mershons in springfield ohio
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 14
From: LaMoille Illinois
mershons in springfield ohio
I am interested in a 69 roadster these guys have for sale just wondering if anyone has ever dealt with them or heard any issues with any of their cars etc???? thanx
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
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have a friend who flew out to them from Conneticut after seeing a 82 on their site. Pictures turned out be somewhat deceiving concerning whether the car had ever been repainted due to accident. Also traced the car back to a previous owner that was a body shop and too many things didnt add up. In addition have another friend also an 82 who bought a different car and after getting it back here discovered the reason the check engine light wasnt coming on was because the bulb had been removed. So buyer beware.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,285
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi b,
I look at the group (8-10) of cars that Mershons brings to Carlisle each summer.
From a distance they usually look nice, but up close they're often over priced or something isn't quite right for the price.
I guess you need to be knowledgeable about the car you're looking at, and also have a feeling for what the price range should be.
Remember these dealers buy cars they think they can make a good profit on so you need to look very carefully at the car to learn for certain what you're buying.
The fact that they have been in business for so long can only mean that enough of their customers are happy.
Regards,
Alan
I look at the group (8-10) of cars that Mershons brings to Carlisle each summer.
From a distance they usually look nice, but up close they're often over priced or something isn't quite right for the price.
I guess you need to be knowledgeable about the car you're looking at, and also have a feeling for what the price range should be.
Remember these dealers buy cars they think they can make a good profit on so you need to look very carefully at the car to learn for certain what you're buying.
The fact that they have been in business for so long can only mean that enough of their customers are happy.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 12, 2015 at 12:55 PM.
CF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Cape Cod, Mass.
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If you go over to the C1/C2 section and do a search, typing in Mershons, you will get alot of information. They have been the subject of frequent discussions there. I have had no dealings with them personally.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
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From: Columbus OH
I have never bought anything from them, but have stopped by their shop many times to browse and look around. They are nice guys, and willing to let you go anywhere in their shop. Even into the garages and their back lot where they receive cars before putting them out for sale.
For the most part, what is said is true. The cars are priced high to start with, but if you are truly interested, cash talks, bs walks. I have met some owners that have purchased their vehicles from the lot and some said that they did not pay the asking price, and only paid what they felt was appropriate for the market and what they were comfortable with. However, some still admit to paying a little bit of a premium because the car they "had to have" was on the lot.
Good luck in your search.
For the most part, what is said is true. The cars are priced high to start with, but if you are truly interested, cash talks, bs walks. I have met some owners that have purchased their vehicles from the lot and some said that they did not pay the asking price, and only paid what they felt was appropriate for the market and what they were comfortable with. However, some still admit to paying a little bit of a premium because the car they "had to have" was on the lot.
Good luck in your search.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 829
Likes: 2
From: Scottdale Pa
As Alan 71 stated the cars at Carlisle are drivers and 10 ft cars,I certainly would not buy a car sight unseen from them. As for their prices being high, they will negotiate and I found the Son somewhat honest when I spoke to him about a C2 that I was interested in trading a C5 for. Used car sale people are all the same...... beware. Crab
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Le Mans Master
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These types of specialty shops like Mershons, and another down in Cincinnati, only exist because rich guys don't want to shop around and just drop the money. These places put ridiculously high prices on their cars, mostly because there are enough wealthy folks around who don't know any better to keep them in business. One one hand they would sell you a car at high prices, and next breath would be to lowball you if you tried to sell them yours. Typical car salesman, but even worse because they are dealing in classics, and the narrow market that exists around them. The guy in Cincy is so bad, I can't stand walking in the door. Meanwhile he has signs all about being a Christian.
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Hi b,
I look at the group (8-10) of cars that Mershons brings to Carlisle each summer.
From a distance they usually look nice, but up close they're often over priced or something isn't quite right for the price.
I guess you need to be knowledgeable about the car you're looking at, and also have a feeling for what the price range should be.
Remember these dealers buy cars they think they can make a good profit on so you need to look very carefully at the car to learn for certain what you're buying.
The fact that they have been in business for so long can only mean that enough of their customers are happy.
Regards,
Alan
I look at the group (8-10) of cars that Mershons brings to Carlisle each summer.
From a distance they usually look nice, but up close they're often over priced or something isn't quite right for the price.
I guess you need to be knowledgeable about the car you're looking at, and also have a feeling for what the price range should be.
Remember these dealers buy cars they think they can make a good profit on so you need to look very carefully at the car to learn for certain what you're buying.
The fact that they have been in business for so long can only mean that enough of their customers are happy.
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 539
Likes: 87
From: SW Ohio
B
I stopped by Mershons Friday with wife. I looked @ a blue 66 they had just for fun.
I saw the red 69 you are interested in it, overall it looked sharp. It may have been hit in front some time ago, just was not as smooth as some on the noise. Overall the paint looked great, bright & sparkly. Lifted the hood looked stock.
I have a friend who just traded in a 61 2 4 barrel car for a 66 + cash he was happy. They always ask high prices & deal. I could go back & look closer end of next week if you like. PM me I am experienced with Vette's. Chuck
I stopped by Mershons Friday with wife. I looked @ a blue 66 they had just for fun.
I saw the red 69 you are interested in it, overall it looked sharp. It may have been hit in front some time ago, just was not as smooth as some on the noise. Overall the paint looked great, bright & sparkly. Lifted the hood looked stock.
I have a friend who just traded in a 61 2 4 barrel car for a 66 + cash he was happy. They always ask high prices & deal. I could go back & look closer end of next week if you like. PM me I am experienced with Vette's. Chuck
Pro
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 515
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From: Grosse Pte. Mich.
When I first decided that I was going to purchase an old Vette, I spent about a year researching everything I could find out about these cars, including market value. Mershon always seemed high, compared to what private owners had to offer. Now granted, they did seem to have a great selection of "premium" vehicles, i.e.: highly optioned mid years, big block C-3's, etc.
That being said, the only car dealer that I've ever dealt with was when purchasing new, for my daily driver. When buying classic, muscle or Vette, I will only deal with a private owner. I prefer as much history as I can get, as in documentation relating to any restoration, replacement or routine maintenance. More often than not, talking with the owner will allow you to get a sense of the integrity of any work or restoration that's been done to the car.
Personally, I would look at the for sale section here in this forum. There are a lot of honest people here that offer up some beautifully restored cars, fairly regularly at great prices.
That being said, the only car dealer that I've ever dealt with was when purchasing new, for my daily driver. When buying classic, muscle or Vette, I will only deal with a private owner. I prefer as much history as I can get, as in documentation relating to any restoration, replacement or routine maintenance. More often than not, talking with the owner will allow you to get a sense of the integrity of any work or restoration that's been done to the car.
Personally, I would look at the for sale section here in this forum. There are a lot of honest people here that offer up some beautifully restored cars, fairly regularly at great prices.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 14
From: LaMoille Illinois
thanx for all the replies!! I have dealt with some (classic) car shops here in illinois and 90% of them have way overpriced trash fake clone crap, thats why i asked.
i was looking at the orange 69 4 speed vert they have on flea bay and offered an even trade for my 71 chevelle which i have 15grand into but its appraised and insured for 29grand so if the car was clean and straight i realy wouldnt be out any premium cost s they are asking 29,000 for a 69 non matching numbers car with a sb and a 4 speed probably worth closer to 18-20
i was looking at the orange 69 4 speed vert they have on flea bay and offered an even trade for my 71 chevelle which i have 15grand into but its appraised and insured for 29grand so if the car was clean and straight i realy wouldnt be out any premium cost s they are asking 29,000 for a 69 non matching numbers car with a sb and a 4 speed probably worth closer to 18-20
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
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From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I taught a How To Buy class with Dan Mershon at Bloomington Gold and found him to be a pretty straight shooter. I have not purchased a car from him.
I will say that most dealers have higher asking prices for obvious reasons. I'll also say that I would never categorize "private sellers" as being any better or worse than dealers. Both types of sellers can lie and misrepresent. And, private owners have less to lose in misrepresenting while selling their one car than dealers that have been in business for many years and have a reputation to protect. Private sellers can get away with a lot more fuzzy stories.
My point is, its up to the prospective buyer to properly research and analyze each CAR not the seller. Get some help, an informed Corvette person to act as a second pair of disinterested eyes and evaluate the car. If you are interested, then evaluate the price as it lays in the market. Then, either buy it or move on to the next candidate.
I will say that most dealers have higher asking prices for obvious reasons. I'll also say that I would never categorize "private sellers" as being any better or worse than dealers. Both types of sellers can lie and misrepresent. And, private owners have less to lose in misrepresenting while selling their one car than dealers that have been in business for many years and have a reputation to protect. Private sellers can get away with a lot more fuzzy stories.
My point is, its up to the prospective buyer to properly research and analyze each CAR not the seller. Get some help, an informed Corvette person to act as a second pair of disinterested eyes and evaluate the car. If you are interested, then evaluate the price as it lays in the market. Then, either buy it or move on to the next candidate.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
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From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
I taught a How To Buy class with Dan Mershon at Bloomington Gold and found him to be a pretty straight shooter. I have not purchased a car from him.
I will say that most dealers have higher asking prices for obvious reasons. I'll also say that I would never categorize "private sellers" as being any better or worse than dealers. Both types of sellers can lie and misrepresent. And, private owners have less to lose in misrepresenting while selling their one car than dealers that have been in business for many years and have a reputation to protect. Private sellers can get away with a lot more fuzzy stories.
My point is, its up to the prospective buyer to properly research and analyze each CAR not the seller. Get some help, an informed Corvette person to act as a second pair of disinterested eyes and evaluate the car. If you are interested, then evaluate the price as it lays in the market. Then, either buy it or move on to the next candidate.
I will say that most dealers have higher asking prices for obvious reasons. I'll also say that I would never categorize "private sellers" as being any better or worse than dealers. Both types of sellers can lie and misrepresent. And, private owners have less to lose in misrepresenting while selling their one car than dealers that have been in business for many years and have a reputation to protect. Private sellers can get away with a lot more fuzzy stories.
My point is, its up to the prospective buyer to properly research and analyze each CAR not the seller. Get some help, an informed Corvette person to act as a second pair of disinterested eyes and evaluate the car. If you are interested, then evaluate the price as it lays in the market. Then, either buy it or move on to the next candidate.
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,988
Likes: 6,212
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
That's partially correct that private people have nothing to lose , but when it comes to dealers you should never assume that they will be honest just to preserve their good reputation. I know plenty of companies that continually screw people and somehow still manage to stay in business. I guess it's true that there is a sucker born every minute.
What I said was, there are many people who seem to think private sellers have the market cornered on honesty. They absolutely do not. I said neither private nor dealer is better or worse as they both could misrepresent, which is why I always put all the responsibility on the buyer to do what he needs to buy the right car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 3,465
Likes: 149
From: Earth
I will say that most dealers have higher asking prices for obvious reasons. I'll also say that I would never categorize "private sellers" as being any better or worse than dealers. Both types of sellers can lie and misrepresent. And, private owners have less to lose in misrepresenting while selling their one car than dealers that have been in business for many years and have a reputation to protect. Private sellers can get away with a lot more fuzzy stories.
My point is, its up to the prospective buyer to properly research and analyze each CAR not the seller. Get some help, an informed Corvette person to act as a second pair of disinterested eyes and evaluate the car. If you are interested, then evaluate the price as it lays in the market. Then, either buy it or move on to the next candidate.
The car is going to tell a story and read how the car is being represented. Many times for the "right car" your paying a dealer for his knowledge in certain areas that you might be lacking.
Its difficult to make everyone happy on things 45 years old, so like have said get a second set of eyes that knows 69's.