Newb Buying at auction.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
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Vehicle: 2007, Hyundai, Accent
Newb Buying at auction.
Greetings folks! I'm looking into buying a car, and came across an auction. I'm really not sure about this method of buying. Can any of you folks share any car auction experiences? Whether good or bad, I'd like to hear/read from you.
Another thing, I've noticed some vehicles have rebuilt/salvage titles, is there any big deal buying one of those?
http://easyexport.us/carfinder/vehicle/CLE...d=4c054bdec9d5b
What do you folks think of it?
Another thing, I've noticed some vehicles have rebuilt/salvage titles, is there any big deal buying one of those?
http://easyexport.us/carfinder/vehicle/CLE...d=4c054bdec9d5b
What do you folks think of it?
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 984
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From: Western, Washington
Vehicle: 05 Hyundai Tiburon SE
I have worked for several auto auction companies here in Washington State. There are several things to consider when buying at an auction.
1. ALWAYS check the car out thoroughly. Check under the hood, under the car everywhere. Check out the car while its running also. Give it a really good look over. Spend time looking things over and don't try to rush. Some places will do things to make you think that car runs good, but really is crap.
2. If the car has a rebuilt/salvage title it just means that it was in an accident and had more damage than was worth it to the insurance company to fix. You can get a good deal on a car if it has a rebuilt title, but you have to be careful and make sure its straight.
3. Get to know how you are dealing with. If you have questions ask them. Most people who know work at the auction will be able to answer your questions or at least point you to the people who could. Also, as far as Washington State goes (I don't know about other states) auction vehicles are exempt from the lemon law as they are not a vehicle dealer, and almost all auction cars are sold as is where is with no warranties or guarantees of any type.
4. Don't get caught up in the moment. Coming from experience from working an auto auction there is nothing more irritating than someone who bids on a car and then realizes that they don't have the money or are having second thoughts. When signing up/looking at the cars find out what other fees you may need to pay. For example the auction i worked at you had the bid price + 10% of the bid price + tax. There was also a documentation fee and title transfer fee. If it needed plates and tabs that was extra.
Long story short, find out all you can before the day of the auction. You don't want to go there and buy something you will regret later. Find out any fees there may be and if you are giving a copy of the terms and conditions you should read them because they will lay everything out for you. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to ask!
1. ALWAYS check the car out thoroughly. Check under the hood, under the car everywhere. Check out the car while its running also. Give it a really good look over. Spend time looking things over and don't try to rush. Some places will do things to make you think that car runs good, but really is crap.
2. If the car has a rebuilt/salvage title it just means that it was in an accident and had more damage than was worth it to the insurance company to fix. You can get a good deal on a car if it has a rebuilt title, but you have to be careful and make sure its straight.
3. Get to know how you are dealing with. If you have questions ask them. Most people who know work at the auction will be able to answer your questions or at least point you to the people who could. Also, as far as Washington State goes (I don't know about other states) auction vehicles are exempt from the lemon law as they are not a vehicle dealer, and almost all auction cars are sold as is where is with no warranties or guarantees of any type.
4. Don't get caught up in the moment. Coming from experience from working an auto auction there is nothing more irritating than someone who bids on a car and then realizes that they don't have the money or are having second thoughts. When signing up/looking at the cars find out what other fees you may need to pay. For example the auction i worked at you had the bid price + 10% of the bid price + tax. There was also a documentation fee and title transfer fee. If it needed plates and tabs that was extra.
Long story short, find out all you can before the day of the auction. You don't want to go there and buy something you will regret later. Find out any fees there may be and if you are giving a copy of the terms and conditions you should read them because they will lay everything out for you. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions feel free to ask!