I Try To Buy a GOOD, Cheap Car At a Dealer Auction: It's Harder Than You Think!

Register today at SalvageReseller.com and start bidding on salvage auto auctions without needing a dealer license. Register for free and use code CLASSIC20 to save 20%. Go find your salvage car gem now! www.salvagereseller.com/TFLCl...
In this video Brendan heads to the auction to try and buy a good, cheap car. Here's how it went!
( www.alltfl.com/ ) Check out our new spot to find ALL our content, from news to videos and our podcasts!
( / tflcar ) Visit our Patreon page to support the TFL team!
Watch more videos from TFL Studios:
The Fast Lane Truck ( / tfltruck )
The Fast Lane Car ( / tflcar )
TFLoffroad ( / tfloffroad )
TFLbike (kzbin.info/door/lbike )
TFLnow ( / tflnow )
TFLclassics ( / tflclassics )
TFLtalk ( / tfltalk )
TFL Podcasts:
TFL Talkin' Cars Podcast ( redcircle.com/shows/tfltalk-c... )
TFL Talkin' Trucks Podcast ( redcircle.com/shows/tfl-talki... )

[@garattyfisher]

Brendan is the new star of TFL, in my opinion. I love watching his videos. Keep them coming.

[@keithdosik]

Absolutely! And I also love the cars that he buys

[@EnthusiastCarHangar]

I agree!

[@SunnynPhilly]

Yea, the auction videos are a fun watch! He gets a cool random assortment of used cars too, way more interesting then channels that only buy super cars. 🤙 …only downside is watching this channel is going to eventually lead to me buying a Park Avenue or Towncar I don’t need but really want now as a spare car. 😂

[@cbsvth22]

He buys cars that most of us can buy! That's amazing just scored me a 2008 Civic Si for $3500. And just for kicks and giggles drag race it with the 5.0L mustang:)

[@justintarvid]

@@cbsvth22No he doesn't. He buys car at a dealer only auction. This is B side TFL crap at best.

[@jbandt]

The auction vids are my favorites. It's just cool to see some of the older cars that can sometimes be good daily's with just a little tlc be had for pretty cheap. It would be cool to see videos showing the whole process from purchase, the work and cost to repair, and then the sold price, or at least the asking price. The whole flipping process is interesting.

[@AbandonedExplorationUrbex1979]

Right

[@jedpalfreyman9807]

Kinda wish we could have seen what that dakota went for, would've been real interesting to see how close everybody's guesses were

[@charlestaylor8832]

My thought as well. The Dakota was the most interesting of the finds.

[@stephenmakos1649]

Love the auction videos, yes keep us updated on the mitsu...what did the Dakota go for?..

[@Randyplaysguitars]

I bet around 5-6 grand and put up for sale or at least $10000

[@jw8327]

I don't know if it's that I like watching Brendan's content or just that I appreciate that he talks about cars I can afford most of the time not what I'd like to pay for a house😅

[@Lexrolla-1]

I love these budget friendly car videos ❤

[@dswarefsu]

Enjoying your content Brendan. Love checking out older cars and seeing what they go for. You’re keeping TFL classic.

[@vincentspencer3699]

I would definitely watch a video where you take the cars to the mechanic shop and see what they recommend as far as repairs needed.

[@y_y_zed]

Totally agree with many of the top comments! Keep giving Brendan money for a full on auction series! This was fantastic!

[@lanceripplinger8352]

Brendan is the man. Thank you for taking us through the process of the auction, that was really cool! Cool car you got there!

[@davekaylor458]

I Love these auction videos, and Brendan does a great job, and getting better. Kind of curious what the Dakota went for, since he tried it.

[@chrisapril76]

Yes more videos like this, but please tell us how much that Dakota went for!

[@mattbaker5364]

Definitely more videos like this! I think you got a solid score on the Eclipse. Not gonna make big money on it, but you got a running, driving car with AC for 2300. That's a score.

[@speedracerjeff]

He paid way too much, nobody wants that generation Eclipse.

[@mattbaker5364]

@@speedracerjeff Meh, if you're looking for an Eclipse? Then yeah, then maybe not your first choice. If you're looking for a running, driving car, it's EASILY a solid score. The cheapest one on autotrader nationwide is $1995 and it looks thrashed. It's a fine deal.

[@robervin9107]

Brendan is getting the fan love he deserves along with tommy and kase. I love seeing that in the comments warms my heart. Your doing awesome job. I’m proud of you mr fit and phenomenal

[@scottsporowicz4621]

The AMG is scary, if that’s the rust you can see imagine the rust you can’t

[@devildog5354]

An AMG (money pit) that used is scary. I would run away 'fast'...

[@blankchannel7656]

@@devildog5354you obviously dont know what youre talking about. Rust was the only issue the V8 W210’s faced. Its plenty on the market with more than 300k miles in driving condition.

[@devildog5354]

@@blankchannel7656 Money pit; take it in for service or a mechanical issue. Or maybe the dealerships and shops feels sorry for them and perform the work for free?

[@blankchannel7656]

@@devildog5354 how many have you owned to speak?

[@devildog5354]

@@blankchannel7656 My Brother's son-in-law is a German car mechanic; I'm too smart to own one...

[@steveb6287]

I really appreciate the look into the auction action! Nice work Brendan. That first gen V8 Dakota was my favorite.

[@steveb6287]

Be very cool to see what your mechanic thinks of it.

[@jrtaylor2288]

​@steveb6287 Absolutely and I wish he would look at and show the frames

[@Johnny_Kanuk]

I want to know what that Dakota went for. It was in really good shape.

[@richonsound6531]

The way the red beard flows in the wind. Majestic!

[@DT-123]

Pretty sure I found the listing for the Dakota at a dealer in Denver called Shift Automotive Ltd. They were asking 8997

[@wadeb.5509]

Good work, thanks

[@chriscleveland9203]

This was a cool format for auction videos. Bring us more!

[@davidtaylor5811]

This is becoming my favorite channel. The Dakota would have been fun at the ranch but I'm curious to see how you make out with the Eclipse.

[@flatheadV8]

More of this type of video please. Would like to know the end story also of this car, ie did it sell for a profit? Would also liked to know what the Dodge pickup made at the auction.

[@tannerthomas5986]

Great video! Brendan you are awesome!

[@Mr.Worf63]

Job well done Branden ! Great video content , love seeing the deals you can get.

[@TheCoyote808]

The facelifted 1st gen Dakota brings back so many memories. My first truck was a 96 Dakota Sport (base model) with the optional Magnum V6, 5 speed manual, 2wd, single cab, short bed. Great little handy truck for a teenager's first truck bought cash. Also, I paid $1700 for my 96 with 179k island miles in 2006. It was a 1 owner truck that was used by a contractor in pretty damn good condition.

[@johnjohnw38261]

Brendan, you need you own channel!!! I love your auction videos! Lets see more of that eclipse!

[@franzvanjulio5523]

It seems like you got a nice car. I love coupes and this one seems like a pretty clean car. Spruce up the interior a bit and you’ve got yourself a winner. Nice video, Brendan!

[@GeorgeGeo]

Wow.. I like that Dakota alot

[@alexochoamx198]

I really like these auction episodes. Keep ‘em coming

[@jeffdanilovitz10]

I love these auction videos. Keep them coming!

[@robertbelasco3859]

Please more of this type video. I really enjoyed it.

[@Ruben-dr4yi]

Love these videos keep them coming

[@tornadotj2059]

I'd totally buy that first gen Dakota. I've owned 2 of them, both V8s, one was 4x2 and one 4x4. The 4x2 got t-boned while being loaned to someone with over 300,000 miles. The 4x4 is at my father's place, over 300,000 miles and still runs great. They are pretty indestructible other than the door hinges tend to have problems. That's a good looking truck. Run away from that E55, the air suspension is either failed or it will be soon. I had a CLK 55 AMG and the traction thing is normal, they just can't grab hold...

[@einfeldt777]

That was interesting to see how the auction works, would like to see what it will take to sort out your new vehicle. Great video 👍🤗🤗

[@Valley_view]

Excellent video, i definitely want to see more videos like this.

[@michaelmartin2276]

I had a 1984 Dodge truck with the 318/5.2 and with 4x4, stick shift. Had it till 1998. 384k miles ! Id buy the Dakota right now !

[@davidiniguezjr214]

Keep them coming Brendan. You and Tommy are my favorite at TFL.

[@davidrudd9846]

Really enjoy the auction videos and more on the eclipse

[@HAHA.GoodMeme]

nice buy Brendan!! You'll be able to flip that for profit no problem. Lots of eclipse lovers out there.

[@CharCharTV]

I want to know what that Dodge went for lol it was pretty nice

[@ryand4940]

Bought that same car (same yr, color, model, etc) in 2009 for $3500. Had 120k miles on it. Crazy how things have changed. Drove it for 6yrs and no issues. Drive it like it was a race car too. Lol

[@fscottgray9784]

First generation Dakotas are great truck and go high at the auctions around here. It would have hit 4 K in Idaho. Real good sleepers are first generation Durangos. I generally pay under 2 K for them and they are solid units. Pickups just get a big premium no matter how old or brand.

[@oldjoe805]

Love these videos bud

[@propertypreparedness6846]

Well done sir.

[@kzakis3350]

Pin for cd in mits usually is the last 4 digits of the vin, try that to see if it unlocks it

[@architypeone8646]

The 318 engine is Bullitt proof, and if it has been maintained you can get 300k out of them without major issues. I had a 95' Dakota with the V-6, 5speed manual and 4wd and it was a great truck. That is a pretty rare truck since most of them have rusted away.

[@deyeatdapoopoo7582]

Love me some Brendan. You've become my favorite host on TFL. Love that you test and review cars that people can actually afford, and the long format videos are great for actually getting to know what the cars (or in this case the auction process) are like. Keep it up! That Eclipse was a good score, especially in this economy. Judging from the condition it was well taken care of and looked after and the engine sounded great. 200,000 miles is not much on a car that's been well maintained assuming the powertrains don't have major issues which these V6s and 5MTs don't. Also your beard is 🔥🔥🔥.

[@raifpasha8091]

Keep doing these auction videos!

[@JRWJ2K]

I think you got a good deal. I don't like Mitsubishis at all but I know there is a fan base willing to spend money on a good project car like yours. I know about getting carried away in an auto auction. I got burnt once using one of those auto auctions websites biding remotely to a 2008 4Runner that was in a dealership in Massachusetts with clean title, no accidents, blah, blah, and it looked incredible in pictures but ended up being a rust bucket that required a lot of work, parts and to make it worse a time chain job $$$$. 😑

[@razorback02]

The Status Coupe, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Gallant of that era are all on the same chassis. The early Stratus Coupe shared the powertrain and many interior components with the Eclipse, but it has the longer wheelbase of the Gallant.

[@drewschmanke6238]

😮that's cool. Just change the wheels an tires an then fix any suspension problems

[@stephanlevesque7632]

Love these videos

[@jacquesc3166]

The E55 spinning tires was most likely a combo of bad/old tires, a seemingly healthy 5.4 and this "surface" you were punching it on. Too bad it's rusted through, powertrain seems alright.

[@phild9813]

One really good looking car from that era. Sounds like a good runner too.

[@selfcarefordudes]

That Dakota is a steal! These are great reliable trucks. I still see them on the road today. Still waiting on Ram to release a new Dakota.

[@genesiscollins6213]

Curious what the Dakota sold for

[@donaldmorrison5289]

Great vid, please more of the same re the Eclipse ad whatever else you buy in the future!

[@chrisbrownaz]

I love 90's, and 00's era coupes. I would love more videos on this car.

[@rogermiles7800]

My mechanical sympathy was killing me when he was in 4 hi on pavement

[@shawnfalls3538]

Keep them coming.

[@Stuka87]

The interior looks really good for that many miles. I think you got a decent deal on it. I would love to see a modern take on this, as it was the last high volume car Mitsu really had here in the states. Everything since then has sold in much lower numbers.

[@Dreamweaver17]

I think you got a steal, I've always loved these cars! Would like to see you keep us updated on it!

[@johnhart5102]

Would love to see a couple videos on this car. See what Tommy thinks.

[@zavgor]

Love to see more

[@vincentspencer3699]

That blue Subie wagon behind the Eclipse looks pretty cool too!…

[@MattyboiCruzer]

I think the Eclipse was a good purchase from what I’ve seen so far! And I think 💭 you got a good deal, but I am Canadian and I know a car like that in good condition and driving order would go for that much or even more in CAD…😅. And I would say keep the videos coming! I love seeing follow up videos on your guys’ content! And thanks for this video 😊

[@wolfeadventures]

Love the auction videos.

[@seanoreilly6551]

Looks like all the big stuff are working fine. Fixing the breaks are usually less costly than AC or transmission. Only after a long drive will you know if it has been sitting for a while for seals and stuff.

[@99unclebob]

Nice video Brendan, your Eclipse GT will sell easy, minty body, those were still the days when Mitsubishi built higher quality cars versus today, that Benzs, Hah i looked ups used trunk lid was over a grand and you still have to paint it, another grand, the Dakota sweet truck, their weak link was the trans and transfer case, the S10 yes bad trans on most 1999 or newer ones, you did well on the Eclipse GT , Toby if you use him will get it right and you won't over pay and then i guess an emissions test , then you can sell it, those seat covers look to be real sheep skin they were $200 a piece when new 👍

[@wwz1011]

Good job! Yes, more on the Eclipse, it's an A to B car in nice shape and working AC. Should make some money on it. That Mercedes was a money pit. Good to miss out on that "bargain". I would like to have seen more on the Element in the donate line. Those hold their value very well.

[@jimcostantino6244]

Nice deal.... How much did the Dakota go for ?

[@karenlusk2604]

Yes want to see more more contract about this car

[@shannonmoch]

I appreciate the auction episodes. They give access to a world that not everyone can see unless you are a dealer. At 200k I would be worried about the transmission myself from Mitsubishi.

[@theoracleprodigy]

I'd worry about engine, transmission, struts, control arms, interior, electronics with any car at 200k miles.

[@vpawlowski]

I always seem to overpay at the auction. There has got to be a hack somewhere for the radio code -- If you find out how to crack it, maybe a short video? Nice job on this one. It's always fun to bid on cars for ourselves.

[@robertdiehl9003]

Nice Dakota. Those have not been seen in 30 years in New Jersey.

[@kylemarley5876]

Love the eclipse. Let’s see some more videos with it.

[@jasons7070]

buddy the first think you need to do with that eclipse is replace all the timing parts (belt, tensioners, etc) these motors are a 60k service interval and when they say 60k they mean 60k. with 200k on it it's probably been done twice, if your lucky thrice. I had the 2001 Stratus R/T version of this car, same motor, loved the car but i had to have timing done twice before 100k. second time the motor somehow didn't grenade itself when the tensioner blew up

[@jasonbrooks3219]

Having owned a 2002 Eclipse GT for 12 years i would say you got a good deal. I bought it with 48k miles and sold it with 213k miles. Most reliable car i have owned. My only regret is selling it.

[@jon81wayne18]

Great looking car! There is a lot of junk for even $4-5k so I would be curious what happens to that car….the C4 Corvette got a bunch of videos for Tommy so I hope this car serves you well…

[@JPD617]

Color is decent. I liked the body style right before this one. A buddy had the turbo older style, that thing was pretty quick.

[@johninama585]

I saw a few I'd like that you didn't really look at. I think there was a Camry in the donate lot. I also would've tried for the Cherokee, RWD or not!

[@chriscleveland9203]

That v6 sounds pretty good!

[@feedrate1]

Agreed I like watching this stuff .

[@davidmilhouscarter8198]

2:23 My Dakota has a 5.2 Liter V8 and a manual transmission. Mine is a ‘99.

[@IainWandersButIsNotLost]

Definitely would like to see how the Eclipse holds up and if it turns out to be a reliable daily driver.

[@californiafox3974]

What ever happened to the Dodge Dakota at the auction, how much did that go for? Nice Eclipse, would like to see more videos on it!

[@mhassouneh]

That V8 Dodge pickup looked really nice 😎

[@PaddyBoy644]

I’d love to see more live auction videos!

[@mitchstein288]

Of all of them on your list, I was hoping you'd get the Mitsubishi. It seemed to be in the best condition. Also, I'd trust buying that high mileage Mitsu over that Mercedes any day. When you started looking at the Mercedes I was like "Brendan no!" 😂 those old German cars are a nightmare as far as cost to fix and reliability. $2,300 all in isn't so bad, I think you can still make some on it. I think you for sure got the best of what you were looking at. I'd for sure like to see you do some follow up video on it. Maybe take on one of Roman's recent buys - the Mustangs - and see what the fun factor is per dollar spent? I don't know, but I would like to see more videos on this car. The DSM (Diamond Star Motors - Mitsubishi/Dodge) era cars were really cool cars. I don't know if there were any Dodge cars that utilized this platform though, I think you were thinking about the Dodge Stealth, which is a 3000GT.

[@nathanimel6849]

More auction vids pls. I wish u wlda showed what happened with that Dakota.

[@pernell4351]

Looks like you got a great deal for the condition of car. Be size of mileage I would buy the $2000 for round town. Are you Gotta do is do like a pressure check of the engine tell you how good engine put a good tuneup on it. Buy from bring back to the south

[@toinfinitiandbeyond9209]

You got a good deal. It is hard to find a clean v6 eclipse..this is a fast and furious car with lots of Japanese character...👍👍

[@leandrocosta3709]

Eclipses were all the rage over here back in the day. Extremely lusted after lol. Anyway, it was interesting to me that the AC panel is basically the same as my 2005 Pajero TR4.

[@BYLRPhil]

One of my off-road buddies wheels a 93 Dakota with the V8. It is in nowhere near that good a shape :-)

[@Julian-do7bv]

I would liked to have seen what the dakota went for I think you might have over paid some but would definitely watch some more videos on the car

[@robertyoung8289]

Fun video.

[@georgeh6856]

Good that it worked out so far. I would have gone with the Lexus.

[@louislepage5111]

That Dakota was nice 😊

[@MJWance]

Having a dead battery it will take a few miles to see if any code come up. Still a nice little car. 👍🏻

[@manuelbejarano6121]

Your videos are informative and entertaining, thank you so much. Keep up the good work !!

[@kristop3r]

Keep us updated on this car!