Buying a car is always a big responsibility. But making that choice on where to buy your car is a huge decision that needs to be thought through carefully. There are many choices on where you can buy your next automobile. You may buy it from a car lot or even off of EBay but have you considered local auto auctions as a place to get your next used car?

Auto auctions are becoming quite popular. But there are some things you absolutely should consider before making such an important purchase from an auction. Are you getting the best deal for your money? What happens if something goes wrong? These are questions that you have to think about when it comes to your new purchase. In this article we will cover what auto auctions are and how they can either help or hinder your pursuit of a new automobile.

What are auto auctions?

Auto auctions are places where cars are sold. It could be from a public auction that has several vehicles to sell or it could be from an online auction at such places as EBay. There are also government seized auctions that occur regularly. The best place to look for these auctions is in your local newspaper. Many companies regularly have auctions at a set place and can offer up more choices in cars, trucks, vans and sport-utility vehicles.

Are auto auctions open to the public?

Most auto auctions are open to the public. This is especially true of vehicles that are being auctioned off on online websites. You may be required to register with the auction house before you begin bidding though. They will verify your identity and verify that you have a way to pay for the automobile after you have won the auction. There are some auctions, though, that are closed to the public. These auctions are only open to car dealers. The best way to find out if an auction is open to the public is to call the auction house and ask.

Why would I go to auto auctions?

Many people go to auto auctions because they can get a better deal on a car than they can at a local dealership. Many of the cars sold at auctions are from repossessions or from individuals who want to sell their car but do not want to go through the hassle of listing it in the local newspaper. If you are looking to find a decent vehicle at a low price then you should definitely check out the local auto auctions held in your state. It may involve you driving a bit but it may well be worth it to find the auto that you have been looking for.

What forms of payment are accepted at auto auctions?

Each auction company has different rules about forms of payment. Some will accept a local check while others out of the area may not. Cash is always a good idea to have when you go to one of these auto auctions. If you buy your car from an online auto auction you may be able to pay with PayPal and then bring the rest in cash or a certified check when you go to pick up the vehicle. If you are unsure of what form of money to bring you can always call the auction company to see what forms of payment they accept.

How do I know if my new purchase comes with a clean title?

Usually the auctioneer will let the crowd know whether or not the vehicle comes with a clean title. Before the auction begins most people are given the opportunity to check over the vehicle and ask questions. If you are not sure of what a clean title is, it is when a vehicle is free from liens and has never been wrecked or at least not wrecked to the point where it is now a salvaged car. If the auctioneer does not volunteer the information then you definitely want to ask before you make the purchase. There is nothing quite like finding out that your new vehicle is still under a lien or has been wrecked to ruin the good feeling of having a new car.

What is a salvaged title?

A salvaged title is a title that is given to a car after it has been wrecked. This is does not mean that the car has had a little fender bender. It means when there has been significant damage to the point where the insurance company has decided it is irreparable. Many mechanics will apply for a salvaged title after they have restored the car to its running condition. It will have a new Vehicle Identification Number posted on the car as not to confuse it with its previous title. Most salvaged cars when restored are quite good vehicles. But there are some that are not. You are taking a huge chance when you buy a vehicle that has a salvaged title.

Where do auto auctions get their cars?

Auto auctions get their cars from a variety of sources. The cars may be from repossessions foreclosed by the lender or the bank. Some cars come from private owners who want to sell their car in an auction environment rather than through the newspaper. EBay has turned into a popular auto auction site with many dealerships selling their inventory through the website.

Am I allowed to test drive the cars at auto auctions?

That depends on the particular auto auction and who you are dealing with. Of course if you are buying your car online from an auto auctions site you will be unable to test drive the car unless you are local to the seller. Many auto auctions do not give the opportunity for buyers to test drive the vehicles because of the sheer number of buyers that would want to do so. You have to take this into account when you are dealing with auto auctions. Many times you have to rely on what the auctioneer lists as defects and take him or her at their word.

Is the seller obliged to state any defects on the car?

There is a huge difference between what a seller should do and what they actually do. This is where ethics comes into play. If the seller knows that the engine is knocking or that the car has been wrecked they should disclose this knowledge to the public before bidding commences. Many states require that if a seller knows about a particular problem and does not disclose it, they can be held liable if the car breaks down after purchase. Basically it is the seller committing fraud against the buyer and fraud in all states is illegal.

What happens if I buy a car and it does not run as the seller said it would?

If the seller guaranteed you that the car had no obvious defects but you later found out that the transmission was slipping it may be a case of the seller not knowing about the defect. This is where the law comes into play. The law must factor in what the seller disclosed and what he or she did not disclose to the buyer before the purchase. There are some cases where the seller did not realize there was a potential flaw with the car when it was sold. Many sellers will sell the car "as is" and state any obvious defects that they are aware of. If you asked them specifically about something on the car and it was very obvious that they lied, you may have a case where you can get your money back. You will have to consult with a local attorney who can tell you the laws of buying a car in your state.

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