Has anyone purchased a vehicle from the Philly PPA or Public Auction?

[blkmz3]

I've been to the PPA auction before. Has a lot of beater cars mostly abandoned or seized cars off the streets. They require you to have the vehicle towed off the lot which will cost $150. No keys provided. I'm assuming you will have to get one made from the dealer.

Any experiences?

[Vr-4-Life]

No, but where and when is it? How do you get the title? I wouldn't mind bidding on a car if its decent.

[OMGz Turbo]

Most of the time cars will have to be rekeyed and then the ignition cylinder reset. Sometimes its almost not worth it, because you cant pop the hood and see if its even running

[blkmz3]

It's 54 in fees (title, processing, and court) + ~$150 in towing. Basically $200 already. Plus locksmith fee. In the end it will be $300 + Cost of car. I might have better luck on craigslist. Need a beater car.

[Xavier]

If you're checking PPA listings look for ones that end in L as that stands for Live stop or something. In other words, when it was impounded it was running and not just abandoned somewhere.

[angdefeo]

Originally Posted by Vr-4-Life

No, but where and when is it? How do you get the title? I wouldn't mind bidding on a car if its decent.

Here is a link to the site:

http://www.ppa-auctions.com/

I have also heard that there is a dealer in north NJ that has insureance wrecks that they sell. In some cases there are cars that needed to be totaled and not fixed becuase of the costs. But if you can do the work yourself, you might be able to find a deal.

[Got Insulin?]

There are locksmiths at the auction that make quick work of it. Great place to pick up bikes or parts cars. The title is sent to you through the state, so it does take a minute.

[Proven]

Ive gone a couple times and a buddy of mine bought 2 cars from it. The one he bought this year was a 2004 grand am with 50k miles for $4500 + tax, tags, fee's which is a good 2-3k under what you can get one for off the street/dealer.

This auctions are a result of Phila. cracking down on cars without registration, abandoned, etc. Not repo's if I'm correct.

Things to remember -

-You have to have the car off the lot that day. If you have a trailer you can take it home and not pay tow fee's

-You will have no idea if the title is clear or salvage so bid accordingly

-No key's supplied so you have to have one made

-You have to pay in full that day but they at least take credit cards

-Your not going to go once and find the car of your dreams. Keep checking the listings online under dates -

http://www.ppa-auctions.com/

They also get a fair amount of Bikes and quads!

[mcperson2k]

I have read in numerous places that Public Car Auctions are one of the worst places to buy cars from. Something about dealerships getting first dibbs on the cars, and the ones sold at Public Auction are the ones the dealerships didn't want for specific reasons.

[jpalamar]

I bought 2 cars for Carriage trade in Plymouth Meeting. I forget what it costs to register to bid, but not much. You can go early and look at the cars, then when they are in line, you can see them run and all. Granted, any car you get, there will probally need some work, tires, belts, fluids. But, if you are mechanicly enclinded, you can get a decent car.

I bought a 95 Saturn LS2 when in high school for $600 bucks with 180k miles. It didn't have a scratch on it and the interior was perfect. My brother now owns it with 250k+ miles, didn't need anything yet except for standard maintance and a head gasket.

[HickRocket1258]

Originally Posted by jpalamar

I bought 2 cars for Carriage trade in Plymouth Meeting. I forget what it costs to register to bid, but not much. You can go early and look at the cars, then when they are in line, you can see them run and all. Granted, any car you get, there will probally need some work, tires, belts, fluids. But, if you are mechanicly enclinded, you can get a decent car.

I bought a 95 Saturn LS2 when in high school for $600 bucks with 180k miles. It didn't have a scratch on it and the interior was perfect. My brother now owns it with 250k+ miles, didn't need anything yet except for standard maintance and a head gasket.

I was thinking of going to that one actually. I don't work to far from there. I believe the cost is $30 a year actually. Saw some of the final prices on the cars and wow did they go cheap.

[jpalamar]

Originally Posted by HickRocket1258

I was thinking of going to that one actually. I don't work to far from there. I believe the cost is $30 a year actually. Saw some of the final prices on the cars and wow did they go cheap.

When I was in high school my dad and I were bidding on a Viper that was 2 years old. It ended up selling for just over 30k. He wasn't gonna keep it, but sell it again for like 50k+. They do have good deals, but you def will need to do a couple of visits til you find what you are looking for.

Plus this is the time of year to go, no one wants to stand out in the cold so there are less bidders, cars go cheaper.

[Proven]

Originally Posted by jpalamar

Plus this is the time of year to go, no one wants to stand out in the cold so there are less bidders, cars go cheaper.

That's a very good point right there Considering PPA is held outside. When its nice out the place is packed (a good 60-100 heads). I've actually gone in the cold / rain and there was maybe 20 bidders.

[cyron]

I've purchased two cars from Carriage Trade & My dad bought Two cars from there.
All the cars have had some problems, so I recommend that you be mechanically inclined.
the Altima needed a clutch, and there are signs that there was front end damage. The car is really nice inside & the paint isn't bad at all. One ding on the hood.
The 240sx is a basket case, but it's a 20yr old car... Hopefully Nissan doesn't make submarines.
My dad bought two caddy's.
The first one was a DTS, and was in great condition can't remember what was wrong with it. He wanted an STS with the Canvas top, so...
His second was an 2001 STS Fully loaded. Nav system, 6 disc changer in the arm rest, but it had a tire that was out of balance (easy fix), and the drivers side window controls don't work.(haven't bothered looking into it yet)

Show up early 4pm-ish! If your looking for a parts car or something that's in a "non running" capacity show up early because they do those somewhere around 4pm.
The aution fee's, tax and registration add up fast, so if you go with $2k, plan on only spending $1500 on a car.
Bring $500 cash the night of the auction because when you're done bidding and the auctioneer points at you and says sold you have to walk up and give them $500 unless the car is under that.
It's a Cash, Debit sale only. If you do debit make sure your bank allows you to take out enough to cover it. (Mine has a $500 per day limit) You can come back the next day before something like 4pm to pay off the rest, and pickup the car.
It's been a really good experience, and my dad loves going. (You have to understand he won't set on a dealership lot)

[OMGz Turbo]

PPA sold a 04 VW R32 for 17k

[blkmz3]

back up. Looking to stop by the auctions next few weekends. I had another question. For older cars that have keys without chips do you do you replace the ignition column and doors? how is the key tied to the VIN?

[ThePrimerSuspect]

Keys aren't required to be tied to the vin. Most dealers only keep record of the key codes for up to ten years old anyway.

[blkmz3]

so you would have to replace the ignition column and all locks on something 10years older?

[ThePrimerSuspect]

Locksmith MIGHT have access to the key codes. Other than that it depends on the manufacturer. I know ford only keeps the codes up to ten years. I've gotten keys to older hondas through the dealer though. It might be a good idea to find out what each manufacturer does before you buy anything.

[blkmz3]

thanks for the info. just seeing if it's worth the hassle with all the fees and getting keys compared to just getting a car on craiglist. I have seen deals on PPA lots.