Shop Wisely at Auto Auctions
at Friday, January 30, 2009
It's easy to find discounted car bargains at a public auto auction. There you'll find everything from luxury automobiles to junk projects. Whether it's for personal use or resale, a lot of people purchase vehicles in this manner.
A little information can make an auction an even better experience. One possible problem is that the purchase might not be a good one. Every car at an auction isn't a hidden gem.
Cars sold at such auctions are generally sold according to used car laws which tend to make it an "as is" sale. Remember the old Sesame Street skit in which a man looks over a car with "as is" in the window. He makes a cursory look at the car, but every question is met with "the car is as is" from the salesman. Finally the man agrees to buy the car, pays for it, but when he opens the door to get into the car it falls to pieces. He exclaims "I want the car as was!" Don't be like that man.
Reputable auto auctions give buyers ample opportunities to check out the cars before bidding or purchase. Avoid the auctions that don't. Spend time at the facility before the auction begins. Look around and test drive the cars of interest. Always have on site car knowledge, meaning bring a mechanic who knows about cars if you don't. If that isn't possible, at least drive the car for an inspection during the test drive.
It doesn't take long to check key components like the engine and breaks. Check other elements for damage. This includes the body, upholstery, and bumpers.
Auctions also come with a built in problem. 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. There are also fees to pay, so pay close attention.
Be armed with Kelly Blue Book values as well as real sales examples of similar models and years. With Internet enabled phones and the like it's now easy to look up this information while on site. Don't pay more than the car is worth, even if it's a coveted antique.
It's not hard to find bargains at auctions. But keep your eyes and ears open. There's a sucker born every minute. Don't be the minute man at an auto auction.
A little information can make an auction an even better experience. One possible problem is that the purchase might not be a good one. Every car at an auction isn't a hidden gem.
Cars sold at such auctions are generally sold according to used car laws which tend to make it an "as is" sale. Remember the old Sesame Street skit in which a man looks over a car with "as is" in the window. He makes a cursory look at the car, but every question is met with "the car is as is" from the salesman. Finally the man agrees to buy the car, pays for it, but when he opens the door to get into the car it falls to pieces. He exclaims "I want the car as was!" Don't be like that man.
Reputable auto auctions give buyers ample opportunities to check out the cars before bidding or purchase. Avoid the auctions that don't. Spend time at the facility before the auction begins. Look around and test drive the cars of interest. Always have on site car knowledge, meaning bring a mechanic who knows about cars if you don't. If that isn't possible, at least drive the car for an inspection during the test drive.
It doesn't take long to check key components like the engine and breaks. Check other elements for damage. This includes the body, upholstery, and bumpers.
Auctions also come with a built in problem. 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. There are also fees to pay, so pay close attention.
Be armed with Kelly Blue Book values as well as real sales examples of similar models and years. With Internet enabled phones and the like it's now easy to look up this information while on site. Don't pay more than the car is worth, even if it's a coveted antique.
It's not hard to find bargains at auctions. But keep your eyes and ears open. There's a sucker born every minute. Don't be the minute man at an auto auction.
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