Tips for buying a car at an auction
We are not talking about the collector’s car auctions here but the normal car auctions where you get the ordinary cars listed out and that which you just might end up getting at a cheaper price. The economy stays stagnated and credit rules have tightened thereby leading to a boom in the interest in car auctions. Here is a list of tips that will help you to buy a car at a car auction:
- If you are looking for a cheaper car, make sure that you don’t end up spending too much on repairs.
- Most cars at auctions sell on visual inspection alone, so make sure that you use your eyes and examine the car for any damages such as paint overspray, less than smooth sheet metal, scored brake disc, puddles under the vehicle and an uneven stance.
If at all the car smells musty or has wet carpeting, just walk away from it. It is extremely important to make a note of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) which is found on the base of the windshield for every car you are interested in. Then check to see if the same VIN is found in other places like the door or trunk lid stickers. If the numbers don’t match, then avoid bidding on the car as it might have been in an accident and then rebuilt. Try pulling out the oil or transmission fluid dipsticks and check to see if the liquid is clear and clean.
This indicates that the car has been well-maintained. Do a little research and get to know the worth of the used car before you bid on it. To do so you can refer to online resources like Kelly Blue Book and Edmund’s to get a general idea on the worth of the car. You can also refer to local listings like Craigslist and the classifieds. Cars in auctions sell at ‘as is’ condition. There are no guarantees or warranties, so don’t bid until you are completely sure about the vehicle that you want to bid on.
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