Three Things To Look For In An Auto Auction House
Posted on: 22 March 2016
If you are in the market for a car but need to find one that's as cheap as possible, you're likely looking at ads from people who want to sell their old cars. But these sales can be tricky because you'd have to negotiate the right price, and you'd have to meet a stranger in a random area and hope that the seller is honest. A safer alternative and one that requires less bargaining savvy is an auto auction house. You still have to be careful which one you go to because you want to deal with reputable people, so here are three things to look for that will help you choose the right auction.
No Salvage Titles
While cars with salvage titles -- those cars that were damaged by floods and other disasters or that were effectively totaled in an accident where the cost of repairs exceeded the value of the car -- are undoubtedly going to be cheaper, they may not be road-safe to use. You could buy the car and find that there are massive problems with the engine or that a flood led to a mold problem inside the seats. Unfortunately, a lot of auction places sell salvage titles.
Instead, look for one that does not have salvage titles in its inventory. That way, you know you're getting a car that was not damaged beyond anyone's control. You might still find issues with the car, but they will be more run-of-the-mill problems that wouldn't necessarily make the car unsafe.
Test Drives and Checkups
Look for an auction house that allows you to either bring a mobile mechanic to check out the car or that lets you drive the car to a mechanic for a checkup. That second option allows you to test drive the car as well. Some auction houses have in-house mechanics who check out the cars before the auction, but you want your own mechanic to evaluate the car.
Direct Sales Option
You will occasionally find an auction house that doubles as a used car lot, allowing non-auction direct sales on specific days. This eliminates the hassle of trying to outbid other people while staying within a budget. The price on the car will likely be non-negotiable, but it will also likely be lower than what you'd pay at the end of a bidding war. You may also find auction houses that don't allow direct sales themselves but that partner with separate used car lots that will sell direct to you without an auction.
The best places to start are at both local auctions and local used car lots. Start finding good models and see what the current prices are. Buying a used car has become a lot easier over the years, and you'll find something you really like.
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