C&V Auto reopens in Moses Lake as a used car lot

MOSES LAKE - C&V Auto recently reemerged as a used car business, at 520 Pioneer Way, in Moses Lake.

The franchises of the business were sold to Bud Clary Auto Group in December.

But that wasn't the end of C&V Auto.

Although many people are familiar with C&V's most recent store along Interstate 90, the store's owner, Rich Childress, decided to use another former location, on Pioneer Way.

"This facility stayed in my dad's ownership," Rich explained.

That building first opened in 1950, with Childress' father, Jack Childress, and partner Jack Van Keulen. Rich and his dad later worked at that location in 1978.

Rich believes he found a niche by selling used cars in today's economy.

"The time was right to do that, so I did it," Rich commented. "I came back here to open a used car lot. I think that's where a lot of people are at now."

He aims to offer vehicles of all makes and models, costing from $3,000 to $30,000.

He called Bud Clary a "big outfit" with dealerships across the state.

"It seems to be a business model that's successful," he said. "The old business model, of having one dealership in one town, is a tough row to hoe."

But Rich knows times have changed, along with what many customers can afford.

Customers are not as willing, or as able, to take on large debts.

As many people know, new cars depreciate so much, he said.

He pointed out a 2009 Nissan Cube on his lot, which costs about $20,000 new.

It is now being sold for $12,995 and has about 20,000 miles.

"People are payment conscious," he said.

Another example of depreciation on new cars is a $30,000 vehicle, which costs $2,500 for taxes and depreciation, he estimated.

The Pioneer Way location has been open since the last week of February. Indoor renovations took place and outdoor renovations are planned.

Rich found that SUVs and cars with decent gas mileage, such as Toyota and Subaru, have been popular with customers.

He finds new inventory by attending car auctions in Spokane and Seattle.

He is enjoying the atmosphere of the business, as he thinks the people who buy used cars are more easygoing and flexible.

They are willing to compromise on something like a car's color, because of a significant price savings.

But customers purchasing new cars have specialized wants and needs, which is okay because they are spending a lot of money.

His son Kyle, daughter Kaylynn, and former salesman, Darrell Moss, also work at the business.

Kyle said he is enjoying the work and calls it a "good, laid-back atmosphere."

He's seeing customers as young as 18 to senior citizens.

It is rewarding to get customers into cars they are happy with and comfortable driving.

"We try to send them down the right path," Kyle said.

The business works with 15 financial sources and is able to obtain credit for people with all types of credit issues.

C&V Auto is open 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and closed on Sunday.

For more information, call 509-764-8600.