How To Get The Best Deal At The Car Auction
You don't have to be lucky to get a real steal at a car auction - although, it does help. Mostly you just have to be patient and have a really good eye for cars. Of course, if you're not a car person, it really isn't all that hard to get a car enthusiast to come along. What mechanical maniac would pass up a chance to get a great car at an even better price, or just have a look at what they could get?
But what if you don't have any monkey wrenching friends? What should you steer clear of at a car auction, and how can you know what is a steal, and what is a recipe for a crash? Getting something at a car auction isn't like going to your local dealer, but you are still pretty likely to end up with a lemon. What's worse, there's no such thing as a refund. If you pick up a dud, you're stuck with it.
Getting your car-o-vision
First of all, forget everything you think you know about the odometer's mileage. It's just a sales gimmick. Granted higher mileage does mean higher maintenance, but at a car auction, high mileage can mean that it's a good sturdy car. Don't fret if something that otherwise looks really great has over three hundred thousand miles on it. There are bigger things you should worry about.
Such as rust. When an interesting car pulls up during the car auction, up-end yourself and have a look, most especially, at the underbelly of the car. If you don't see anything, give it a little kick just to be sure. The lower part of the body after the wheel wells is a good spot. If you hear a crunch or see something fall - obviously, that's not a good sign!
Some rust is okay, but if it looks extensive on the outside, then it's probably pretty extensive on the inside. However, the previous owner might have repaired or replaced some of the parts that rust most commonly affects. If you really like a car, but are kinda sketchy about the rust, walk around the back and have a quick look at the exhaust. Although, if it's running, you should be able to hear if the exhaust is in good condition. Nevertheless, give it a once-over and look for holes or anything hanging.
The auction driver can also be your greatest asset. When each car pulls up and drives away during the car auction, watch the driver for a couple seconds. See if they have to go through some kind of charade to put it in gear, or can't get the radio to work. Don't be afraid to ask the driver what they had to do in order to make the car start. If they have to open the door so you can chat, then it's likely not a keeper.
Your ears are your best friend
If for some strange reason you become addicted to the car auction, you'll eventually pick up on what every clank, ding, ping, and chug means. For your first time though, it might be just a bit difficult to know exactly what is wrong with a car just by listening to it. By now you've probably heard what a healthy car sounds like - try for cars that sound the closest to that.
After the car auction, you can learn a great deal by posing as a troubled car owner. Call up a few mechanics and ask them about the sounds you heard at the car auction. Once they give you their opinion, ask how much that kind of work might cost, and be certain to make a mental note of that for your next visit to the car auction.
