Trying to find and buy one online has to be worse.

Looking for a used Subaru Crosstrek. We have a very specific wish list. Been checking the big on line platforms for months. Find something that fits what we want and get told "we don't shi" "we will deliver within 200 miles", "the car is out for.....and as soon as it gets back, we'll get those pictures you requested" etc.

Had a scammer intercept one inquiry.

Sent inquiries to 15 different Subaru dealerships with the exact parameters we want. Did not set a price ceiling. Said "don't waste our time trying to sell us anything that doesn't match this list" Offered a $100 cash spiff for a completed deal to the salesperson who could find us the car we want. Added, check your customers that have one like this and see if they might want to trade it in.

I get AI bot replies. Four actual salespeople did write replies saying they didn't have what we wanted but would keep their eyes out. Some automated replies ask us to "stop in to view their inventory" or a generic "call us"

What a waste of my time.

I imagine it'll take a lot of searching to find a used car in a specific configuration, color, condition, and mileage. It's difficult enough to find or order the exact one you want new.

quote:

Originally posted by Appliance Brad:
Find something that fits what we want and get told "we don't shi" "we will deliver within 200 miles"

So it sounds like the issue isn't that you can't find what you want... Only that you can't find what you want nearby.

Since you're finding cars you want and this is the only hangup, then just fly (one way) or drive (with a friend/spouse, or if trading in a car) to buy it and bring it back yourself. I've done that several times before, including on my most recent car purchase. Negotiate everything by email, then travel to finish the purchase and bring it back home.

A roadtrip back from a dealership is a great way to get to know your new car. And if you consider the travel costs as just part of the overall total cost of the vehicle, the financial equation can still make sense, depending on what the final price of the car itself is.


Or if you are unable to travel for whatever reason, you can contract with a third party transport company. You'll just have to arrange and pay for it, rather than the dealership doing it for you.

Brad,

I still have a couple contacts in the dealership world, one in Livingston and one in Oakland County, and one that was a wholesale broker in metro Detroit. If I can be of any help let me know.

Click here to receive your online offer…BS

4 dealers: never could get an online offer (other than msrp)

You asked and received. "Don't waste our time trying to sell us anything that doesn't match this list". They don't have a car to sell you so why waste time with a reply.

Its too much work and not enough money to track down a car for you. Sure the dealership will make money but the salesman will only make a few bucks.

Try Carmax

My Mom wanted a specific Ford Edge, she found it in PA and Carmax shipped it to MI. I'm sure there is a cost involved but they made it easy for her and she's happy

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Try Carmax

My Mom wanted a specific Ford Edge, she found it in PA and Carmax shipped it to MI. I'm sure there is a cost involved but they made it easy for her and she's happy

I had the same experience. Found exactly what I wanted on Carmax and had it shipped in. It was in the same region, so shipping wasn't too bad, IIRC less than $100. I generally think Carmax is on the high side, but they had EXACTLY what I wanted so it was worthwhile.

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Try Carmax

My Mom wanted a specific Ford Edge, she found it in PA and Carmax shipped it to MI. I'm sure there is a cost involved but they made it easy for her and she's happy

I'm sorry but I cannot buy a used car sight unseen.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Try Carmax

My Mom wanted a specific Ford Edge, she found it in PA and Carmax shipped it to MI. I'm sure there is a cost involved but they made it easy for her and she's happy

I'm sorry but I cannot buy a used car sight unseen.

CarMax has a ten day money-back return policy. That's plenty of time to have the vehicle inspected by a local shop that you trust.

I may be a fool, but just bought a 2020 Civic, 43k miles, runs like new. It has the nearly bullet proof 2.0L engine.

My offer was $13k, after the usual consternation it was accepted. Ah, yes, it has a ‘salvage title’, from right front side damage.

I’m going to get it next, I’ll start with an oil change, look at the brakes soon too. My idea is better gas mileage , while driving the truck less.

Yeah, it’s a little bit of a ‘girl’s car’, that’s ok.

Not a fool IMO! I now have a Civic in addition to my truck, well Ridgeline , just because I generally prefer driving a smaller car. I'm not sure how a Civic is a girls car unless maybe it's pink?

Yeah Honda's 2L is a nice engine that should provide years of trouble free service.