 |
| Aroostook Republican photo/Barb Scott Dave Wilcox |
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
Dave Wilcox began selling cars in February of 1969 for Jerry Nickerson at the former K&N Motor Sales located on South Main Street in Caribou, amidst a long strip of new and used automobile dealers that lined that particular area of Caribou. “We had an old Jeep that we used to plow the lot with,” said Wilcox, “it kept breaking down — we’d get it fixed and keep on plowing.”
After about two years Wilcox went to work for Harry Thomas, a vehicle dealer in Presque Isle, later came back to Caribou, selling vehicles for Abraham Escovitz at the former Northern Sales and Service dealership. After returning to Presque Isle and working for Skip Carroll for a period of time, Wilcox returned to Northern Sales in 1978 and in 1980 he became employed as general manager at Carroll’s Auto Sales.
In the mid-1980s, the seasoned car salesman became part-owner of Northern Sales and Service with Edgar Gagnon. In April of 1992, Wilcox established Dave’s Auto Sales selling used vehicles on Sweden Street, and in 1996 the business became known as Dave’s Auto Sales and E-Z Auto Rental.
He celebrates 20 years this year at his Sweden Street location. “Things have definitely changed over the years regarding not only the way vehicles are sold (and the costs) but especially the way customers shop,” said Wilcox. “Years ago, when I first opened, I would have 20 to 70 vehicles on the lot, today I keep about 25-plus and 15 that are rentals or rent-to-own units.
“Back in the day, Floyd Tracey was working for me and on any given day of the week, my wife Marie would cook supper and bring it down to us — most times we picked at it standing up and it was rare that we ever finished it. Customers would come in about that time, after they had finished their work day — we were busy and on Saturday, even if you thought you would be done at noon, it was always later. Today Saturday is the poorest day of the week,” said Wilcox.
“Of course potential customers shop all around now-a-days and on the Internet, comparing make, model and cost against other dealers not only in one city but throughout the state and farther,” said Wilcox.
“Another big difference in car sales is the overall improvement of the vehicles themselves,” stated Wilcox. “It used to be once a car/truck reached 60,000-70,000 miles they were worn out. Today they are still going at 270,000 miles — and the tires last as long as the vehicle.”
Wilcox continues to bring vehicles to his lot that he purchases from the car auction sites. “I want cars that are driven on better roads and in less salt,” he said. “It makes a big difference if a vehicle has been driven I-495 in Massachusetts every day compared to commuting from Ashland to Presque Isle,” he aded.
With all the changes that have taken place over the years and the amount of worry/stress involved, Wilcox has no intention of kicking back. “I may be pig-headed as well as old enough to retire, but I know just how bored I would be. I look forward to coming to work each day, I enjoy meeting new people and talking with old friends — I like interacting with people,” he said.
The car business isn’t all gloom and doom, things may be more competitive, potential buyers may have more tools to assist in their search for just the right, affordable vehicle but for those veteran salesmen who love the product they sell, who look forward to meeting people and helping them with a vehicle purchase, it’s the love of the challenge that brings them to work every day.
Dave’s Auto Sales and E-Z Rentals (also rent to own) offers financing assistance, on-site service and competitive prices for those shopping for a used vehicle.
Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Telephone 498-3494.
For more information go to DavesAutoSales.WEBS.com.
