Auto dealer engages in some real horse tradin' | News

Pinellas Park, Florida -- At Park Auto Mall, to sell some wheels they'll work some deals.  At least that's what their ads say.

"When other dealers say no, I always find a way to go," states owner Fred Najjar at the end of his TV commercials.

And over the years, to get a car off the lot, Najjar has taken in some unusual items. In his office you'll find jewelry, artwork and baseballs.

"This one's autographed by Mickey Mantle," he says holding up a signed ball.

But recently, there was a bit of horse-trading at the dealership that had nothing to do with the used mustang out back, but instead a real, live horse.

That's right, to help with a down payment on a car, a woman offered up her own type of horsepower.

"We said we take anything on trade, what do you have to trade and she said, 'Well, I have a horse,' and that's how the whole discussion started," says Najjar with a laugh.

In taking on Dallas, a 13-year-old quarter horse, Najjar violated one of the first things he learned in the car business. Years ago someone told him to never take a trade-in that eats.

But Dallas won't be showing up on the dealer's back lot, more like the back 40. You see, Najjar's wife and three kids are now benefitting from this trade-in.

But look out; news of this deal may just spur others to make hay.

"I got a dog," says Azell Macon while car shopping.