Auto Auctions, { Part 1, All you need to know }

I have been to many auto auctions in different states for more than a decade. In the Auto Auction blogs I will tell you all you need to know on how to save money, what to look for, and how auto auctions work.

Auto Auctions { Part 2, Do your homework }

If you're wanting to buy a car to drive, or to sale for profit, do your homework. There are many different types of sales at auto auctions.

Auto Auctions { Part 3, How to find the best Auction for your needs }

Most Auto Auctions only sale to the public on certain days or certain times of the month. Some auctions have large inventories of certain manufacturers automobiles. Most Auctions carry a good selection of many makes and models. If you know what make and model you want, check for auctions in your area [ask when they are open to the public]. Many auctions will have web sites which list most of the automobiles for auction on that sale date. Find the best auction for your needs. Now is the time to setup payment plan with auction [most acccept cash, check, money order, cashiers check or bank draft]. Be sure you secure payment method before going to auction. Let the auction know what price range you are willing to spend and they can tell you what the buyers cost will be [buyers cost is what the auction makes from you for their services]. If you are not sure of price, ask them to email you a complete list that breaks down buyers cost based on your bid price. I'm sure they will be happy to .

Auto Auctions { Part 4, After you've located the auction that works for you take the next steps }

Now is the time you should purchase an Automobile Appraisal booklet. There are many selections; some for older models and some for newer to current models. Be sure to select the proper guide. These guides will help you save $THOUSANDS$ if used properly. Find the make, model, and year vehicle you're are looking for. Newer models have add-on and deducts and mileage add-on or deducts, be sure you figure these in the total .

Auto Auctions { Part 5, Best time to go to auctions and why }

The best time to go to auto auctions is daytime , clear weather if possible. Be sure to arrive at least two hours before the sale begins. Walk the lot and find as many vehicles you like as you can. Most auctions have a test track you can drive the vehicles on, if not many will let you drive it on the highway. Be sure you check the vehicle out before it enters the building. The reason a daytime clear day is best is because you can see the paint better, vehicles should not smoke after being warmed up, [ on cool nights with moisture in the air vehicles will smoke longer, some dealers or consumers will bring vehicles that smoke, at nights for that reason ]. It's also easier to see oil or water leaks under a car at daytime in clear weather, [ some dealers or consumers will bring vehicles that leak, on rainy days or nights for that reason].

Auto Auctions { Part 6, How to check out the vehicle before purchase }

Be sure you have your used car guide . paper and pen with you. When you locate a vehicle you like your ready to check it out. First walk around it check the paint make sure all fenders, doors,hood , trunk and roof match also check for dents and scratches, open doors, hood, and trunk, check joints close make sure they Aline proper, you should be able to tell if vehicle has been painted over anywhere.[ if it has be sure to make a note]. Look at all tires [ check for wear, if all are same make] if wore bad and or different make be sure you make a note. Now look under vehicle [ check exhaust system for rust , under entire bottom for rust, check for oil or water leaks] oi any make a note. Now it's time to crank the vehicle and let it warm up, while it is warming up check out the following ,[all electrical, power windows, power door locks, power seats, in other words all power settings, power sun,moon roof, if convertible power up and down, radio , cassette, cd player, dvd player, good to have a cassette, cd, and dvd with you to test properly, check sound at all speakers, check navigation system if available, check all interior lights , check blinkers, horn, check for any lights saying repairs are needed , overhead lining, interior, seats , doors, console, dash, glove box , all mirrors, carpet, all rubber around doors,etc.

Auto Auctions { Part 7, checking out vehicle before purchase }

Turn off the radio, cd player, dvd player. Now turn on the a/c, [air conditioner] check for coolness [if cool weather, make sure a/c clutch on a/c compressor is turning; if too cool inside to tell if a/c is cool, check all settings on fan; be sure they blow at each setting. Now vehicle should be warmed up, leave engine running and with vehicle in park, emergency brake on, turn on headlights and step outside; check headlights on bright and dim; check blinkers, brake lights, and all other exterior lights. Look in trunk to make sure it is in good shape; check spare tire. Check again for oil and water leaks [water may leak from a/c dryer which is normal].

Check exhaust for smoke [light grey smoke with moisture mixed in could be a cracked block; dark grey smoke with a burned oil smell could mean engine is burning oil -- either one of these is very costly, so beware]. Open hood, listen for a knocking sound and look for oil leaks on engine, check all hoses and belts [make sure they don't need replaced]. Check battery and battery post. Batteries have dates on them so check the age [the average battery last 3 to 4 years under normal usage]. Listen for pulley noise, listen for clutch noise on a/c; a proper running runs smooth with very little engine noise. MAKE NOTES IF ANY PROBLEMS WERE FOUND IN PART 6 or 7. NEXT IN PART 8, WHAT TO CHECK WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE [CHECK MY BLOG ON HOW TO DETERMINE WATER DAMAGE]