You’ve probably seen the ads or driven past that lot in Harvey and wondered if those dirt-cheap price tags are for real. Finding a car for under two grand sounds like a fever dream in today's economy, but that is exactly what first marshall auto auction il promises on a weekly basis. It is a place that sits at the intersection of desperation and opportunity. Some people walk away with a reliable work truck for pennies, while others end up with a literal ton of scrap metal that won't make it to the highway.
Honestly, the reputation of this place is a bit of a rollercoaster. If you check the reviews, it’s a battlefield. You have people claiming they were "scammed" and others bragging about the 2011 Chevy Equinox they snagged for $1,700. The truth? It’s usually somewhere in the middle. Dealing with an "as-is" auction requires a specific kind of thick skin and a very realistic understanding of mechanical risk.
What is First Marshall Auto Auction IL Anyway?
Located at 398 E 147th St in Harvey, Illinois, this isn't your typical shiny suburban dealership with free coffee and balloons. It’s a public auto auction. That means you don’t need a fancy dealer license to bid. You can basically just show up with cash in hand and start bidding against other regular folks.
Most of the inventory comes from repossessions, trade-ins that weren't "nice enough" for the big lots, or high-mileage fleet vehicles. We are talking about 2013 Malibus, 2010 Civics, and plenty of Ford Explorers. The prices you see listed on sites like Cars.com or their own inventory page—like a 2014 BMW X1 for $3,900—are often starting bids or "estimated" prices.
The Cash-Only Reality
If you're looking for a 72-month financing plan with zero down, keep driving. They generally deal in cash.
There have been plenty of reports from buyers who were surprised to find out they couldn't just swipe a credit card for the whole balance. Usually, you’re looking at a significant cash deposit—sometimes around $800—just to seal the deal after a win, with the rest due shortly after. If you don't have the "remainder" ready within 48 hours, you might lose that deposit. It’s a high-stakes environment for someone just looking for a cheap commuter.
🔗 Read more: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
The "As-Is" Gamble: What You Need to Know
This is where things get sticky. Most people who leave angry reviews at first marshall auto auction il do so because the car they bought died five miles down the road.
Here is the thing: "As-Is" means exactly that.
- No warranty.
- No returns.
- No "I didn't know the transmission was slipping" excuses.
In many cases, you aren't allowed to test drive the cars before the bidding starts. You might get to see them drive across the auction block, which proves the engine turns over and the wheels move, but that’s about it. You aren't getting a 30-point inspection report. You’re getting a gut feeling and a quick look through a window.
Some buyers have complained that they weren't even allowed to see the mileage until after they'd put money down. That is a massive red flag for most, but for the seasoned auction-goer, it’s just part of the game. You have to assume every car there needs at least $1,000 in work immediately. If you can’t afford that, you probably shouldn't be bidding.
Dealing with the Fees
The price you "win" the car for is never the price you actually pay. This is a classic rookie mistake.
💡 You might also like: Why Transparent Plus Size Models Are Changing How We Actually Shop
Let's say you win a bid for $2,000. By the time you get to the window, you’re looking at:
- Buyer's premiums (the auction's cut).
- Documentary fees.
- State taxes.
- Title and registration fees.
Suddenly, that $2,000 car is costing you $3,200. This isn't necessarily a scam—it's how auctions work—but if the auction house isn't transparent about these fees upfront, it feels like a gut punch. Always ask for a fee schedule before you even think about raising your hand.
Security and Atmosphere
The vibe at the Harvey lot can be intense. It’s fast-paced. Security is visible. The staff isn't there to hold your hand or explain the nuances of a CVT transmission. They are there to move metal. If you're sensitive to "brusque" customer service, you’re going to have a bad time.
Is it Actually a Scam?
The Illinois Attorney General and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) have kept an eye on this place over the years. There have been formal warnings and investigations into their business practices.
Does that make it a scam? Not necessarily in the legal sense, but it does make it a "buyer beware" zone of the highest order. When a business has a 1.8-star rating on major review platforms, you have to take that seriously. People have reported "bait and switch" tactics where a car seen online isn't available when they arrive, or they are pressured into paying for "junk" they never intended to buy.
📖 Related: Weather Forecast Calumet MI: What Most People Get Wrong About Keweenaw Winters
On the flip side, people who know how to wrench on cars often love these places. If you can spot a blown head gasket from ten feet away, you might find a diamond in the rough. But for the average person who just needs a ride to work? It’s a minefield.
How to Survive First Marshall Auto Auction IL
If you’re still determined to go, you need a strategy. Don't just walk in there blind and hope for the best.
- Bring a Mechanic: If they let you, bring someone who knows what they are looking at. Even if you can’t drive it, a pro can spot signs of flood damage or frame issues.
- Check the VIN: Use your phone to run a quick search. Sometimes you can find the car's history or see if it was recently at a different salvage auction.
- Set a Hard Limit: Decide on a "walk away" price that includes an extra $1,500 for repairs and fees. If the bidding goes $10 over that, stop.
- Expect the Worst: Assume the car won't start the next morning. If it does, you've won.
The inventory at first marshall auto auction il changes constantly. One week it's all beat-up work vans, the next there might be a few decent-looking SUVs. You can find their current listings on various third-party sites, but remember that those prices are just the "hook."
Actionable Next Steps
Before you head down to Harvey, do your homework. Check the current inventory online to see if there is even anything worth the trip. Read the most recent reviews from the last 30 days—not the ones from three years ago—to see if the current management is playing fair.
Most importantly, have your cash ready but keep your guard up. If a deal feels too good to be true, it’s because it probably is. There are no "steals" in the car world anymore, only risks you are willing to take. If you decide to go, treat it like a trip to a casino: only bring money you are prepared to lose.
Check their official site or call (708) 333-2266 to confirm their next auction date and time, as these can shift without much notice.