Car shortage

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 10:55 AM

Went to both a Honda and a Volkswagen dealership this past week.
Both had next to no inventory on their lots. (the VW dealer had a few Atlas's)

Asked a salesperson at each and both gave me the same answer.....
"Covid and the chip shortage"
I also noticed lately that the used car lots are real low also.

Might be a great time for selling a car this spring.
But not so good...if looking to buy.

GothingNC · 02-22-2021, 11:06 AM

Plenty of inventory at the VW dealerships in Raleigh and Cary NC

239 vehicles in stock

65 Used VW's

Crowbob · 02-22-2021, 11:07 AM

Lots and lots of cars on the lots here, new and used.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 11:10 AM

Maybe it's more of a regional thing. On the VW lot...1 Golf TSI...no GTI's at all
On the Honda lot...no Civic hatchbacks or Civic Type R...no HR-V's.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 11:14 AM

I'm tempted to use Carvana.

Steve Carlton · 02-22-2021, 11:24 AM

Just make sure the selling price is good. They pay too much for a lot of their cars.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 11:31 AM

^^^ Yeah, I noticed that most prices are on the high side.
I've been reading the reviews...a few complaints about chips and scratches not being disclosed.
Otherwise...most were happy. Of course the bad reviews could be edited out also.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

My brother bought a car from Carvana and was pretty happy with the whole transaction. He bought a car and traded his in. I guess they dropped his "new" car off and picked up the trade. Keep in mind, an upset buyer is more likely to post a review than a satisfied buyer.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 11:54 AM

Browsing through the Carvana site....a lot of the cars have a 'On Hold' tag on them.
Meaning someone else is in the process of buying it.

1990C4S · 02-22-2021, 12:13 PM

A LOT of car plants are shut down now for chip shortages. COVID is not the issue from what I've seen. Every plant is staffed, the shortage is material to build vehicles.

You can tell which vehicles make the most profit, those lines are not be shut down, or they are shut for the minimum period.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 12:53 PM

^^^ I wonder if they are told to answer the Covid thing...along with chip shortage?
Whatever it is...I believe we will hear a lot more of the shortage soon.

Crowbob · 02-22-2021, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

^^^ I wonder if they are told to answer the Covid thing...along with chip shortage?
Whatever it is...I believe we will hear a lot more of the shortage soon.

I’m not having any problem finding cool ranch Doritos, thank you DJT!

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

It isn't just cars btw. That UTV I posted a pic of in your other thread, I bought a nice used one because if I decided to go new it was about 3 months before I'd have it if the dealer didn't have it on the showroom floor. In talking with a lot of my suppliers for used construction equipment, the manufacturers are putting priority on customer orders so dealer stock gets put on the back burner. Used cars, trucks, UTV's construction equipment prices have reflected this new reality.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 03:03 PM

The money is there...the cars are not.
I expect a big increase in car prices...esp used cars.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

The money is there...the cars are not.
I expect a big increase in car prices...esp used cars.

Like I said, same thing in construction equipment. I just bought my first two pieces for 2021 and we're practically in the third month of the year already. Good thing I don't panic easily. Demand is ridiculous. I've found myself wondering where all this money is coming from.

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 03:57 PM

There is a lot of pent-up money for spending.
With limited product...prices will only go up.

cabmandone · cabmandone's Garage

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevej37

There is a lot of pent-up money for spending.
With limited product...prices will only go up.

I've been seeing that in the construction equipment market since about April of 2020. The prices just keep moving up which is what is causing my lack of inventory. Machines are brining at auction what I'd typically ask for one. The issue becomes do I change my valuations or ride this out. I don't want to be that guy who ends up having a bunch of inventory that isn't worth what he has in it. The good news is, I've worked to position myself so that I can take a sit back and watch approach.

MBAtarga · 02-22-2021, 05:28 PM

I purchased a BMW 328 from Carvana about 6 years ago- when they had only started up in a few cities. My son bought a Honda Accord from them about 5 years ago - drove it for several years and then sold it back to them.

Send me a PM if you are looking at Carvana as a serious option. I can give you referral info which will save you some worthwhile bucks. (Disclaimer - I get a small incentive as well.)

stevej37 · 02-22-2021, 05:38 PM

^^^ Thanks...appreciate the offer. So far, I'm just looking because I know I need to replace the Fit sometime. It's closing in on 250K miles...but it still runs and drives like new.

jcommin · jcommin's Garage

I work for a global OE automotive supplier. My facility has 70% aftermarket parts. I can tell you that Jan and Feb were record months for the aftermarket way beyond plan. It's not very explainable. The OE Heavy duty segment is up too (diesel truck) as well.