It can be a thrilling experience to buy a car at an auction, and with careful preparation, quite a few car buyers have picked up lucrative deals from car auctions. It’s a good way fulfilling your commutation needs and still save some money in the end. Participating in car auctions turns out to be much cheaper, even if one were to consider buying a car from a used car dealer.
The most important aspect to consider while opting for a second hand or used car – what you plan to buy must be capable of fulfilling its objective. Many car portals offer attractive pictures of used cars, and the auctions too offer a hastily constructed sales list of used cars offered for auctioning purposes. However, it’s only when you arrive in person and practically check out the car, you will end up getting a true idea regarding the condition of the car. It’s important to give a thorough inspection – inside and out. Look at the car from different angles and try to pick out any apparent defects, whether it’s a misaligned panel or a cracked dashboard, or a small dent in the fender. Also, check for any chips in the windscreen and ask for the engine to be turned on and revved. Obviously, used cars are prone to a certain degree of war and tear, and you need to consider how much the car is worth to you, and how much you should ideally bid for it. In addition, you need to check out for the warranty – all vehicles subjected to the auctioneer’s hammer do not have a warranty. After bidding on the vehicle, you’ll have around an hour to peruse the car for any mechanical defects and other problems. Check out the clutch, gearbox, steering, and other working components. If there are any serious issues, cancel the bid and demand your money back.
You need to consider the car’s history and how the previous owner has maintained it. It is imperative you buy a car that is accompanied with all legal and acceptable paperwork. Check out the MOT and V5 certificate details before ascertaining your buy. Sometimes, second hand cars are presented along with their fact sheets, in which case carefully study the same.
It all comes down to the pricing. In case of auctions, the highest bidder takes the car, and people tend to get all heated up while competing at the auctions. It pays to be prudent and not get carried away with the flow. Keep your cool, and really consider the car’s worth before bidding any higher. Remember, it’s not only the bidding amount you will eventually pay for owning the car – you will be carrying out the maintenance amount in addition to the car ownership transfer fees and the insurance amount. The costing can add up, and make the car more expensive in the end. So consider all the points while deciding the final price of the car you plan to buy.
image credit: Axion23
This entry was posted in: Auctions
Tagged: buy cars at auction, buying cars at auction, car auctions online, how to buy a car at an auction, tips for online car auction
