# Auto Brokers

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730>\
**Category:** In My Humble Opinion\
**Created:** [February 22, 2008, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730 "2008-02-22T16:38:37Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 4\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2008, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730/1 "2008-02-22T16:38:37Z")

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I haven’t heard of them, but I assume they work in the way that a real estate agent does when you buy a home. Does anyone have any experience with them? Is it worth seeking one out to get a good deal on a car?

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**Author:** ![Captain\_Jinks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/dec6dc/32.png) [@Captain\_Jinks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Jinks)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2008, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730/2 "2008-02-22T18:16:53Z")

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I purchased my wife’s and daughter’s cars from a broker in Virginia. Great experience both times, saved lotsa bucks.

Caveats and suggestions–  
“As is, where is”. Inspect the car THOROUGHLY. Test drive, get a mechanic to look at it, even more so than a regular purchase.  
Do not expect a warranty (although, I suppose they sometimes offer them). Do not even expect it to be checked out.  
Haggle. If the broker moves the car, he’s got room for another.  
I did not stand for the “we charge $200 extra to get the plates”.  
If you like the car, get it. It may be gone soon.  
My broker was willing to look out for a particular model for me.

Hope this helps

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**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2008, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730/3 "2008-02-22T18:45:23Z")

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Hm. This does. My girlfriend is looking for a car and I had never heard of them, but it was brought up here. She’s got a couple of months (probably) before she’s got to really get things in concrete, but it’s good to play the field.

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**Author:** ![jharvey963](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/54ee81/32.png) [@jharvey963](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jharvey963)\
**Post date:** [February 22, 2008, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/auto-brokers/438730/4 "2008-02-22T19:07:52Z")

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My advice: use one of the many “buying services” which will refer you to the lease department of a new car dealer. (I’m assuming you’re looking for a new car.)

For instance, Costco has such a program. You tell Costco the make and model of car you’re interested in and your zip code. They give you referrals to a couple of participating dealers in your area. You then deal with the Lease department on a fixed price, no-haggle-necessary basis. I’ve bought my last 3 new cars this way and it’s a MUCH better way to buy a car.

Many other organizations have similar services: credit unions, professional organizations, maybe even AAA, so even if you’re not a Costco member, you should be able to find one you qualify for.

J.