SURVIVING THE RECESSION—Henry Bartz is a car broker who sells used cars through consignment from a lot on Crescent Way in Thousand Oaks. WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers During the recession, Henry Langley seized an opportunity to expand his business.

A new-car broker in business since 1984, Henry realized that more of his customers wanted a hassle-free and cost-effective way to sell their trade-ins. In response, Henry expanded the focus of his company, MSGS AutoYardSales, to include selling used cars through consignment.

For a flat fee, Henry will keep, advertise and broker the sale of a used vehicle, advertising it on 16 websites. Certified Auto offers the vehicle consignment service to anyone, whether they’re a client or not.

“We consider ourselves the anti-used car dealership, because we don’t put pressure on people; there’s no big sales pitches,” said Henry, a London native who moved Certified Auto from the San Fernando Valley to Thousand Oaks in 1998. “We tell them everything we know about that vehicle.”

Henry calls his company a one-stop auto shopping experience that can perform DMV document services, arrange for preapproval on auto loans and offer a repair history of used vehicles.

Prospective buyers can have their personal auto mechanic inspect the used vehicle or Henry can arrange an inspection. Certified Auto offers an extended warranty on all the vehicles it sells.

“I think it’s a great way for someone to sell their used car without having to be involved in the transaction,” Henry said.

Henry prides himself on giving good customer service, dispensing free advice to buyers and sellers over the phone and offering referrals to good auto mechanics.

To bring customers even better prices, Henry cut his overhead last year when he moved his business from a large lot on Thousand Oaks Boulevard to a smaller site on Crescent Way.

Henry said his business model is advantageous to buyers and sellers—both obtain a better price on the vehicle.

“I do a lot of repeat and referral business, and that’s what has really kept me afloat during the recession,” Henry said.

Although Henry doesn’t require it, he recommends sellers leave their vehicles on his secured lot. Buyers typically want to see and touch the vehicle they’re interested in and often return with a family member to inspect the vehicle before buying.

Because of his reputation for honesty and no-pressure sales, Henry said he’s sold vehicles to out-of-state buyers and clients overseas.

“We’re not greedy,” said Henry, who runs the business with one employee. “I realize how stressful buying or selling a used car can be, and we don’t forget that.”

For more information about MSGS AutoYardSales, visit www.msgsauto.com.