekend cruiser at Mecum? He's not looking for a numbers matching trailer queen that never gets driven.

 

I think I would buy from a dealer rather than an auction.

 

I would not be afraid to buy a car at auction so long as you have a good knowledge of the target vehicle and a strong mechanical intuition. I’ve purchased three vehicles on EBay without putting hands on the vehicle and have not been burned. The key is to know what you want, to have the knowledge and gut intuition to ask the right questions and finally when to walk away. At least you have the luxury of seeing the vehicle at an auction. Another thing to remember is that these vehicles are old, they are mechanical and things break. If one cannot understand this, they need to buy a newer vehicle. If your “buddy” is in the market and you are well versed and available, I’d advise that you ride along. Take the day off, make an event of it, have fun, make a memory. Even if your instincts tell you that it’s a toxic purchase, your friend would appreciate your company and remember you saving them from impending doom. On the other hand, it is a great purchase! Years from now, he’ll remember the day you went with him to buy it. Good memories over whiskey on ice!

 

Well said Funkwagon.

Also the early days (non weekend) in a large auction like Barrett Jackson or Mecum are the best days to purchase. I’ve been to Kissimmee and Scottsdale auctions, and was amazed at the value you could find during the week - the crowds are sparse, the ‘driver’ quality cars are plentiful - these arent the over hyped ‘star’ cars that go across the block on Friday night and Saturday. I’ve never purchased at an auction, but deals are out there - good luck.

 

I've bought more than several cars on e-Bay, some were great, others not so much. I got really ripped off big time only once, that black 1994 Cutlass Supreme you'll see in my photo album on this site. I do believe the gauge pod was probably swapped out on that one, based on what was shipped to me from its Florida location. I agree that I would not hesitate to buy another car from E-Bay and I'm always looking there for one.

 

I just used Mecum to buy at the October action. Three pieces of advise
1) Do your home work - spent months researching before bid.
2) Mecum Auction - know price range of vehicle you looking to purchase as you will need to go through prequal process as a bidder as they have a dollar threshold for certain levels. If you Call Mecum and tell them this is your first time bidding they are extremely helpful
3) How you plan to Bid (In person, over phone, online) ? Phone bidder gives you benefit of having a rep do a visual inspection 1 hour before auction and you speak to them directly before going on the block. Take note if push car up on block or drive.

In retro I am thrilled with Mecum and their process but not cheap!!

 

Have knowledge, research the car ahead of time, buy on the early afternoons, and know when to quit is the key here. Don't act excited and he may be able to get a deal.

 

But you have no control of over what day nor time of day a particular car crosses the block. If you want a shot at it, you have to be prepared to bid whenever it comes up. While buyers certainly want the car to cross the block on a slow day when there are fewer bidders, sellers want the exact opposite. They want it in prime time with thousands of bidders, and they can pay for a better time slot. I think the bottom line is that you go after the car you're interested in whenever it comes up for auction, and don't lose your head.

 

The auctions are set up as daily lots, so a Thursday car will sell that day. You may have to sit the whole day though, you are correct.

 

I have been doing a lot of rehab/repair work on BJ auction cars.....some downright dangerous to drive. I’ve had to connect one end of a sway bar (missing end link altogether), one had brakes that would do nothing, then grab and try to throw you through the windshield. Lots of loose, untorqued or missing bolts/nuts.

Pretty paint but fire hazard level wiring hidden throughout.

I’ve been with bidders at the auctions and in most cases, you can’t put your head up under the dash to see the 47 hardware store crimp terminals/butt splices, electrical tape, and sometimes just wires twisted together.

Not trying to be too negative, but I personally would never buy a car at one of these auctions, especially the lower end of the relative scale. Unless you can really dig into it before bidding you may be getting a hot mess. Guess I just don’t have the kind of money to take a flyer like this. I recently agonized over the purchase of a $6500.00 project car....haha.

I suppose there are just as many happy stories where people claim to find a real steal....

I know a guy that operates a high end shop in the area, he makes a good living fixing high dollar auction cars. Rich guys pay $100’s of thousands only to find out the car cannot be driven or is unfinished. Crazy stuff.

The auctions are fun to attend though.

Just my $0.02.

Attached pic is the under dash of a BJ C10 I’m currently making safe. Other side of the column had even more splices. This was probably a $25K-$28K winning bid vehicle. Wiring is just one example on this ride.

 

I think a test drive and through checkout would be minimum before I bought any vehicle. I may have frame damage or other serious safety issues.

 

Almost every real estate transaction is contingent upon a very thorough inspection. Purchasing a car, privately or at an auction, or from a dealer, should be contingent upon a very thorough inspection as well. Even more so at an auction when prevented from test driving. Bring a mechanic, spend an hour with the car (before the day it hits the block). Auctions are really fun car shows, with particular challenges if you’re a buyer.

 

Does it have to be Mecum? There are plenty of auctions out there if you are willing to look. Off the top of my head...
https://www.gaaclassiccars.com/
I'm not vouching for them. I've never been to one of their auctions before. I know that they are running alot of commercials in my area right now. Might be something to check out. Maybe some of our North Carolina members have heard of them? I'm seeing a few Olds' on their inventory.

I'm just trying to say that there are more than Mecum and Barrett Jackson out there when it comes to classic car auctions. Look around.

 

[/QUOTE]

I think that this was fairly obvious, and not hidden.

 

Nice honest cars are out there if you list your criteria clearly with a proposed budget. Frankly, unless you get a great deal at an auction, a private sale will probably save a buyer 25% and a seller 10%.
There's a lot of time and money getting cars ready, shipped, displayed, hotels, meals, taxes, etc... Plus, cash sales can be handled with mutual agreement on price and terms. Wink ! Just my .02

 

I have had great results ( a little luck to I guess) selling all my cars during the last 18 months, listing the car in Hemmings,( Not the auction) All financial transactions were money wire to my Schwab account. New owners scheduled car haulers immediately once the wire transfer was complete and I FedEx the title along with a receipt. Most likely with sell the 63 Starfire later on this year the same way.

 

I think that this was fairly obvious, and not hidden.[/QUOTE]


Agreed, the buyer should’ve seen this mess. Such is the lot for the guy that loves cars, has $ but never really worked on them beyond oil changes....

Keeps me fairly busy though so I guess I shouldn’t complain.

There are a lot of things you won’t see with the limited access. Like a really pretty chevelle with almost every panel replaced, but the floor was out of a different model. Went to add seat belts for the guy and the holes weren’t where they were supposed to be. Not the end of the world but a lot of these lower priced rides at the auctions are really slapped together.

Again, just my opinion....

 

Amen. I swear you buy an auction vehicle it is just money. I have a step brother that has bought plenty of BJ cars (BJ get it). My brother has worked on these cars and you have said the same stories. Paid mad cash for some cars and just like you are saying. Might have big cubes paint interior etc. Go drive it? Go run it? Expensive CRAP. Put a dress on a pig with paint. Drivability?? Nope.

Fools just keep lining up too. I have seen super super nice cars go for nothing compared to what they cost to restore them. Then you see absolute crap sell for too much. Get a clue out there people. Don't reward junk.

 

Having worked in stereo shops for 15 years that wiring isn't too bad. Looks like somebody replaced the steering column with a much newer one and didn't know what to do with all the extra wires. Easy to trace and repair. For the price you mentioned, I would be more upset about all the dust and dirt... And all the overspray from a paint job.

I once installed a stereo in a really nice driver 55 Chevy that was going to the BJ Auction when I lived in Phoenix. The installer does what the salesman sells and the customer buys, so I had to cut up an unmolested 55 Chevy dash to put a CHEAP stereo in it and off it went to the auction. I didn't like doing that one and I remember it to this day. Look as much as you can and ask as many questions as the seller will hold still for.

 

Has your buddy considered consignment dealers such as Street side Classics or Gateway classics, https://www.streetsideclassics.com/c...JtBPD_BwE,when (click on inventory tab) searching for my Olds I made 3 trips to StreetSide Classics its definitely a candy store !! many many vehicles all under one roof as for the prices they may be on the higher end BUT they are negotiable and the dealer will act as the agent between you and seller, on all my trips there I was able to inspect the car with out the pressure of a salesperson breathing down my neck and they had a lift you cold put the vehicle up on and I was able to test drive the vehicle, that being said they are a dealer and sales tax apply (bummer) Streetside has several locations across the U.S. as does Gateway
it might be worth a look. P/S I did not purchase from them as a Great deal fell in to my lap. but they seemed pleasant on my trips.

 

I so feel your pain. I was also a car stereo installer for many years. Back in the eighties. Early nineties. I once had some spoiled kid come in with a 69 HO 400 Firebird. Had the deluxe interior. Even had the fold down rear seat option. We had to cut a din unit deck into the dash. We removed all the metal in the back window area. Most of the metal behind the seat as well. A 15. Two 12's. Two 10's. Killed me to do that to that car. Kid totalled it shortly after. That car was the most loaded early Firebird I have ever seen. Power windows locks etc. Fold down rear seat?? That car was so rare. Turned into scrap.

 

Sad how we remember the bad ones. Mutilated a '70s Mach1 once to put a pair of 12s in the panel behind the fold-down rear seats. Same thing on a '67 Shelby Mustang to put a pair of 6X9s in the plastic rear side panels. Cut the rear deck out of many a Camaro to install a solid wood baffle board for woofers. Cut up a LOT of dashes to install head units. From filing slots for shafted radios to cutting large rectangle holes for DIN units. Back in the '80s people wanted stereos at any cost and many many vehicles paid the ultimate price for it.

 

Ha Ha Ha. Yup you get it. Killed me. We did a 55 bug that was sick sick original. I was the first one to ever take the rear seat out. There was a factory written letter and markings all over under the seat. All in German. All in support of hitler. It was wild. Gutted and cut that car to nothing.

 

This 1970 Olds 442 W-30 came across the auction block and valued at $100,000 but the emblems were in the INCORRECT location.

See for yourself:

 

[/QUOTE]

This is painful! 😖

 

IMHO, Mecum cars are over priced. Upon close exam, the cars had quite a few cosmetic and mechanical flaws. I was quite shocked to see the quality being bad on many cars pushing $50k +. Most of them were leaking oil everywhere and they kept spreading cat litter to pick up the oil spills the cars were leaving behind. I would say 8 out of 10 cars were leaking oil or some other fluid. I found loose nuts and bolts and trim that was falling off. Paint runs, drips, fish eyes, etc on cars that sold for $75k+

I would NOT trust any of the cars sold to be road worthy without a thorough inspection. Except maybe for the newer vehicles.

Quite disappointing to see them in person. On TV vs. in person are two different worlds.

 

Have you guys seen the 2 part article on the 77 Trans Am in Hemmings Muscle Car magazine? This guy bought this nice looking TA at one of the auctions and it was a rusted out POS. In the article he is having it restored. They had to get basically a whole rear body from a Arizona car to replace the rusted hulk! The magazine doesn't ID the seller though they should have-he was almost a criminal for what was done. I wonder if the buyer just went there for fun, drank a few cocktails and got into the bidding and ended up buying it? I am glad they published this story and I hope people read it and learn to be careful bidding at these auctions!

 

Auctions are a ton of fun, the energy is contagious. As said many times in this post know what you want and what to look for mechanically and structurally..your not going to see everything, to me the best cars are the ones still somewhat raw. They haven’t had the cosmetic facelift yet, you see what your really buying then. Like anything in life, do your homework, if your not skilled enough, bring someone along that is. I personally prefer to buy from an individual. There are tons of cars out there with older owners that owned them for years and now need to part ways with the car. Maybe look at that first. Lots of great advice on here.. I just bought a car from a personal owner and received a lot of technical advice on that particular car on this site. Sometimes you find the right car that trips your senses and you may have to pay more for it but you have what you want without a lot of compromise. Best of luck to your friend, help him find what will make him smile..

 

Mecum comes close to me occasionally. Would be easy to get my car there to sell. Would a clean, matching number, less in demand car, like a Cutlass S do better than the open market? Enough to offset commission? Not looking to sell but have told my wife if I get hit by a bus that it would be a easy way to sell.

 

i kinda wonder.you see a nice car go thru and sell for 100k.then the next year you see same car go thru and now its 75k.did the first guy buy it then discover it had major problems or a cobbled together cluster fudge and decided to dump it?i think not being able to crawl around under em or crawl thru em and check numbers etc the advantage goes to the seller.they could sell ya a total p.o.s. and you won't know it til it shows up at your driveway.

 

“Sometimes you find the right car that trips your senses and you may have to pay more for it but you have what you want without a lot of compromise.[/QUOTE]

This is the story of ALL of my vehicles, drivers and collectors. 😀

 

Common Sense I know but keep all correspondence with seller. So that when you see the car his answers match with the car your looking at.

 

This speaks volumes:

https://reviews.birdeye.com/mecum-au...44676367339459

https://www.bbb.org/us/wi/walworth/p...694-1000016116

 

Lol thats some pretty consistent feedback, all bad.

 

Seeing the cars in person, I can attest that there is some scary put together cars they auction off. Parts missing, loose, leaking drive trains, etc.

Some cars had fresh spray paint still curing in the engine compartments. Shows you how quickly and poorly put together they are. Missing window trim, loose door handles, etc. was very common from what I saw.

 

The crazy thing is how many people keep buying them up. I believe there is a large percentage of buyers that really aren't even car people. Just an investment.

 

These were on a '65 4-4-2 at Mecum for $30K in Denver in 2015. Buyer BE-aware. Car presented really well until you started really looking at it.

 

Wow crazy huh? How in the hell would someone as a seller think that's ok?

Nice Bronco's phone. 🍻

 

I know! and Thanks!

 

I too am a big fan of private seller sales on Hemmings Classic Car site. I found my 1967 4-4-2 on there. After searching for a 67 for more than a year, I found a nice one on there from a private seller for $10K - $15K less than I could have bought a similar quality car from a dealer, consignment or otherwise. I still drove 500-miles to check out and test drive the vehicle before plopping my cash down. Several guys on here were great at educating and prepping me before I went about things to look for and check out. I can't imagine spending that kind of cash without seeing the car in person and driving it. I made trips to Des Moines, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, and 2 trips to Michigan to check out different cars. Most of them turned out to be pretty rough even though they sounded great on paper and the online pics looked great. Pictures or video taken from 10-ft away cannot replace an eyes on inspection, and rarely will you ever see pics of the broken or missing parts, or the puddles on the floor, or the smoke from the tailpipe!