Looking for a specific used car and can't find it

by Lisa
(Terre Haute, IN)

Visitor: I am looking for a very specific used make and model and I know the price that I want to stay close to. I also want a very specific color.

I have been looking on Ebay, Craigslist, Cars.com, etc. as well as going to a few dealerships.

Is it something that I could ask the particular dealership to find it for me and have it sent to them? If so, how much extra will it cost me?




Answer: Hi Lisa,

If you were looking for a new vehicle, then yes. It's called a dealer trade and shouldn't cost you anything unless they have to travel a long distance to pick up the vehicle for you.

We do these all the time for customers and we will typically not charge a fee as long as the vehicle is no more than 3 1/2 hours away. To some degree however it will cost you something, but it's usually a fee that is absorbed in the sale price of the vehicle.

Even though dealer trades are fairly common, there is no guarantee that there is a car like the one you are looking for anywhere nearby. I'm sure they'd be willing to buy one from a dealer further out, but they will probably ask you to pay for shipping the vehicle.

Since you are looking for a used car, then you'd need to find a dealer that will buy specific cars for customers at the auction. If you're as specific as you say, then it may take awhile until the type of vehicle you are looking for comes around.

Usually, dealers that do this are independent used car lots. As with a new car, they probably won't charge a "fee," but will recoup any expenses with the sale price.

For instance, if it is going to cost them $500 to get this vehicle, then that will be $500 they won't be willing to discount the sale price.

Hope this helps and please don't hesitate to contact me with any further questions...

Take Care,
Justin