Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

[Michael L.]

[Jim D.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Without an in person inspection, you can't tell the actual quality of the cars. They all look good on T.V.

[Terry D.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

What Jim said!

[Bill M.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

A friend of mine bought a restomod 69 camaro over the internet from the Mecum auction. Biggest car mistake he ever made it could not even be driven off the car carrier. No driveline information not even how much oil to put in motor. Never buy auction car without inspecting.

[Mark E.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Are bidders allowed to test drive and thoroughly inspect a car beforehand?

[Michael J.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

When I bought the one car I ever bought from Mecum, in KC in December, I was allowed to inspect it as it sat, no driving allowed, no starting, etc. I thought I inspected it thoroughly, but missed being able to test the antifreeze strength. It was transported in sub-freezing weather for a couple of days and nights, arrived at my place with a frozen and cracked block. Never again.

[Mark E.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

When I bought the one car I ever bought from Mecum, in KC in December, I was allowed to inspect it as it sat, no driving allowed, no starting, etc. I thought I inspected it thoroughly, but missed being able to test the antifreeze strength. It was transported in sub-freezing weather for a couple of days and nights, arrived at my place with a frozen and cracked block. Never again.

How risky for the buyer! And for the seller, what an attractive way to unload a car with mechanical issues. Frankly, I don't understand the appeal of auctions as a buyer.

I remember you sharing the unfortunate story of your auction experience. It's really not your fault...who checks coolant concentration?

[Michael J.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Actually, after having bought 3 cars on Bring-A-Trailer I much prefer that process. You are still going to get a car with some issues, but at least you know about them before hand and can adjust your bid accordingly. And BTW, the shipping using their service is about as good as it gets. The last car was delivered to me 3 days after my check cleared.

[Terry D.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Michael, for those of us wondering what is the difference at Bring-a Trailer, compared to Mecun?

[Michael J.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Well, as I said I have bought 3 cars using them and also sold 2 cars (soon to be 3) using them. For a buyer, the auction last 7 or so days, it is online, and you are able to continuously be in contact with the seller, unlike Mecum. The seller posts pictures and videos of operations, driving, etc., you can also go inspect it in person if you like. The auction is online and allows questions of the seller from anyone. Usually with Corvettes being auctioned, NCRS members are among the commenters, other cars also attract "experts". Some are very knowledgeable and ask the right questions and point things out you might not think of, again, very unlike Mecum. You can ask for most any picture or video you want, and usually the seller provides it. It is just a better, one on one, real time experience of evaluating a car. The last one I bought had the seller jumping through hoops to measure paint thickness, detailed operations videos of the options, etc. The fees are also much, much lower for buyer and seller than Mecum.

[Terry D.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

Thanks for the explanation

[Lawrence S.]

Re: Some seemingly good deals at Mecum Indy this weekend

I had Jerry McNeish come out to my shop to inspect my 69 L78 Chevelle and my 69 Z28 RS. We discussed Mecum while he was there and he told me he will not even go to their auction to inspect anything. Most often the car he goes to inspect are restamped fakes, cobbled together messes. I agree about buying from Mecum....no way for me. I am likely going to sale my Z28 on BAT.