Logo

We take a bottom-line approach to each project. Our clients consistently, enhanced brand loyalty and new leads thanks to our work.

ShipA1 Nov 28, 2019

Buying a car at an auction can be a daunting and downright deceiving process. Purchasing an automobile at an auction remains one of the most cost-effective ways to buy a car, especially if you are on a budget. When purchasing at a car auction, you will have a choice between government and public auctions. When you select the type of auction you are looking for, check out the auction's sales catalog and do as much research as you can about the cars that will be available for sale. On the day of the auction, be sure to arrive early so that you will have plenty of time to register yourself and inspect the automobiles.

Try avoiding bursting into an auction house with no clue as to what type of car you require. When you are at an auction, the excitement of bidding can be extreme when others are placing their bidding, and you can end up on the wrong automobile just because it might look nice. Bidding on a car, you do not need is also a terrible way to lose money by offering more than your budget allows.




Do your Research

If you are going to your first auction planning to buy an automobile, you may find the whole experience confusing. To avoid confusion, visit the auction houses websites which are up to date, so you can start your research right in the comfort of your own home. The more you research, the more likely you find competing bids and avoid any scam. Although you are generally safe, there is sometimes a rogue element at work. Keep in mind that the vehicles you will find at an auction house are not going to be in excellent condition. As a matter of fact, the majority of automobiles at auction have been crashed, abandoned on the side of a road due to mechanical issues. So when purchasing vehicles at auction, make sure to check these facts.


Has the vehicle ever been stolen? You can check car history on the auction house website, and some services will do this for you.

Has the automobile been damaged where significant repairs were necessary?

Is the mileage being displayed on the vehicle accurate?

Make Sure you are Registered for Bidding


You do not just walk into a vehicle auction house and make a bid. You are required to register first because you do not want to get to the time of the auction for the vehicle you wish only to find that you cannot bid. Once registered you will generally be given a bidding number on a card, during bidding you should raise your card in the air when you want to bid so that the auctioneer can clearly see it. If successful, the auctioneer will take a note of your card number, and the purchase will be written down to you. 


Set your Budget

The first thing you should do is figure out how much you are going to spend on a car. The probability of finding a perfect vehicle for under $1000 at an auction but try not to set your budget too low or even too high. Many factors play a role in determining what auction cars are worth such as the model, the year, the overall condition, mileage, and many more. To make your budget is realistic, consider the purchase cost, auction house fee, possible repairs, and also auction car shipping. The moment you reach the limit of your budget, drop out because whatever you do not get into a bidding war with a bidder who maybe has a budget higher than you.


Examine the Car Carefully

Always remember to examine the automobiles in the catalog that you are interested in carefully. Try to find multiple vehicles of the type and age that you are interested in so that in the event of being outbid for your first choice, you can always choose from others. If you do not have time to check the cars on the day of the auction, it is possible that you can view the automobile the day before the sale starts. Always ensure that you inspect the vehicle in daylight, as there is risk involved to spot problems in darkness.

The perks of purchasing vehicles from the primary dealer are that you will receive some kind of a warranty with the car. At auctions, you will never have warranty accept. It is also not possible to take the vehicle for a test drive. Since you are purchasing the automobile as seen, it is of utmost importance that you inspect the vehicle closely if not bring your friend who has an excellent mechanical eye who may be able to spot issues with a vehicle, if any. Just because the vehicle looks clean and sparkling does not mean there are no issues with it. Remember that sellers can go to great lengths to hide problems. There is no indication that an auction automobile is mechanically perfect as the engine could be about to clap out. 


Check the VIN Number

Check a vehicle's VIN before bidding on it. If you select the automobile of the type and age, look for its VIN from the base of the windshield. Then check other places such as door and trunk lid stickers where the VIN might appear. With a car's VIN, you will be able to look up the car history report, showing you whether the vehicle has experienced any significant damage in the past.