Used in 1977

This was when I learned about car dealers. And vowed not to let me get taken by one again.

It was 1977 and I was looking for a good used car. I had previously purchased a 1971 Chevy Camero from an individual for $1800 and it required constant maintenance. I sold it a year later to another individual for $1200. I decided I didn’t want to buy used cars from individuals any longer. I decided to buy used cars from new car dealers in the future.

I found a 5 year old 1973 Olds Cutlass Supreme with 38,000 miles in Sept 1977 at Robinson-Lesline Buick in Wichita. I was 18 years old and my Dad came with me. It was listed at $3995. I test drove it and liked it. I offered $3500 and they agreed. My Dad had a trusted mechanic and we asked to have our mechanic look it over. They agreed.

There were several things my mechanic or I found that needed to be fixed: air conditioning switch loose, driver’s side lock needed securing, replace spare tire (worn) and adjust the speedometer. In addition, the mechanic suggested three other items, but said, “They probably won’t agree to these.” 1) At 5 years, the hoses start to deteriorate, so they should be replaced, 2) replace all 4 shocks and 3) ask to call the prior owner so you can ask about the history. They agreed to all of these.

I called the prior owner and talked to him in the salesman’s office while he was present. I asked about the history and asked him why he was selling. He said that his grandchildren sometimes ride in the car and when they move from the back seat to the front seat (yes, before seat belt use was common), they sometimes hit the console shift knob and it shifts into neutral. So, they got a car with the shift on the steering column.

I also asked the owner how much the dealership gave him for the trade in. (Yes, not tactful! I didn’t care what the salesman thought of me). He said the dealer gave him $2400 for the trade in. This was the first time I realized what a huge profit margin the car dealers have. I vowed to myself not to let that happen on another car purchase.

I had a name for this car, Blue Baby, aka “BB”. I kept this car in good maintenance and waxed it regularly. I even had the transmission rebuilt twice, once in 1983 for $175 and again in 1986 for $500. But I still had the last laugh. I kept this car for 10 years until 179,000 miles and I got more than my moneys’ worth out of it!

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