How to Get the Best Deal on a Used Car at a Public Auction

If you would like to get a good deal on a used car from a public auction instead of going to a car dealer, you have to be prepared. If you are lucky you will find a car that you like and meet your budget and needs. However, you have to be careful to public auctions forimpounded cars, towed cars and wrecked cars for there might be some damages you have to consider. When you go to public auction like this, you buy the car "as is". Here are a few tips so you will feel confident when you go to a public auction.

1. Get a feel for the auction
Usually public auction is done once a week, biweekly or once a month. If this is your first time, study the bidding process. Note the way the auctioneer starts the bidding. A good auctioneer leads the bidders. A bad auctioneer is led by the bidders. Watch the bidders closely if everything is running smoothly. Try a few very conservative bids.

2. Ask for the list of cars to be auctioned
Each car on the list has a lot number. This number is used for identification when the car comes up for bid. The auctioneer will start by saying the lot number then people start bidding. The cars are auctioned in the order they are listed in. You can put a note on each car in the auction list. Check off the cars you want to bid on and the highest price you will pay.

3. All public auctions allow you to see or inspect the car at a given time before the auction starts.
Use this time wisely. Show up about one hour earlier. This is your only chance to closely inspect the cars. Never bid on a car without inspecting it first. If they allow you to test drive, do it. This is your only chance to know if the car meets your needs and budget and you can determine if you need to do major or minor repair.

4. Have a several alternatives ready before bidding a price.
Do not get attached to any one car - that will hurt you in bidding. Always be prepared to walk away from a car. When somebody already outbid you, do not try to bid again if it is over your budget.

5. If this is your first auction try hard not to overbid
Be very conservative in your bids. This is the time to learn - not plunge. Remember you are still a beginner. Take your first auction as a dry run.

6. Do not bid on a car you do not intend to buy.
Never bid on a car you do not want. If nobody else bid on that car, and you win, you have to buy that car and end up with something you do not want.

7. Pay Attention
Auctions move very quickly. A good auctioneer will sell a car every minute or two. Practice keeping tract of who has the bid. When you bid on a car be careful not to overbid yourself. That is probably the most common mistake a beginner makes.

8. Show up with a bank draft or cash in the amount you want to pay.
Cash in hand is hard to resist. Never buy more than you can handle. Remember at most auctions you must pay for and remove the cars the same day. Some auctions will give you more time if you make arrangements in advance. Always be aware of the auctions time frame and stick to it. Also check their terms of payment. Some auctions only accept cash, while some accept check, Visa or Master card.

9. Be aware of auction fever
The worst thing that can happen to you is you totally lose control. Two bidders can get mad at each other and run the bid up to twice the retail cost of the car they are bidding on. Set the price you will pay before the auction starts.

10. Always bring a friend
Two heads are better than one. A friend can help you to point out the reason you shouldn't buy the car and to take notes so you do not forget anything during the bidding. It's easy to get carried away at an auction. Having someone you trust along helps settle everything down. Especially if they know something about the cars you are going to bid on. Let them also participate in inspecting the car you want to bid on.