ALT-1 Guide to used Car Auto Auctions
Are you thinking about buying a used car? Does attending a used car auction fill you with a measure of apprehension? Buying a used car doesn't have to be a trial, provided you have taken some simple precautions. We've all bought used cars and lived to tell the tale!
Attending the massive Atlanta Auto Auction in the company of a dealer friend was my first experience of a used car auction that had my head spinning as I watched around twenty lanes of cars moving steadily through the auction process.For a novice like me, it was like listening to another language as the auctioneers with microphones were all babbling over one another, selling each car in a matter of minutes, before the next one pulled up.
Thankfully on that occasion, I wasn't there to buy. It was though a valuable experience as it taught me there are some basics any used car buyer will ignore to their peril.
Car auctions are places where dealers go to sell cars, not give advice. When you buy a used car at auction, it comes "sold as seen", so you had better make sure you've seen it before you throw your hand in the air.In order to get the best deal possible and ensure you buy a car you will be happy with, try to follow these simple suggestions :
1. Good used car auction houses will have printed sheets listing all cars going through the auction process that day. This list is the first thing you want to look at, not the cars.A good list will show the car make and model, year of manufacture and other details that will help you identify specific cars before you get to the auction stage.
2. Having identified the cars that interest you, take the time to look it over before it gets to the auction lane if this is possible. This will allow you to check basic things like tire condition, interior and air conditioning.
3. Set a money limit before you see the cars coming through as this will ensure you avoid paying more for a used car than you can afford.
4. Try to keep cool during the auction. Don't feel rushed or forced into bidding until you feel the time is right. Whatever you do, don't scratch your nose at the wrong time as this might be seen as a bid!
Used car auctions can be a thrilling experience but it can also empty your wallet if you're not careful. An auction is not something to be feared if you follow a basic code of practice that will give you the confidence you need when it comes to the crunch.Inspecting the car in advance, setting cash limits and keeping your head during the auction should lead to you driving away in a nice used vehicle.
