| Vehicles that are used in the commission of certain | | | | and inspect the vehicle and look for defects that you |
| crimes, particularly drug offenses, often become the | | | | might not otherwise know to look for. |
| property of the arresting agency, depending on local | | | | This advice assumes that the purchaser is skilled |
| laws. While these seized vehicles are occasionally | | | | enough with automobiles to know how to inspect |
| used by the agency, in the vast majority of cases | | | | them properly. For most auctions, a test drive is out |
| the vehicles are sold at auction. | | | | of the question. |
| Cars that have been repossessed for nonpayment | | | | Therefore, if you are not confident in your ability to |
| are also commonly sold at car auctions. This means | | | | diagnose the condition of the vehicle, consider asking |
| that, under the right circumstances, the savvy | | | | a friend or relative who is knowledgeable about the |
| shopper can find some spectacular deals. | | | | inner workings of automobiles to help you out. Some |
| Car auctions are competitive, however, so it is | | | | professional mechanics will also attend the auction to |
| possible to come away paying more than the vehicle | | | | inspect the car for you (for a fee of course). |
| is worth. This article provides a few car auction tips | | | | It is important to have all of your homework |
| that can be used to increase the chances of finding | | | | complete by the time the auction begins. Know |
| real bargains. | | | | beforehand the maximum amount you are willing to |
| It is important to do your homework before the car | | | | pay and stick to it. It is very easy to get caught up |
| auction begins. Most auctions will allow the | | | | in the competitive nature of bidding and become so |
| automobiles to be inspected by the public a few | | | | engrossed in beating the "other guy" that you lose |
| days before the event is held. This provides a great | | | | perspective of the real reason you are there--to find |
| opportunity to look under the hood, kick the tires, | | | | the best deal possible. It is not uncommon for people |
| check the shocks, and do all the other tests that can | | | | to leave auctions bewildered why they paid as much |
| give the shopper an idea of the state of the vehicle. | | | | as they did. |
| Be sure to record the vehicle identification number | | | | Car auctions can be a great source for excellent |
| (VIN) of any vehicle you are interested in buying. You | | | | deals for those who are serious about finding |
| can use this number to get a report on issues that | | | | bargains and do their homework. Those who attend |
| have been reported to insurance agencies or law | | | | the auction spontaneously or lose themselves in the |
| enforcement departments in the past. | | | | competitive nature of bidding are likely to come |
| It is important to know if the vehicle has been | | | | away paying more than if they had bought the |
| flooded, fire damaged, rebuilt, or involved in a major | | | | vehicle from a dealer. |
| accident. Armed with this knowledge, you can return | | | | |