A Layman's Guide To Car Auctions

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It seems like everyone now days is coming up with better ways to save money.  One of these brilliant ideas is purchasing your car at an auction, rather than through a conventional dealer.  Whether you're looking for a deal or to expand your classic car collection, don't miss out on this life hack.  But before you buy, take the time to educate yourself so you can find a really great deal.  Check out this list of tips to guide you through your first car auction to find great cars for sale.

Know Your Auction

There are many types of auctions out there, some of which you might not be able to participate in.  Public auctions are open to the general public, while to attend a dealer's auction you must have a dealer's license.  Public auctions are obviously more accessible, but nowadays it's easier to find a bargain at a dealer's auction.  If you're serious, it might be worth it to take the dealer's license exam.  Another kind of auction is a government auction, where the government auctions off property of the city/county as well as confiscated property.  At these auctions you'll mainly find cars used by the police department and hidden gems.  And don't forget to check out online auctions!

Look Beyond the Surface

If you find yourself at a government auction, it can be easy to get distracted by the wear and tear of the vehicles.  But keep in mind a dent here and a scratch there can be relatively cheap fixes.  Even patrol lights and paint jobs can be removed.  It's in these cars, with great mileage, but maybe a few cosmetic issues, where the real bargains are.  

Go Early

The early bird certainly does get the worm when it comes to car auctions.  It's that simple, just be one of the first people there and you'll have a huge edge on the competition and more time to survey your options.

Know Your Auctioneer

Each auctioneer has his or her own style.  Go watch a few auctions before you start your bidding to get an idea of the pace and style.  It's also important to know that each auction has its own rules, so be sure to check those before you go.

If you're looking for used and junk cars for sale, a car auction is the place for you.  Follow these simple tips and you'll be able to turn your bargain into a treasure. Of course, if you don't find anything you like, you might actually be surprised at the deals you can find at a dealer of used cars for sale too.


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