Car Auctions For Buying A Used Car

It used to be that a car auction was closed to the general public, but over the past few years this has become less and less true. Across the United States, there are hundreds of car auctions that are available to the general public. And if you know where to go and how much to bid, you can really get yourself one of the best deals that you will ever find. These cars come from everywhere, including police repossessions to IRS repossessions, program cars and from trade-ins at new car lots. Auctions can also be dangerous because that's where the junked, flooded and rebuilt cars are most likely to be found.

The best thing to do is research the car auction before you get there. Get a detailed listing of the cars that are being sold and make sure you know how much you are willing to spend.

Get to the auction early to stock your prey! The earlier the better. Beat the crowds, avoid distractions and look for the cars you will want. Make sure you have a Kelley Blue Book, NADA guide or Edmunds book if you're going to a public auto auction. If you have your PocketPC, just surf to the car pricing web sites from the auction.

As you find the cars you like in the lot, open all doors, hood, trunk and look for the VIN stickers, and make sure they all match. If they don't, the car is either stolen or was in a wreck and fixed with parts from another car. Use your cell phone to call someone sitting at a computer and have them run the carfax vehicle history report or use your wireless PocketPC to run the VIN yourself. Don't trust any title checks supplied by the auction, always verify your own. Remember the auction has a vested interest in selling the car.

Car auctions are also a great means of financial investment. Buy low and sell at a normal asking price. Similar to real estate auctions car auctions tend to attract all forms of investors and future car owners.