using auto broker services to buy van.

[urbanhermit70]

Anyone have any experiences with Auto Brokers?

Do [font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]auto [/font][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]brokers[/font][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]  look for used vans (before 2000) or just "new" vans after 2000? Also, do auto brokers look for vans under $9000. [/font]

 

[eDJ_]

I've gone through brokers a couple of times.  A friend of mine introduced me to a broker over the phone as my friend sold new and used cars.   So I had a connection with the fellow.

I scored a hell of a deal on a last year's model hold over in April.  I had to drive to Washington Pa to pick it up but I got exactly what I wanted.  

The brokers are networked and have software such that they can find about anything within a few years.  Often it is a replacement for a totaled car that was a few years old for an Insurance Company who is looking for a nearly equal value replacement.

When it comes to used Vans,  I'm sure that they can deliver what you want.  Usually they will want the details of what you are looking for,  about the price range you have, and how far you are willing to drive to pick it up. (your best price)  Or otherwise they can get some one to deliver it to your door. (usually an employ of the dealer that has the car or Van)

But at this time of year,   a lot of cars are being sold outright so the owner can be ready to grab a deal on a new 2018 model. Dealers often sell the first few of them that arrive at give away prices just to get them on the road in their market so people will see them being driven around. 

Some independent used car lots have "pen-hookers" who dress to look like every day people and walk around on the new car lots in the evenings after 5pm.  They are looking for what people drive up in to buy it from them.  They may offer them a card with a phone number on it and explain that they know someone who is interested in a car like they have...and if they sell it that way....they will often get a better price from the Dealership on the new car that they are looking at. (not having a trade in)  Trade in's generally don't get that good of a deal for the buyer,  because the Dealership is stuck with having to sell two cars...and they are going to charge for that service.  They have to sell yours for you,  so that they can sell theirs to you.  You are always better off telling the salesman that you are buying outright.  He/she may say....."oh then,  pay no attention to the price on that sticker on the window....lets go talk".   Then the biggest thing will be telling them you have your own finance and don't want to finance it through them.  (they make money on financing it to you)   So you get a stripped down price if you do it right.

 

[urbanhermit70]

Thanks eDJ

 

[TrainChaser]

dDJ, thank you for that information!

 

[eDJ_]

The Auto Broker I dealt with simply maintained an office with staff.   I'd call and explain what I wanted (exactly) and how far I'd be willing to drive.  Then his research staff would query using their software/national data base to see what was available within the parameter I was willing to travel. 

Within a week or 10 days after talking with him I got a call from him telling me where the car was and the price.  He asked how soon I could be there and told me how to bring the payment.  (Bank Cashiers Check from my Credit Union)  I had the Treasurer/Manager's business card attached to the check so all they had to do was make a call to authenticate the check. 

I paid a fee for the service to the Broker and that was all.  His firm did not finance,  insure, or in any way involve themselves with the transaction other than that.   It was a hold over from the year before and this new car was greatly discounted from it's original price. The purchase was outright (no Trade in BS)  as these kinds of transactions tend to be cash and carry.   The NADA Book value of the car which had 23 miles on it was  was well below average loan value.   It looked like it had just arrived at the dealership new. 

What I'd suggest to anyone is to Google for Automobile Brokers (state by state).   There are loads of used car lots calling themselves brokers, offering finance, with photo galleries of what they have in stock.  Chances are that you are just dealing with a Used Car Salesman at these websites.

You need to find a Broker that "locates" vehicles for you based on about what you are willing to pay,  an exact description of what you are looking for, and how far you are willing to travel to pick it up.   You'll be advised of the payment method,  to get an Insurance binder from your Insurance agent, (to transport the vehicle so it will be covered in the event of an accident),  and any extras. (this may include taxes, title/Manufacturers Certificate of Origin,  temp tags for transit home etc.)

But such Brokers can find new and used in about anything you would want. (in used they may inquire of how many miles you would find acceptable) 

But this is what you could expect going through a Broker.  Then,  you may consider an extended warranty program that would pay for any breakdown, towing, or parts.