Mershon and Proteam
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Des Moines IA
Mershon and Proteam
I've heard some criticisms with regard to alot of these C2 dealers...Whats the knock on these guys? Looking at their websites, they appear to be very intent on making customers happy...Who are the good ones out there? Just curious.
Dannoman
Dannoman
Safety Car
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From: AUSTIN Tx
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
I think that as long as you allways remember that these guys are just used car dealers and nothing more you wil be less likely to be taken advantage of.
I would think that their motivation to have a happy customer is secondary to getting top dollar for any given car. You need to go into any possible purchase from any dealer with a healthy disregard for how the car is represented by them, and with the knowledge or an expert that can truly evaluate the car. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who will cough up better than $50,000 for a car soely on how the dealer represented it, and then complain about being taken advantage of when they find out later that the car was not as represented. A person can only be taken advantage of in such a sale if they allow themselves to be. You have to remember that almost all sales are as-is where-is with no warranty express or implied. The only time you can hold a dealer's feet to the fire is if he represents something in writing that is untrue, and that is why the standard dealer lingo is so vague, ie: "numbers matching" instead of "original".
Let the buyer beware!
Regards, John McGraw
[Modified by John McGraw, 6:15 PM 2/29/2004]
I would think that their motivation to have a happy customer is secondary to getting top dollar for any given car. You need to go into any possible purchase from any dealer with a healthy disregard for how the car is represented by them, and with the knowledge or an expert that can truly evaluate the car. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who will cough up better than $50,000 for a car soely on how the dealer represented it, and then complain about being taken advantage of when they find out later that the car was not as represented. A person can only be taken advantage of in such a sale if they allow themselves to be. You have to remember that almost all sales are as-is where-is with no warranty express or implied. The only time you can hold a dealer's feet to the fire is if he represents something in writing that is untrue, and that is why the standard dealer lingo is so vague, ie: "numbers matching" instead of "original".
Let the buyer beware!
Regards, John McGraw
[Modified by John McGraw, 6:15 PM 2/29/2004]
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 17,278
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From: If I say it's safe to surf this beach ......then it's safe to surf this beach
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
I've heard some criticisms with regard to alot of these C2 dealers..........Who are the good ones out there? Just curious.
Dannoman
Dannoman
There is also a dealer in Jersey, southern part methinks, with a good rep. Someone from that area may chime in with a name.
As for the ones you mentioned, I don't have any personal knowledge so I won't comment, even though I've heard enough to steer me away.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 5,401
Likes: 986
From: Itasca IL
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
I was very serious about buying a black 67 roadster at Mershon's last year. In my experience, they provided honest answers to my questions. However, you need to be an educated buyer and know exactly what you are looking at and looking for.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
the only thing I don't like about them is there abooudance of big block corvettes with no history with a price over 100k. Some times you think the sell more big blocks then they made orgianly. they also ask about 10k over what any other ask for the same car. when we had are car apprased last year for 30k for innsurance, you can't buy just like from any corvette place
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
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From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Re: Mershon and Proteam (John McGraw)
I agree with McGraw. If you want a c2, you are buying a used car - restored or not. If you are looking for a "correct" car, get educated, or get an expert to evaluate the car. If you pay for a matching number car and the casting number falls off at the car wash, you only have yourself to blame.
Conversely, if you are looking for a great car to drive, and you test drive it and like it and the price, you don't need an expert. It's mainly collectors who need experts.
For a "correct" Corvette, you can't beat shopping in the NCRS Driveline, but I didn't buy mine there.
I will say that old Corvettes are fun and intensive to maintain, and a thrill to drive. Be prepared to invest time and/or money to drive it great distances - what I refer to as REALLY Grand Touring. The rewards are as great as the efforts.
Conversely, if you are looking for a great car to drive, and you test drive it and like it and the price, you don't need an expert. It's mainly collectors who need experts.
For a "correct" Corvette, you can't beat shopping in the NCRS Driveline, but I didn't buy mine there.
I will say that old Corvettes are fun and intensive to maintain, and a thrill to drive. Be prepared to invest time and/or money to drive it great distances - what I refer to as REALLY Grand Touring. The rewards are as great as the efforts.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
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From: Living in the Hartland
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
Got my C3 from Proteam and as stated they are used car salesman, nothing wrong with that they are trying to amke a living but make sure you do your homework first, I did not and paid too much but I chalk it up to a lesson learned. Remember they are hunting down the deals and then tacking on a premium, how else are they going to make $?
Racer
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 404
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From: Sitka Alaska
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
Bought my 61 from Proteam a year ago, wanted a solid frame and a 10 footer (looks great from 10 feet away). At first I was a little bit disappointed but as time has gone on I like what was purchased. The frame is in excellant shape and the paint really looks quite good from even 5'. Most of the little problems haven't prevented me from jumping in and driving, in other words it runs great and is dependable. Paid too much? Possibly, but then one really won't know until its sold, no, its not for sale. Would I buy from them again?
EVERGREEN
EVERGREEN
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
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From: No. 13
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
With either one of these dealers, be very prepared, and if you aren't knowledgeable on the car you are seeking, enlist the aid of someone who is (NCRS judge, etc.). I have been to both establishments, and while I don't believe they tried anything overtly dishonest with me, you have to be on your game, as they make their money off your emotions and lack of detailed knowledge. They are very careful to couch their words such they minimize their exposure to reprocussions, if a car that is advertised as one thing, turns out to be another. As someone else said above...WAY too many undocumented BB cars for sale at both places. If you're looking for a plain-vanilla SB (300 hp, etc.) then your chances are better of getting the right deal.
Good luck :thumbs:
Good luck :thumbs:
Racer
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 428
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From: Garland TX
Re: Mershon and Proteam (RGGregory)
I got my '65 from Proteam in '99. Nothing but good to say about the whole transaction. The car was just as described, with exception of SS brake calipers which they rectified as soon as I notified them.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Bellmore New York New york
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'17
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
Got mine from http://WWW.uniquecorvettes.com They have been in buisness for about 25 years. He travels the country looking for the best Vettes. He is also at Carlisle every year. I have only great things to say about them. My car is still on their web site :cheers:
[Modified by vettejoel, 5:29 PM 3/3/2004]
[Modified by vettejoel, 5:30 PM 3/3/2004]
[Modified by vettejoel, 5:29 PM 3/3/2004]
[Modified by vettejoel, 5:30 PM 3/3/2004]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 8,506
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From: Calhoun, GA_______ Let It Rock
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
I would contact 2 of our very on members of this forum:
Dennis R. http://www.allmusclecars.com
and
Jim Gessner
Both of these guys will give you the honest truth and have been working and dealing with Corvettes for 20 years or more. They know the details of these cars down to the correct nuts and bolts.
Dennis R. http://www.allmusclecars.com
and
Jim Gessner
Both of these guys will give you the honest truth and have been working and dealing with Corvettes for 20 years or more. They know the details of these cars down to the correct nuts and bolts.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 0
From: No. 13
Re: Mershon and Proteam (vettejoel)
I've been out to Unique on LI...very nice stuff, and very nice people. They were knowledgeable and down to earth. They had quality stuff a pretty stiff price, but it was all EXACTLY as advertised.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 78
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From: Stafford VA
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
Knowledge is the key to a successful transaction. Get a "Corvette by the Numbers" book - great resource. I was determined to find a car from an individual rather than a used car lot so I search the net everyday. As you know, good deals, especially in the C2 market, don't last. I found my C2 on a Friday afternoon. Had the owner email me all the pictures he had, spoke to the previous owner to verify what the current owner was telling me. The next day, I drove to NJ (4 hours one way) with a trailer and the cash. As it turned out, the car checked-out so I negociated what I could (only $500 down) loaded it up and drove home. The car was only listed for 2 days. I paid $29,500 - all original except for the paint (originally Nassu Blue). I plan on returning it to the oringinal color. Also note - no AC, PW, or PB. Engine and drive train freshly rebuilt.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 482
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From: Des Moines IA
Re: Mershon and Proteam (JR's66coupe)
JR66
I'm with you...I'd much rather buy from a private owner. I guess I just feel you can get a much better idea what you're getting. Great advice you guys...and if anyone should come across a decent 64-67 vert in the mid to high 20's, email me or call me.
515-971-8100
Dan
I'm with you...I'd much rather buy from a private owner. I guess I just feel you can get a much better idea what you're getting. Great advice you guys...and if anyone should come across a decent 64-67 vert in the mid to high 20's, email me or call me.
515-971-8100
Dan
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 402
Likes: 27
From: Austin TX
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Dannoman)
John is correct, get educated and look at the car you are purchasing. I have a friend that is very well educated and he will not go look at a car without someone else with him. Even if you are sharp at buying, you can be "blinded by the light". A friend here in Austin has purchased two cars in the past year, one from Pro Team (Bloomington Benchmark Car) and one from Mecshons (NCRS five star Bow Tie Car) and has been happy with both. They are beautiful cars.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 16
From: absecon nj
Re: Mershon and Proteam (Tim Gilmore)
i agree with joe at contes in south jersey a great guy and very honest,wont steer you wrong. http://www.contes.com