Looking for a great deal on a car? Try used car auctions. Not only can great deals on used cars be found there, but also some incredible higher model cars too. A lot of people buy these cars either to drive themselves or to mark up for future sale. But unless you keep some things in mind the auction can turn into a nightmare.
Maybe the car isn’t as wonderful as it seemed. There are lemons at auctions too. Keep in mind that what you see at an auction is what you get. Remember the old Sesame Street skit in which a man looks over a car with “as is” in the window As he inspects the car he asks a lot of questions to which the salesman always responds “as is”. After the sale is final the buyer tries to drive the car, but the doors fall off and the engine explodes. The unfortunate buyer shouts “I want the car as was!” Nobody wants to become that guy.
People are given the chance to inspect the vehicles at car auctions. Avoid the auctions that don’t. Spend time at the facility before the auction begins. Test drive the cars you like. Always have on site car knowledge, meaning bring a mechanic who knows about cars if you don’t. If not, then during the test drive bring the car to a mechanic for inspection. Decent inspections take only a few minutes to check the important elements of the car including the motor, belts, brakes, and the like. Check other elements for damage. This includes the body, upholstery, and bumpers .
Another problem is inherent in auctions. Auctions can be a great deal, but the price could also be more than common retail. Like other types of auctions, auto auctions can be the same way. Bidding might rise beyond the real value of the car. Be very careful because fees will be added to the final bid price. Easily accessible date on car values is standard issue for auction buyers. With Internet enabled phones and the like it’s now easy to look up this information while on site. It’s pretty foolish to pay more for a car than it’s worth even if it’s an eye catcher.
Keep in mind there are deals to be found. But come armed with information and expertise. If a deal appears too good to be true, it is, even at car auctions.