Finding a car that doesn't break the bank in this economy feels like a fever dream. You've probably seen the name Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL pop up if you're scouring Autotrader or driving down Churchill Avenue. It’s a small, family-style lot that does things a bit differently than the big-box dealerships in Birmingham.
They don't have a massive glass showroom. No espresso machines in the lobby. Honestly, it's the kind of place where the owner, Les Schmitt, is usually the one you're talking to. But there is one thing you absolutely have to know before you pull into the lot: they specialize in rebuilt titles.
That phrase scares some people. It makes others see dollar signs. Let’s get into what’s actually happening behind the gates at 8188 Churchill Ave NW.
What "Rebuilt" Actually Means at Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL
Most people confuse "salvage" with "rebuilt." They aren't the same. A salvage vehicle is a project; a rebuilt vehicle is a finished product that has jumped through every legal hoop the state of Alabama requires.
At Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL, the inventory—which usually includes a mix of late-model SUVs, trucks, and even campers—starts as salvage. Maybe it was a fender bender where the airbags deployed, or perhaps an insurance company just didn't want to deal with a specific repair cost. Les and his team buy these, fix them, and then here is the kicker: the state of Alabama inspects them.
You can't just slap a bumper on and call it a day. The state inspectors verify that the repairs meet safety standards. Once it passes, the title is branded "Rebuilt."
Is it worth the risk? Kinda depends on your goals. You're getting a 2019 or 2022 model for thousands—sometimes $5,000 to $10,000—less than the "clean title" equivalent. You can get a tag. You can get insurance. But you’ve gotta be okay with the fact that the resale value won't be as high later on.
The Inventory: From Prowlers to Pickups
The lot isn't just cars. It’s a weird, cool mix. One day you’ll see a Heartland Prowler camper sitting there, and the next it’s a Forest River Flagstaff. They’ve leaned heavily into the RV and camper market lately because, let’s be real, new campers are priced like small houses these days.
- Rebuilt SUVs: Often Jeeps or mid-size Fords with low mileage.
- Campers: Usually modern units (2018 and newer) that had minor exterior damage.
- Trucks: The holy grail of the Alabama used market, usually priced well below KBB fair market range because of that title brand.
One thing the owner mentions frequently is a parts warranty. Some vehicles have them; some don't. You have to ask. Don't assume. If you walk in expecting a 100,000-mile bumper-to-bumper factory warranty, you’re in the wrong place. This is "get-a-deal" territory.
The BBB Warning: Don't Get Scammed Online
Here is something weird that happened recently. If you look up Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL on the Better Business Bureau, you’ll see a warning.
Wait, is the business a scam? No. It's actually the opposite. Some scammers out there started impersonating Les Auto Sales Inc. They built fake websites and Facebook pages using the company's name to trick people into sending deposits for cars that didn't exist.
The real Les Schmitt had to tell the BBB that he didn't even have a website or a Facebook page for the longest time. He does things old school. If you see a "Les Auto Sales" website asking you to wire money to a random account for a car in Leeds, run. The real shop is a "come see it in person" kind of establishment.
Pricing and the "Autotrader Effect"
Most of their traffic comes through Autotrader. They often list a "mention this ad" discount—usually around $100 off a camper purchase. It’s not a life-changing amount of money, but it covers your first tank of gas and a few bags of ice for the cooler.
The pricing strategy here is simple: beat the market. Since they are doing the repair work in-house and dealing with rebuilt titles, they can afford to undercut the big dealers. If a clean-title Ford Edge is going for $22,000, you might find a rebuilt one at Les Auto Sales for $14,000.
That $8,000 gap is why people drive from all over the Southeast to this tiny lot in Leeds.
Why This Specific Location Matters
Leeds isn't exactly a car-buying mecca, but it's positioned perfectly right off I-20. You’ve got the Barber Motorsports Park nearby and the Bass Pro Shops. It’s a blue-collar area where people value utility over flashiness.
The hours are a bit tight, though. They usually close by 3:00 PM on weekdays and 11:00 AM on Saturdays. If you’re coming from Birmingham or Gadsden, you have to time it right. It’s not a 9-to-9 corporate operation. It’s a "we get the work done and go home" type of business.
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Is It Right For You?
Let’s be honest. Buying a rebuilt vehicle isn't for everyone.
If you plan on trading your car in every two years, don't buy here. Dealerships hate taking rebuilt titles on trade, and they will lowball you into oblivion.
However, if you are the type of person who drives a car until the wheels fall off, Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL makes a ton of sense. You’re essentially paying for the utility and the year of the car without the "premium" of a clean title.
What You Should Do Before Buying
- Ask for the "Before" Photos: A reputable rebuilt dealer usually has photos of what the car looked like when they bought it at auction. If the damage was just a bumper and a headlight, you’re golden. If the frame was curled like a pretzel, maybe keep walking.
- Check with Your Insurance: Most major carriers (State Farm, Progressive, Geico) will insure a rebuilt title, but some might only offer liability. Call your agent with the VIN before you sign the paperwork.
- Bring a Mechanic: Even though the state inspects these, a second pair of eyes never hurts. Check the panel gaps. Look for overspray.
- Verify the VIN: Make sure the VIN on the dash matches the door sticker and the paperwork. Basic stuff, but easy to forget when you're excited about a deal.
Practical Steps to Visit
If you're heading out to Leeds to check out their current stock, stick to these rules:
- Call First: (205) 773-2727. Their inventory moves fast because the price points are low. Don't drive an hour only to find the truck you wanted sold twenty minutes ago.
- Physical Address: 8188 Churchill Ave NW, Leeds, AL 35094. It’s tucked back a bit, so keep your eyes peeled.
- Payment: Ask about their preferred payment methods. Small lots like this often prefer certified checks or pre-approved financing from your own credit union.
Basically, Les Auto Sales Inc Leeds AL is a niche spot for the budget-conscious buyer who knows their way around a vehicle. It isn't a "luxury experience," but it's a legitimate way to get a newer vehicle for a fraction of the sticker price—provided you do your homework on the title.
Take the time to pull a vehicle history report on any VIN you find on the lot. Even with the state inspection, knowing the specific history of the "salvage" event will give you peace of mind before you drive off the lot.