3 Tips for First-Time Auto Auction Bidders

3 Tips for First-Time Auto Auction Bidders

Buying a car can be a difficult process, but add in buying a car at an auto auction and you may be even more perplexed on the car bidding process. Most people going to auto auctions for cars are in need of something that may not last forever but will get them from point A to point B. People who purchase salvage cars for sale need a few tips in order to come out of an auction successful.

Newcomers to an auto auction will be in good shape to make a successful buy as long as they do their homework first. Putting in the effort early and getting to know exactly what style, color, make, and model you seek will help narrow down your search. Plus, this will allow you to use your time to the best of your ability at the auto auction. Any bidder should also see how the vehicle runs in advance of placing a bid. Seeing the car before the bidding starts is great for several reasons; you get to see how much work may need put in it, and you’ll get to see if it’s not up to your expectations.

Purchasing From an Auto Auction

Purchasing a car is difficult and has its challenges. Does one put a down payment and lease a car, go to a buy-here-pay-here location, or come up with the down payment and purchase a car outright? However, what most people forget are auto auctions. The car may not be the most up-to-date with the latest technology, but it will run; you just need to keep in mind a few things. You should know something about cars. If you don’t, take someone with you who does know cars. The last thing you want to do is go to an auction and purchase a car that turns out to be a lemon. Go into the auction knowing enough to get something you’ll like, if not love, when the repairs are done. If you don’t know a lot about cars, then find someone who does; they ’ll be able to help answer questions you may not know the answer to. You also want to know the car’s history via the VIN number. You can obtain the VIN number and see what shape the car is in, how many owners it has had, how much it is worth in its current state, and other information you’d want to know before purchasing a car. Finally, you’ll want to set aside money for repairs. Buying a car at an auto auction means the car most likely will not be in tip-top shape, and you’ll need to do some work on it. The repairs for the car could be as simple as getting the brakes replaced or as strenuous as rebuilding the engine. Auto auctions are definitely full of surprises.

Helpful Hints

First-time auto auction buyers should also bring cash with them so they can purchase their car right after the auction. If the car they have purchased does not run, a first-time buyer should bring a tow truck or a latch to their car to take it home with them. Finally, if the auction opens early for auction buyers to look at the cars, then get there early. Look around, inspect the cars, and see what you would want to bid on instead of blindly bidding on a car.

Would you consider buying a car from an auto auction if the opportunity presented itself, or would you prefer to stick with a dealer?