Car auctions are excellent places to get a great deal on a used car. But they can be intimidating to those who have never been to one. Luckily for you, our team has plenty of experience attending and buying at auctions. So we compiled a few tips to help you get a car at an auction.
Pick the right kind of auction
There are many types of car auctions, and it pays to know which kind you want to attend. Some, like dealer-only, are closed to the public, but many are open for anyone to attend. For example, repo auctions can be a good way to find a newer used vehicle at a reasonable price. They are usually in better condition than basic auctions, but you may have to compete with dealers looking for a steal. Once you decide what kind of auction to go to, you can do more research to know what you’re going up against.
Arrive early
The best advice for nearly every auction is to get there ahead of time. Typically, auctions have lots of inventory. The viewing time is often short, so getting there ahead of time ensures that you can actually see all of the vehicles. This will make you a lot more knowledgeable when making bids, making sure that you don’t overspend on a vehicle that isn’t up to snuff.
Have a couple of options going in
Going into a large auction with your mind set on just one vehicle is a recipe for disaster. Whether you’re aware of it or not, you’ll start to focus on that one vehicle so much that you’ll forget to hunt for other good deals. Limiting your options like this prevents you from being able to get the best deal, and it may even make you spend more than you should. Buying a car at an auction can be difficult, but it will be even more difficult if you focus solely on one vehicle.
Finally, once you buy your vehicle, you’ll need to get it home. If you need help with that, know that Austin Car Transport has you covered!
