| Police and government auto auctions are a great way | | | | power windows and seats, wipers, air conditioner, |
| to get vehicles for considerably less than retail value. | | | | headlights, open the trunk, look at the tire treads, |
| At auction, cars may sell for more than 50% off of | | | | etc. If you are a mechanic, or you have a mechanic |
| blue book prices. But there are a few things that you | | | | friend that you can bring with you, look under the |
| should know before making your next purchase. | | | | hood. Typically they will start the engine for you so |
| 1. Financing can be tricky - If you are going to be | | | | you can listen for knocks or any other telltale sounds. |
| financing your purchase, make sure to talk to the | | | | 4. Look at the vehicle history report of any vehicle |
| bank before going to the auction. Tell them your plan | | | | you will be bidding on (this should be provided free |
| and find out how much they would be willing to lend | | | | by the auctioneers). Make sure that there is no flood |
| you. Some auction services list vehicles that will be at | | | | damage, major wrecks, fire damage, etc. Unless you |
| the auction, if you have this list and know what car | | | | are a very experienced car dealer, you should never |
| you want to bid on, show it to your banker. They | | | | bid on cars that have had major body work. |
| should be able to tell you exactly how much they | | | | 5. Bids at auctions are as binding as a contract. Don't |
| would be willing to lend on that car. | | | | bid unless you are absolutely sure you want to. And |
| 2. You have time after the end of the auction to get | | | | if you do not want to bid, be quiet and keep your |
| the money together. - Don't be worried that you | | | | hands down. Auctions move very quickly, and if the |
| have to write a check as soon as the auction is over. | | | | auctioneer sees you waving at your friend, you might |
| All you have to do is talk to the auctioneers after | | | | accidentally be bidding on a car. |
| the auction and sign the formal papers. Then you | | | | Auctions are, by nature, very high speed and very |
| have time (somewhere between 24 hours and 5 | | | | competitive. They can make new auction goers very |
| days, depending on the auction), to return with a | | | | nervous. If you have the chance, I recommend going |
| cashier's check and pick up the car. | | | | to an auction purely as a spectator your first time. |
| 3. There is an inspection period before bidding begins, | | | | After you get used to how an auction goes, you will |
| use it. - There is no lemon-law at auction. Try to get | | | | be much more confident for your next visit. Auctions |
| to the auction as soon as it opens and look at every | | | | can be fun and lucrative once you get the hang of |
| vehicle you may wish to purchase. Test all of the | | | | them. |