Grab a Sweet Ride at the Used Car Auto Auction By Tim Shank

When I was growing up I had always heard about the used car auto auction that was held in our area. Ever week people would come from all around in order to buy a used car from this auction. I know people that have walked away with a car for around a hundred dollars and drove it for a couple of years, and I knew people that bought a high end car for more than a thousand dollars and had nothing but problems. When it came time for me to get my first car I went to the auction, but I went smart. I consulted with several of my friends who knew people that were regulars at the used car auto auction and here is what they told me to make sure I did.

The first thing was that I would be able to see the cars, look at them inside and out. I could even start the car and look under the hood, but I would not be able to drive them at all. The only time I would see them in motion is when they would bring the car up to the auction block. So I took a mechanic friend along with me to make sure (or reasonably sure) that the cars I was choosing to bid on were in running condition. I also went a few times before I bought, in order to get a feel for how things ran. Once I was comfortable with the process I decided it was time for me to buy a car.

They brought the higher end cars out first, I guess to see if they could get plenty of bidders from people who where waiting for the cheaper cars to come out, but I held off until they hit my price range. I made sure that I got in on the bidding right away and I bid in small increments to see if I could get the car for a better price, and I did.

So if you want a great used car then check out the used car auction that is in your area. Make sure you take along someone that knows cars in case you don't and get ready to drive away in a car for a lot less than you would pay at the dealership.

Seized Vehicle Auctions and repossesed items on auctions are now listed on our website at http://www.carbuyingfacts.info/

Free Government Car Auction - Do They Work? By Tim Shank

I know that you have heard the stories about people that have gone to a free government car auction and walked away with a $100,000 sports car for a pocket full of change. While this scenario does not generally happen, it is possible for you to make a great deal and pick up a very nice car for a reasonable price. The reports about how well you can do are a bit clouded and embellished in order for you to buy into something, but the fact is that going to a free government car auction is still a great way to get a nice car.

Free government car auctions have been around for quite a long time. The cars that they have available are seized from people for various reasons. It could be that the cars that they have are picked up from drug dealers that they busted, or perhaps seized because of tax problems. They then take these cars to a central location and offer them for auction.

One of the most difficult things is to know when and where these auctions are going to take place. There are plenty of places on the Internet that will give you a listing of all of the free government auctions so you can plan on getting over to one. Some people travel for thousands of miles just to attend one of these government car auctions, either to get a car for themselves at a great price, or to buy multiple cars for resale. So get on the list to find out where these auctions will take place, you could soon be driving away in a new car, for pennies on the dollar.

Seized Vehicle Auctions and repossesed items on auctions are now listed on our website at http://www.carbuyingfacts.info/

Auction Autos Inspection Tips By Mark Lunde

Looking to buy your next car at an auction? There are a few things you need to keep in mind and be prepared for when buying this way. The main thing is to get your head straight. You are trying to save money, right? Don’t get caught up in a bidding war. Know beforehand how much you want to spend and stick to it. Check your emotions at the door so you don’t get carried away. This holds true for all sorts of auctions —real estate, collectables, etc.

What kind of auto auction is this? Police impound? Municipal government surplus? Repossessed? Rental fleet? It’s important to know what sort of life your car has “lived” before you two met. A vehicle used by the police may have seen some rugged action chasing bad guys. And that fancy Mercedes over there could have been the one being chased. Now, if the auction is for repossessed cars that the bank took back from someone who suffered some financial loss, chances are it’s not been “ridden hard and hung up wet.” In any case, you need to inspect it. Here’s what I do:

1. Start at the bottom. Look at the tires—better yet, feel the tread. If there is uneven wear or the tread has a “saw toothed” feel, that may indicate suspension and alignment problems.

2. Look under the engine and the transaxle (on rear wheel drive cars) for any wet, oily drips on the ground. Also look for any crud that's stuck to these areas where there is oily “sweat” road grime coating it. These are from leaky seals and could indicate serious maintenance problems.

3. Stand up (stretch you back) and go to the four corners of the car. Press down firmly on each corner and let go. If the car bounces, you’ll need shock absorbers or struts.

4. Pop the hood. Take a helicopter view of the engine. Look at everything, and if there are any loose wires, corroded connections (battery) frayed electrical tape, cracked “rubber booties” on the spark plugs, ragged belts or dried out, cracked hoses, you should be aware that these things will cost money to repair. Check the oil. If it’s dark and smells burnt, there’s a problem. Check the transmission fluid. It should be a transparent amber color and at the proper level. Check the coolant level and the brake fluid levels If these are not ok, adjust you bid accordingly.

5. Inspect the exterior. Is the paint and shine regular all around the car? No ripples? Is the gap between the doors, hood and trunk even with the body of the car? If it is, good. If it’s not, the car has been hit and it wasn’t repaired properly. Beware.

6. Open the doors—all of them. Listen for squeaks and groans—not good. Check the glass for even the tiniest of cracks and chips. Do the windows roll up and down easily? Try them all.

7. Get in. Is the seat firm and comfortable? Or does it feel like a hippo has been sitting there?

8. Turn on the engine and listen for knocks and noises. Press on the gas. Any vibrations? Noises? Let it idle and look at the exhaust pipe. Any smoke? A little is OK, a lot is not!

9. Check the radio, CD player, cigarette lighter, turn signals, interior lights, head lights, brake lights, and everything else you can that should work from the inside.

10. Get out, shake your head, look disgusted (even if you really like the beast). This last one is to psyche out the other bidders and possibly reduce the competition when the bidding starts.

Take your maximum bid in your head and mentally subtract the estimated cost to repair those problems you even suspect that the car has. Remember that if you can’t drive it, you still are taking a chance on the transmission—a really costly repair. Then subtract half the cost of your estimated repairs again because you underestimated the repair costs—guaranteed. Now you have your maximum bid. Don’t you dare go over it!

For more info on buying (or selling) on auction check these sites.
http://lunmar.bezoogle.com/pp/auto-bargains/
http://autos-at-auction.blogspot.com/

Taking Advantage of Used Car Auctions By Ashley D. Bigham

Used car auctions are a great way to find the car you’re looking for without spending too much money. There’s lots of opportunity for this if you can find listings for car auctions or bid online. Before you get too excited, however, you need to prepare yourself so that you’ll be able to get a good deal without bidding on a badly conditioned car. Taking advantage of auto auctions can yield great success, but you need to be equipped with these tips before you jump into action.

Know what type of auction you’re going to before you go. This would seem like a no brainer, but there are different kinds out there. Auto auctions are often held by the police, government or auction lots, and they sell anything from government surplus vehicles to repossessed and impounded cars. When you buy a car, it comes ‘as is;’ there’s not warranties on them, and taking them back will be a major hassle if they even allow it.

When looking for auctions in your area, check out the scheduling. Most times there will be a time for preliminary inspections where prospective buyers can check out the cars. You should definitely go to see if the auction is something worthwhile, and to check out the condition of the cars. While you probably won’t be able to test drive the cars, you can take advantage of the time you have to look over everything to see which cars are worth buying, and maybe check out the competition. Don’t set your heart on one car, especially if you know it’s going to be in high demand. Mark down three or four that you would be happy with buying.

Write down the vehicle ID numbers. When you get home, check them out on Carfax, even though this will cost you a minimal fee. This is worth doing to make sure you’re bidding on a quality car that was taken care of by the owners and has a clean history. When you go to the auction you’ll know which cars you’d really like to bid on (still don’t just pick one) and their history. Also find out what the cars you’re interested are worth so you know you’re not overbidding. Set a budget when bidding so you won’t bid more than the car’s worth or more than you can afford.

A car auction is a very good way to find an affordable car, and if you do your homework before going to one, you can be very successful and pleased with your purchase.

For more information visit Car Bargains and Auctions Eager to find the perfect car? Visit Auto Bargain Reviews to find a reputable auction listing site.