Manheim Feedback (buying cars direct with a dealer)???

[JKNUST]

Hello,

I am shopping for 01 / 02 Vipers and possibly an 03. I have a friend that is a dealer and has gotten me a login for Manheim [ www.manheim.com ]. Talking to a few folks... this is a place where many dealers get their cars to sell. Has anyone had any experience using Manheim? I have two folks that will let me go with them to Manheim and will purchase for me (for a smal fee). I am interested in any feedback on Manheim.

Interesting Market Analysis here (taken from sale data):
2004 Viper
Total Sales 8
Avg. Miles 1,334
Min. Sale Price $ 68,250
Max. Sale Price $ 75,000
Avg. Sale Price $ 72,518

2002 Viper GTS
Total Sales 6
Avg. Miles 6,346
Min. Sale Price $ 54,000
Max. Sale Price $ 58,000
Avg. Sale Price $ 55,841

2002 Viper RT/10
Total Sales 6
Avg. Miles 4,884
Min. Sale Price $ 20,500
Max. Sale Price $ 62,000
Avg. Sale Price $ 50,733

I get breakdowsn like 2004 Vipers:
06/30/2004 ATLANTA $ 73,000 2,854 RED 10G 6 SE
06/24/2004 DETROIT $ 75,000 11 RED 10G 6 X MW
06/24/2004 DETROIT $ 73,100 13 RED 10G 6 X MW
06/08/2004 FAAO $ 72,000 3,098 BLK/RED 10G 6 X SE
06/18/2004 MANHEIM $ 73,300 73 RED 10G 6 NE
07/01/2004 MANHEIM $ 68,250 2,565 RED 10G 6 X NE
06/16/2004 MILWAUKE $ 72,500 870 RED 10G 6 X MW
06/09/2004 W PALM $ 73,000 1,190 RED 10G 5 X SE

It is not a large volume of Vipers... but looks like lately the 03 and 04's are being pushed. I'm hopeful when I see some in the 60's.

 

[ViperGTS]

>>>2002 Viper RT/10
Total Sales 6
Avg. Miles 4,884
Min. Sale Price $ 20,500 <<<

2002 and 20K US$ = BS!

 

[Janni]

it's an auction - it was probably WAY wrecked.....

 

[onerareviper]

Those numbers look about right. It looks like you are saving very little, if any - IMO. The reason is people like yourself, who go to the auction to buy, not buy/sell. Therefore, the price paid on rare cars (like Vipers) are discounted very little at dealer auctions since a profit on a resale is not manditory (since the buyer keeps the car in many cases). The buyer will usually pay close to market value. That being said, cars that are not rare or in super demand sell for thousands less. My guestimate is the average sale is $3,000 under market (depending on car), then the dealer turns the car around for a profit - how much depends on the negociating skills of the buyer. Dealer auction prices are usually right around 'true trade-in' value you would get on a car you turn over to a dealership, assuming your getting close to invoice on the new car purchase.

BTW - Manheim is the biggest (or one of the biggest) dealer auction houses in the country. Has a great reputation.

P.S. - Yes, the 20K Viper HAD to be wrecked. There are THOUSANDS of buyers/dealers at these auctions, so your NOT going to STEAL a car. The buyers are EXTREMELY educated on prices/value. It's there livelyhood.

 

[CTViper]

$72000 for a 04! Great prices, but remember dealers who buy them mark them up another $5000. If your friends can get you one great! Good luck, happy hunting!

 

[Paul Hawker]

Unless you are very knowledgeable, buying from an auction carries it's own risk. You will not be able to drive the car. It may/may not have significant mechanical issues.
Consider the risk/reward. Unless you can save enough to offset the risks, I would buy from a private seller.
Lots of cars with "stories" go through than auction.
Buyer BEWARE!
The allure of a sweet deal is compelling.

 

[patgilm]

If it has mechanical issues, it should still have the factory warranty and can be fixed. Plus at Manheim, if the car is a green light car (i.e. no body work, etc.) and you find out there has been paint work, you can return it through arbitration. I'm going up there shortly to get a daily driver and you can usually save a good bit there on off lease cars.