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SOLD! - Getting The Best Bid At A Car Auction |
Buying big-ticket items at auction can be a little tricky, but when it comes to car offerings a few simple steps can help even the odds in favor of making a good buy. Auction car locations range from live auctions that people actually attend to those online. The strategy for getting the best auction vehicle will differ, but the end result can be the same if common sense is employed.
Buying an auction car takes a little more research than picking a brand new model up from a dealership. There's always the gamble, that even if you do everything right, the car can still be a lemon. But still, many people buy auction models and do just fine with them. Here's how to make sure you get the best car possible under both circumstances:
Live auction car buys
* Arrive early to make sure you have the time to do some inspections.
* Examine the offerings as closely as possible.
* Pick out a few cars you're interested in bidding on when it becomes auction time and ask to look under the hood, hear the engine and so on.
* If you're really serious about buying an auction car, see if you can get your mechanic to come with you or a friend who is handy with cars if he or she can't and you're not a car expert.
* Take advantage of any advance previews if they are available. This will allow you time to check actual value and so on.
* Set in your mind the fair bid amounts for the car or cars you're interested in and stick with it when the time for bidding comes.
Live auctions can net really good auction cars, and even better deals, but it's a case of buyer beware to ensure the best purchase. Take your time to review the offerings and don't bid if you don't feel comfortable. There are always more auctions to check out.
Online auction car sales
There can be a bit of a disadvantage here for buyers, but that doesn't have to be the case. Check out these tips for buying auction car models online:
* Find car models that are in your general area and stick with those, if possible
* Ask to see the car in person before you make a bid. Not all sellers will allow this, but when they do, it can really help you decide if an auction car is worth its price.
* Get the car checked out, if possible. Again, this might not always be possible, but when it is, it can result in a great buy.
* Ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask the seller questions about his or her auction vehicle.
* Review the going price at retail for the auction car you're interested in to make sure it's a good deal.
* Set a price you're willing to pay and stick with it.
Buying an auction car can be a good way to get a solid vehicle for a great deal, but since the time for checking out the auto is limited, it can be a gamble. A few smart steps can help ensure a better buy in an auction car. Take the time to look into the purchase, or steer clear.
Article written by Ben Franklin (auction discounts)
This entry was posted on Friday, April 27th, 2007 and is filed under Car Auctions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
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