Buying a used car is already stressful. Adding the high-speed environment of an auction makes it even more intense. If you’ve spent any time looking for a cheap ride in the south suburbs of Chicago, you’ve probably heard of First Marshall Auto Auction. Located at 398 East 147th Street in Harvey, Illinois, this place is essentially a local legend. But not always for the reasons you’d want.
Honestly, the reviews are a wild ride. Some folks swear they found a diamond in the rough for two grand, while others claim they walked away with a $5,000 lawn ornament. It’s the kind of place that demands you know exactly what you’re doing before you even step through the door.
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What Really Happens at First Marshall Auto Auction?
Most people assume "auction" means you're competing against hundreds of people online. While they do have a virtual presence, the heart of the operation is the physical lot in Harvey. It’s basically a massive staging ground for repossessed vehicles, trade-ins, and high-mileage cars that larger dealerships don't want to mess with.
You’ve got to understand the mechanics of how they operate. Unlike a traditional "Buy Here Pay Here" lot, First Marshall operates with a specific set of rules that catch people off guard.
For starters, there's the deposit. Multiple customers have reported that you’re required to put down a significant deposit—sometimes around $800 to $1,000—before you can even get close to the final paperwork. The kicker? People often find out too late that these deposits are non-refundable. If you bid on a car and realize the final price is higher than expected due to fees, and you back out, that money is usually gone.
The Inspection Reality Check
Can you test drive the cars? No. Not really.
In a traditional dealership, you take the keys, do a loop around the block, and listen for that weird clicking sound in the CV joint. At First Marshall Auto Auction, you're mostly buying based on a visual inspection. They might drive the car across the block so you can hear it run, but you aren't exactly taking it on the I-57 to see how it handles at 70 mph.
Many buyers have complained that they weren't even allowed to start the vehicles themselves before bidding. This is a huge red flag for a novice, but for seasoned "flippers" who know how to spot a leaking head gasket just by looking at the coolant reservoir, it's just part of the game.
The Fee Structure: Where the Price Jumps
Let's talk about the math. You see a 2014 Chevy Malibu listed for $2,100. You think, "Perfect, I have $2,500 in my pocket."
You're going to be short.
The hammer price is never the final price. First Marshall, like many independent auctions, tacks on various costs that can include:
- Documentation Fees: Standard, but often higher than expected.
- Title and Registration Fees: They handle the paperwork, but you pay for the privilege.
- Postage and Handling: Some buyers have noted fees as high as $35 just for mailing documents.
- Auction Premium: A percentage of the sale price that goes directly to the house.
It's common for a car that "sold" for $2,500 to actually cost the buyer closer to $3,700 by the time they hand over the keys. If you aren't prepared for that extra $1,200, you’re going to have a very bad day in Harvey.
Inventory: What’s Actually on the Lot?
The inventory is surprisingly diverse. On any given Tuesday, you might find a 2018 Hyundai Elantra with 80,000 miles sitting next to a 2010 Jeep Liberty that looks like it’s seen a few wars.
They often have over 400 vehicles in stock. You'll see plenty of domestic brands like Ford, Chevy, and Buick. Occasionally, high-end stuff like an older Mercedes-Benz or even an Infiniti QX60 pops up. But remember: these are often repossessions. People who can't afford their car payments usually can't afford the oil changes, either.
Why the Reviews Are So Polarized
If you look at DealerRater or Cars.com, First Marshall Auto Auction sits at a pretty low average—often around 1.8 stars. But if you read the text, a pattern emerges.
The 1-star reviews are usually from people who felt "scammed" by the fees or the mechanical condition of the car. They bought a car that "won't move" or felt intimidated by the security and staff. There are reports of the manager, sometimes identified as Khaldoon Shakir, being less than helpful when things go south.
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The 5-star reviews? Those usually come from people who treat this like a business transaction. They expect a project. They know the car might need a transmission. They brought cash, they knew the fees, and they got a car for half of its KBB value because they were willing to take the risk.
Navigating the "Cash Only" Culture
Gladys Sanford, a reviewer on Kelley Blue Book, pointed out something crucial: they primarily deal in cash.
While they have a "Financing" tab on their website and a credit application form, the reality on the ground is often different. Many buyers are told they need to bring the full balance in cash within 48 hours. If you’re coming in expecting a 72-month loan with 3% interest, you’re in the wrong place. This is a "cash is king" environment.
Survival Tips for First Marshall
If you’re dead set on going, you need a strategy. Don't go there because you're desperate for a car today. Go there because you have a mechanical mind and some extra "emergency" cash.
- Bring a Scanner: If they let you near the car, plug an OBD-II scanner into the port. It’ll tell you if the codes were recently cleared.
- Check the Title Status: Ask specifically if the car has a salvage or rebuilt title. Some of these cars are insurance write-offs.
- The "Plus $1,500" Rule: Never bid your last dollar. If you have $4,000, don't bid more than $2,500. You'll need the rest for fees and the inevitable repairs.
- Ignore the Pressure: Auctions are designed to make you feel like you're losing out. Don't get caught in a bidding war over a 2011 Impala. There will be another one next week.
The Verdict on First Marshall Auto Auction
Is it a scam? Technically, no. It’s a licensed business that’s been operating in Harvey for years. They provide a platform to sell cars "as-is."
Is it a "good" place to buy a car? That depends entirely on you. If you need a reliable daily driver to get to work tomorrow and you have no mechanical skills, stay away. The risk of buying a "lemon" is simply too high.
However, if you're a shade-tree mechanic or someone looking for a cheap project car and you understand that "as-is" means exactly that, you might find a deal. Just keep your eyes open and your wallet guarded. The house always wins at an auction, and First Marshall is no exception.
To move forward, check their current online inventory to see if they even have the specific make and model you're looking for before making the trip to Harvey. You can also look up the VINs of any interesting leads on a third-party site to check for past accident history or title brands.