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Looking for a great deal on a car? Try car auctions. There you’ll find everything from luxury automobiles to junk projects. Many people purchase cars this way either for themselves or to sell at a profit.  A little information can make an auction an even better experience.

Maybe the car isn’t as wonderful as it seemed. There are lemons at auctions too. Cars sold at such auctions are generally sold according to used car laws which tend to make it an as is sale. The old children’s show “Electric Company” taught children about this with a man considering used car with an “as is” sign in the window. As he inspects the car he asks a lot of questions to which the salesman always responds “as is”. Once the sale is made and the man tries to enter the car, it shakes itself apart. The unfortunate buyer shouts “I want the car as was!” Don’t let that happen to you.

Car auctions generally give potential buyers time to look over the cars.  Avoid the auctions that don’t.  Spend time at the facility before the auction begins.  Look around and test drive the cars of interest. Bring a mechanic to provide an expert eye.  If that can’t happen then test drive it to a quick inspection at a garage. A good mechanic can provide a thorough inspection in a short time. Anyone with a decent eye can check the body, interior and other physical elements for wear and tear.

Auctions also come with a built in problem. Auctions can be a great deal, but the price could also be more than common retail.  That holds true for car auctions too. The bidding can easily escalate to well over the car’s value. Add the fees often associated with the auction and it means great care must be taken to know the real value of a car. Know the prices of similar models in similar conditions from Kelly Blue Book or other sales data. No need to even look it up in advance since the information is online and phones can access it. 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. Don’t go in blind, however. If a deal appears too good to be true, it is, even at car auctions.

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