Used car sales

Who here does this as all or a good chunk of their income? Yes, I lot of us buy and sell, but I'm interested in folks who do this more as a business than a hobby. Could be part time or full time.

I'm still playing around with auto and/or motorsport related business ideas. What are your thoughts? Bonus points to Canadian folks doing this.

Cheers,

Jeff

I did for 2 years, then on the side for 2 more. I've really slowed down lately, but I miss it. I'd love to do it again. My full time years were in Florida, but my part time stuff is up here in Washington. I haven't sold any Canadians, but I have purchased them.

The only thing I can absolutely say is don't strip them. It can be (quite) good, but it's ultimately more of a pain in the butt than it's worth.

In the USA it appears that more used car dealerships are going out of rather than into business. I made my living in the business for several years in the mid 70s. There's a LOT to learn if you go into it on a scale large enough to make a living at it. In truth, there are more hucksters in the business in both retail and wholesale than one would believe. Believe it or not, mileage cuts still occur, rust buckets with slick quickie paint jobs, worn out engines with nice detail work, "team work" at the auctions, and a lot of dudes who'd cut your throat in a heart beat hide their attitudes with a quick smile and a handshake. The business definitely is not for everyone. If you haven't done it already I'd suggest going to work for a large dealership for a year or so before taking the leap. Go at it as getting paid to go to school. You might find a way to make it work for you. As long as you know that the above problems exist you'll learn to spot them.

Graefin10 wrote: "team work" at the auctions, and a lot of dudes who'd cut your throat in a heart beat hide their attitudes with a quick smile and a handshake.

I attended a weeknight "open to all" car auction in Gadsden, Alabama (or was it Anniston?) with my wife's cousin as I was looking to buy a Chevrolet K5 Blazer back in 1988 when I was in Piedmont for a small vacation.

They ran two auction lines at the same time. Loud, really exhausty, bright lights, quick sales, the smell of fresh paint, and just plain craziness. As a yankee I was in shock and could see how you could end up with a car that you didn't realize you just bought.

I left there with my $1,500 carefully guarded in my pocket and decided to wait.