Used Autos For Sale Archives - Robertson Auto Salvage

Why the Used Car Market Is Not Improving

Post by: Raphael Grovers August 7, 2023 0 Comments Used Autos for Sale, Used Car Market

The used car market, once a thriving and bustling industry, is currently facing a puzzling stagnation. Despite the continuous growth of the automotive sector, the used car market is struggling to keep up the pace. This article delves into the various reasons behind the lack of improvement in the used car market, exploring factors ranging from changing consumer preferences to macroeconomic trends.

Declining Quality Perception

One of the primary reasons for the stagnation in the used car market is the declining perception of quality among consumers. In the past, used cars were often associated with uncertainty, but with the advent of certified pre-owned programs and advancements in vehicle inspection processes, the quality gap between new and used cars had narrowed significantly.

However, despite these improvements, many consumers still perceive used cars as less reliable and more prone to breakdowns. This negative perception often steers potential buyers toward new vehicles, hindering the growth of the used car market.

Inflated Prices

Another critical factor contributing to the stagnation of the used car market is the issue of inflated prices. In recent years, the demand for used cars has surged, leading to a shortage of supply. As a result, sellers are capitalizing on this demand-supply gap by increasing prices significantly.

Additionally, external factors such as rising raw material costs and global supply chain disruptions have further amplified the price hike. The soaring prices of used cars make them less attractive to budget-conscious consumers, pushing them towards alternative options or even delaying their purchase decisions altogether.

Shift in Consumer Preferences

Consumer preferences have also undergone a significant transformation, impacting the used car market negatively. In the past, owning a brand-new vehicle was considered a status symbol, and many individuals aspired to own the latest models. However, there has been a cultural shift towards sustainability and environmental consciousness.

As a result, a growing number of consumers are now opting for eco-friendly transportation alternatives, such as electric cars or public transportation. This shift in preferences has led to a reduced demand for used cars, hindering market growth.

Longer Vehicle Lifespans

Advancements in automotive technology and manufacturing processes have resulted in vehicles with longer lifespans. Modern cars are built to be more durable and reliable than their predecessors, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

While this is a positive development for consumers, it also means that they hold onto their vehicles for more extended periods. As a result, the turnover rate in the used car market has decreased, leading to lower sales volumes and slower market growth.

Financing Challenges

Financing plays a crucial role in driving sales in the automotive industry. However, obtaining financing for used cars can be more challenging than securing loans for new vehicles. Financial institutions often offer more attractive interest rates and flexible terms for new car purchases, making them a more enticing option for buyers.

Furthermore, some lenders may impose stricter eligibility criteria for used car loans, excluding potential buyers with less-than-perfect credit scores. These financing challenges limit the pool of potential used car buyers, thereby hindering market improvement.

Impact of Ride-Sharing Services

The rise of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft has significantly disrupted the transportation landscape. These services offer convenience and cost-effectiveness, especially for urban dwellers who may not need a personal vehicle on a daily basis.

As ride-sharing becomes more prevalent, some individuals are opting to forgo car ownership altogether, reducing the demand for both new and used vehicles. This shift in transportation habits has a direct impact on the used car market, contributing to its stagnant state.

Economic Uncertainty

Economic factors also play a pivotal role in the performance of the used car market. During periods of economic uncertainty or recession, consumers tend to tighten their budgets and postpone non-essential expenses, including vehicle purchases.

The volatility of the global economy, coupled with factors like inflation and unemployment, can lead to a decrease in consumer confidence, resulting in reduced demand for used cars. Such economic downturns can prolong the stagnation of the used car market until conditions stabilize.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the used car market is facing several challenges that hinder its improvement. The declining perception of quality, inflated prices, shifting consumer preferences, longer vehicle lifespans, financing challenges, the impact of ride-sharing services, and economic uncertainty collectively contribute to the market’s stagnation. Robertson Auto Salvage assures that Robertson Auto Used Car Division, is the Pre-Owned Vehicle One Stop for the highest level of Customer Service & Pre Owned Vehicle Sales.

Tough Competition

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham February 20, 2023 0 Comments

U.S. auto parts recyclers say online auctions have broadened competition for salvaged vehicles to their detriment.

Insurance companies used to have contracts directly with local automotive recyclers for vehicles that were declared total losses following crashes. Now, insurers primarily work with online auction companies, such as Copart and Insurance Auto Auctions, and recyclers must bid on the vehicles, competing against other automotive recyclers—whether local competitors or those in other states—as well as with auto rebuilders in other countries.

While recyclers have benefitted in some ways from the growth of online auctions, some say they also have had negative effects on the automotive recycling industry.

Sight unseen

Sandy Blalock, executive director of the Automotive Recyclers Association, Manassas, Virginia, says online auctions have expanded automotive recyclers’ pool of vehicles because they can buy from outside their own markets.

But that advantage has an associated disadvantage.

“The biggest problem you have is you can’t get up close and personal and actually verify that what that picture looks like is actually what you’re getting,” she says.

Blalock says it’s not uncommon for people to purchase wrecked vehicles, make some cosmetic upgrades often using aftermarket parts, and rerun the vehicles back through the auctions.

Norman Wright, owner, and CEO of Stadium Auto Parts, Henderson, Colorado, also mentions incidences of what he calls fraud on the auction sites.

He says Stadium bought a 2021 Mercedes van with 24,000 miles from an auction site and found it wasn’t what he and his team expected. “Since you can’t really go down and look at these vehicles, you’re doing it from pictures online,” Wright adds. “We assumed we had a good product. When it came back, the transmission was missing … and they put in an old engine.”

Because vehicles are sold as is in the salvage pools, Wright says he “had no recourse for fraud.”

Broader appeal

Auctions also have increased the number of bidders on salvage vehicles and their geographical reach.

“We’ve got people from all over the world buying local automotive recycler’s salvage in the United States,” Blalock says. “And some of them can afford to pay a whole lot more money for those cars because they have a larger value in the marketplace they’re taking it to and that’s including shipping it there.”

She adds that her biggest concern for the automotive recycling industry is that companies are forced into competing for savage at artificially high pricing because they are bidding against people who aren’t in the same business, “so, they can afford to pay more money.”

Wright says insurance companies are seeing a greater return on their salvage vehicles because the online auctions have opened up the salvage pools “to anybody who wants to buy.”

“Now, we’re competing against not only each other but we’re also competing against what we call rebuilders who buy these cars to rebuild them and then resell them,” he says.

In the last eight to 10 years, Wright says, the number of rebuilders who export cars from the U.S. to other markets, such as Mexico and the Middle East, has grown. He estimates from 30 percent to 40 percent of the salvage vehicles sold on auction sites are exported from the U.S.

Blalock says she suspects the auctions would confirm 30 percent of the salvaged vehicles they sell are purchased by international buyers. “A good 30 percent or more is purchased by people who are not auto recyclers but rebuilders, and then 30 percent are auto recyclers,” she says. “Basically, we’re one-third of their customer base.”

The wider competition for local automotive recyclers’ salvage vehicles has raised the prices auto recyclers have to bid to secure inventory. But that’s not the only escalation that has occurred, Wright and Blalock say. The fees the auction companies charge buyers also have increased.

“At the end of the day, all the auctions are in the business and making money,” Blalock says. “And it’s a very competitive market because they’re competing against each other … for those cars. And, of course, the way that you maintain that position is by it costing the insurance companies less. And so they have to make that money up somewhere.”

She says buyers are paying a growing array of fees, including a pull-out fee to remove the vehicle from the auction and a fee to pay via check.

“The thing I get the most complaints about from our members is the fees that they’re paying at the auctions or that a new fee has all of a sudden appeared,” she says. “That is a very big, big concern for our industry.”

Wright says when the fees and higher prices of the vehicles are combined, his cost of goods as a percentage of his overall expenses has grown from 25 percent to 30 percent to nearly 50 percent to 55 percent. “It’s so much pressure on the recycler to continue operations as our margins continue to shrink,” he says.

“And the other dilemma is there are only two realistic salvage pools left,” Wright adds, citing Copart and IAA. “And those two companies probably control 90 percent of the insured local automotive recycler’s salvage, so there are no other alternatives for us.”

U Pull It Yard | Robertson Auto Salvage | Wareham, MA

Blalock says Copart and IAA are supportive of the automotive recycling industry and are associate members of the ARA. “I don’t know how we have any influence over that business model other than maybe sit down and talk with them and see if there isn’t something we could work out,” she says, adding that the ARA intends to sit down with leaders from the auction companies. “We need to sit down and see if there isn’t some consideration they could be giving with the true licensed professional auto recyclers that are buying cars from them.”

Blalock says smaller family-run auto recyclers, which at one time were the heart of the industry, are the companies most affected by the growth of the local automotive recyclers’ salvage auctions. “They’re having to pay those buyers’ fees, and it takes away from their buying power for the salvage they need to be profitable in their businesses,” she says. “It’s very sad to think that we might lose an entire segment of our industry just because they can’t afford to compete and pay not only the prices but all the other associated costs of getting cars.”This article initially appeared on Recycling Today

What to Look for When Buying a Used Truck

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham December 21, 2022 0 Comments Used Pickup Truck, Used Truck

Whether this is the first time you’ve shopped for a used truck or just the first time you’ve shopped for one online, it’s worth setting the groundwork before you start browsing.

Read our tips for buying a used truck. These are all of the things you need to consider when deciding which used pickup is the best fit for you.

Reasons to Buy A Used Truck vs. A New Truck

There are many reasons to buy a used truck rather than a new one. And no, it’s not just about the money. Money is still an excellent reason to buy a used truck. The price of new trucks has skyrocketed in the past few years. A used truck is always less expensive than a brand-new

one.

Additional Features – Better Investment

Because used trucks are more affordable, your budget will go further. This means you may find a used truck with additional features that you wouldn’t be able to afford if you bought a new one.

A new truck tends to depreciate rapidly for the first few years. But that downward curve isn’t as steep when buying a used truck. This means that if you sell your well-maintained, used truck later, you’ll get a better return on your investment.

Durability

You can’t beat quality craftsmanship. And some older pickups are made with better, more durable materials. Think steel instead of aluminum. This means that some used trucks may be made better than the newer models.

Things to Consider When Buying A Used Truck

So we’ve covered all the reasons why used trucks are well worth your consideration. But what’s the best way to buy a used truck?

To ensure you’re getting something that meets your budget and requirements, you should nail down exactly what kind of used pickup truck you’re looking for before you start your search.

To do that, consider all of the following points.

Price of a Used Truck

Budget will always be important when buying a used pickup. When figuring out your budget, factor in all truck ownership costs. This includes:
The sale price
The cost of any repairs or maintenance the truck may need today
Truck insurance costs
Extended warranty costs
Loan terms.

Age of a Used Truck

Some pickups age better than others. So do a little research on the make and model you’re considering to determine how long they’re likely to run without needing significant repairs.

Then you can figure out whether the age and mileage of a vehicle make
it is a sound investment.

Fuel Economy of a Used Truck

Fuel economy is another big consideration when buying used trucks.

A quick Google search will throw up the original EPA fuel economy estimates for any make and model on your shortlist.

Just remember that fuel economy decreases over time, so a used truck is unlikely to meet top EPA performance still.

Your Type of Pickup

Pickup trucks come in all shapes and sizes. There are light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty, two-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, luxury, half-ton, three-quarter-ton, one-ton, and compact pickup trucks.

Before you go used truck shopping, have a clear idea of what you 100% need your truck to do and what features are simply nice-to-have.

Size of Used Pickup Truck

What are you planning to use your truck for? And where will you be driving it?

Smaller trucks are easier to drive around urban areas. And they’re easier to park in standard parking lot spaces. Larger trucks have better horsepower and can haul or tow bigger weights.

Pickup Truck Beds

When buying a truck, you need to consider length and size. You’ll find trucks in both short- and long-bed configurations. Short-bed trucks (with a bed between 5 and 6.5 feet long) are easier

to maneuver. But long-bed trucks (with a bed of up to 8 feet long) are great for longer loads, like lumber or large furniture.

Pickup Truck Cabins

When buying a used truck, the next thing to consider is how many passengers you plan to carry around in your pickup. When shopping for a used truck, you’ll find three common cab types:

A standard cab – with two doors and two seats

An extended cab – with two doors and four seats (the front seats slide

forward to give you access to the rear seats)

A crew cab – with four doors and seating for three passengers in the

rear bank of seats (the most comfortable way to transport more than

two passengers).

Pickup Truck Towing capacity

If you’re looking to buy a used pickup, chances are you’re also interested in regularly hauling or towing loads. So you need to be confident that your chosen used truck can do what you have in mind.

An average light-duty truck has a towing capacity of around 12,000 lb. In contrast, the average heavy-duty pickup could tow up to 20,000 lb. But you should research the payload and towing capabilities of a particular make and model before you commit to buying it.

Remember that towing and hauling capacity is based upon the total weight transported — which means you have to factor in the weight of the driver and any passengers, not just the load in the back.

The Best Way to Buy A Used Truck: Online VS in Person

Buying a truck in person means you get to see it, inspect it, and test drive it yourself.

The downside? Shopping in person means limiting your search to your local area. This means many excellent used trucks don’t even make it to your shortlist.

When you shop for a used truck online, you get your pick of trucks from across the country. Shop with Robertson Auto Sales and Used Car Division, and you get many other benefits.

Four Used Vehicles Priced Under $40,000

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham July 28, 2022 0 Comments cars for sale, cash for cars, Pre Owned Vehicles For Sale, Salvage Yards, sell your car

Robertson’s Auto Salvage Wareham is a Pre-Owned Vehicle Dealership. Let’s take a look at the inventory that is currently available.

The Chevy Silverado 1500 is an excellent full-size pickup truck that’s very comfortable to ride in, whether at work or at play. This particular model is Deep Ocean Blue Metallic and decked out with a powerful 5.3 liter V8 OHV 16v gasoline engine. The Chevy Silverado 1500 also has the ability to haul and tow considerably large loads. This awesome truck, presented by Robertson’s Auto has an excellent infotainment system with simple controls, as well as a lot of available safety features. Priced at $39,900 at Robertson Auto Salvage.

Used Vehicles Priced Under $40,000 — 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500- $39,900

The Chevy Silverado 1500 full-size pickup is a great choice for those who need a big and powerful truck for work and or recreational activities. This vehicle is well equipped and includes a powerful 5.3 liter V8 OHV 16v gasoline engine paired with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission with overdrive. Chevy trucks are famous for their safety features, off-road capabilities, and the ability to tow large loads. You can purchase this beauty at Robertson’s Salvage.

2018 Ford F-150- $38,950 is in an incredibly competitive class, the 2018 Ford F-150 full-size pickup truck truly stands out as one of the best and most well-rounded vehicles. It’s a tough workhorse with good crash test ratings, compelling engine choices, and roomy cab options. This particular vehicle, available at Robertson’s Auto Salvage Wareham, has the 3.0 liter V6 DOHC 24v Engine with a ten-speed transmission.

The Crimson Red Tintcoat 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 has an incredibly powerful 6.2 liter V8 OHV 16v engine and one of the if not the nicest-looking cabins in the segment, with incredibly comfortable front seats and plenty of room even if you’re tall or drive around tall passengers. A used 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 is a great pickup truck that can serve soccer moms and as a workhorse. This truck has the ability to tow up to 12,500 pounds. In addition, the Sierra 1500’s infotainment system is one of the easiest to use in the class. Available at Robertson’s Auto

There are plenty of used vehicles under $5,000 currently available at Robertson’s Salvage. Now is the perfect time to purchase a gently used vehicle because the supply of new cars, trucks, SUV, and vans are still at an all-time low thanks to the microchip shortage, and the demand is at an all-time high. So, why not make things easier on yourself and purchase a used vehicle? You’ll be able to drive it off our lot right away and won’t have to wait months and months on end to receive it.

If you want to sell your vehicle or want to get rid of a junk automobile, you can sell us your car today. Robertson’s Auto Salvage Wareham pays top dollar for both used vehicles and junk cars in Southeastern Massachusetts. So, if you live in or near Plymouth, Falmouth, Fall River, Barnstable or Chatham, we will buy your vehicles in any condition. You get paid on the spot.

10 Facts About Automotive Recycling

Post by: Raphael Grovers June 14, 2022 0 Comments

Did you know that the automobile that you’re driving today will end up being recycled as used auto parts, metals, and other materials? Approximately 80% of your vehicle can be recycled. This is a good thing for the environment, the automotive industry, and consumers. Here are ten (10) facts about automotive recycling from Robertson Auto Salvage in Wareham, MA.

1. Automobiles are the most recycled consumer product in the entire world. There are over 25 million tons of materials being recycled from old cars, trucks, SUV,s and vans on a yearly basis.

2. Each year the automobile recycling industry in the U.S. and Canada contributes enough steel to produce roughly 13 million new vehicles. It also saves approximately 85 million barrels of oil.

3. The automobile recycling industry is the 16^th largest industry in the United States, contributing $25 billion a year to the national GDP. It also employs approximately 100,000 people, and has been in existence for over 75 years.

4. Vehicle recycling amounts to approximately 40% of ferrous metal for the scrap processing industry. In addition, the amount of hazardous fluids and oils that are safely reclaimed by auto recyclers is equal to eight Exxon Valdez disasters believe it or not.

5. Most auto recyclers are small businesses that supply retail and wholesale customers with quality auto parts that cost 20% to 80% less than comparable new auto parts. Over 75% of all automotive recycling companies employ ten (10) or more people.

6. Approximately 27 million vehicles per year reach the end of their life cycle and are recovered for recycling. Nearly Just 80% of a vehicle (by weight) is recycled. The remaining 20% is termed “auto shredder residue, which includes ferrous and nonferrous metal pieces, dirt, glass, fabric, paper, wood, rubber, and plastic.

7. Up to 99% of car batteries can be recycled. In addition, the materials recycled from automobile tires are used to produce roadways and sandals. Automobile windshield recycling is becoming popular as well.

8. In Europe, 75% of each vehicle is recycled. In the United States the automotive recycling industry supplies around 37% of all ferrous metal to blast furnaces and smelters across the country.

9. Just about 90% of a vehicle’s aluminum is recovered and recycled. Although this represents less than 10% of the vehicle by weight, it’s nearly 50% of the scrap value.

10: Recycling reduces automobile accidents because it keeps vehicles that are not working properly off of the road. It also keeps roadways clear of abandoned and disabled automobiles.

Sell us your car. Robertson’s Auto Salvage is now buying used vehicles as well. We will also pay you for your used auto parts and remove your junk cars. If you’re interested in purchasing or selling recycled auto parts online or in person please drop by or check out the Robertson’s Auto Salvage Wareham Website today.

We have been supplying local businesses and consumers quality recycled automotive parts since 1969. We even offer extended warranties on many recycled auto parts. Robertson’s Auto Salvage Massachusetts also sells a wide range of new aftermarket auto parts including rear bumpers, front and rear drive shafts, mirrors, wheels, headlamps, and fuel-sending units to name a few. We look forward to working with you.

Used Autos For Sale | Robertson Auto Salvage

Post by: Aaaron Cuttingham May 22, 2022 0 Comments Auto Recycling, Used Cars, Used SUVs, Used Trucks

The Robertson family has just about seen and experienced it all since we’ve been involved in the used automotive industry for so many years. However, we’ve never experienced a situation quite like the one that is occurring now. Needless to say, we’re all living through unprecedented times.

Prices are higher than ever before for everyday items such as groceries and fuel thanks to an all-time high spike in the inflation rate. The prices for new automobiles are through the roof. You can thank the global microchip shortage for that. The bottom line is that there isn’t a large enough supply of new vehicles to meet the current demand.

Robertson Used Vehicles

In fact, we’re currently suffering from the lowest supply of new cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs in modern times. New vehicles are hard to come by these days. Consumers are turning to used vehicles instead. That has significantly increased the prices of used vehicles. Due to the spike in used car prices, many hard-working people simply cannot afford to buy a used automobile that’s in good shape let alone decent shape. So, we knew that we had to do something about this in order to help the community.

Robertson’s Auto Salvage is announcing that we are now selling used automobiles that you can drive right off of our lot at incredibly affordable prices.

Visit our facility in person at 2680 Cranberry Hwy, Wareham, MA 02571 or check out our pre-owned inventory at https://robertson.autocomp.net/.

Robertson Pre Owned Vehicles

Robertson’s Auto Salvage has a pre-owned vehicle to fit everyone’s budget and taste.

Robertson Recycled Auto Parts

We have been supplying local businesses and consumers quality recycled automotive parts since 1969. We even offer extended warranties on many recycled auto parts. Robertson’s Auto Salvage also sells a wide range of new aftermarket auto parts including rear bumpers, front and rear driveshafts, mirrors, wheels, headlamps, and fuel sending units to name a few.

We look forward to working with you.

Call Now! (800) 551-7000