Any auction experiences???

[Carbogram]

Greetings folks! I'm looking into buying a Titan, and came across an auction. I'm really not sure about this method of buying. Can any of you folks share any car auction experiences? Whether good or bad, I'd like to hear/read from you.

Another thing, I've noticed some vehicles have rebuilt/salvage titles, is there any big deal buying one of those?

[vocationalzero]

They are sold as-is condition so it's a hit or miss as to what the condition of the vehicles are in.

[RustyBucket]

They are sold as-is condition so it's a hit or miss as to what the condition of the vehicles are in.

Yup, you are taking a bit of a risk buying, but it is possible to find something good.

Personally, I once bought a '92 Acura Legend from an auction. I got it for a bid of $750, but it was high mileage (340,000KM ~ 211,000mi) and I only drove it for about 2 months because the head gasket gave out. I also found 2 roaches in the ashtray

[Carbogram]

Haha nice! Free roaches = good perk..

I've found some pretty decent vehicles online, just not too sure..

Anymore experiences?

[Bubba1]

Greetings folks! I'm looking into buying a Titan, and came across an auction. I'm really not sure about this method of buying. Can any of you folks share any car auction experiences? Whether good or bad, I'd like to hear/read from you.

Another thing, I've noticed some vehicles have rebuilt/salvage titles, is there any big deal buying one of those?

The big risk is that they are literally as is/where is. no warranties expressed or implied. I have a good friend who buys many of his cars via auction, but He's fixes his own cars, so he;s pretty good at spotting obvious problems. If you go to an auction, bring someone along who knows a good bit about cars, to reduce your chances of getting hosed.

You should avoid salvage/rebuilt titled cars. Resale values suck, plus you don't know what was repaired (the car was totalled) and how good a repair job it was.

[Watermelonwarrior]

Greetings folks! I'm looking into buying a Titan, and came across an auction. I'm really not sure about this method of buying. Can any of you folks share any car auction experiences? Whether good or bad, I'd like to hear/read from you.

Another thing, I've noticed some vehicles have rebuilt/salvage titles, is there any big deal buying one of those?

Iv bought both my M3s and Cayman S at the auction. If its still available in your area do a PSI(Post Sale Inspection). I know in dallas they stopped doing them but for a $75 fee you can take the car back if you have any problems in the first 150 miles.

If you know which car your looking at ahead of time you can go there early and walk to the lane and run and see the car ahead of time. Usually you can sit in it and start it up also. Look at the tires, and under the car. Also open the trunk, hood, and all the places where the body panels meet and make sure they all match up good with no sign of an accident. Make you run a carfax before since I would say about 30% or more have had body panels replaced or been in an accident.

Make sure you know the MMR. Thats the wholesale value. If you need help I don't mind doing a little research for you and telling you how much you should be paying. Buying a car at the auction is great way to save money and make sure you take advantage of that as much as possible.

Oh and stay away from anything thats has a rebuilt/salvage title. You dont save THAT much at the auction for one and makes it very hard to sell later on down the road.

[flohtingPoint]

Some d!ck buckets just sniped my 4AG wiring harness on Ebay a couple days ago. Does that count?

[obstacle]

1) ALWAYS try to test drive the car in person if at all possible
2) never give a down payment unless you've seen/driven the car
3) try to have a mechanic/car savvy person with you when looking

I won an auction for a 2006 scion tC earlier this year, but couldnt get to the car's location within the auction period (was too far), but the car/price/mileage was great so i won the auction on eBay and gave a down payment. i personally called the dealership where the car was being sold by and heard great things about the car.

2 days later, i went to pick it up and test drive it. car was a complete FAIL; pop the hood, and there was burnt oil marks around the circumference of the hood, getting it past 3rd gear was difficult (was manual); you nearly had to use all your might to get in into 4th, car wreaked of cigarettes, and had an oil leak.

all in all i couldve bought the car, but had to invest 3-4K more to repair it. not only that bu the salesman's claim that it was in excellent condition was a downright LIE.

salesmen dont care whether the car is in good condition or not...all they want is the car off their lot and your $$$. maybe thats why i bought new? anyway, i hope it goes well for you!

[Carbogram]

Great info folks! Much appreciated! I actually found a couple nice ones that I can have someone look at. http://easyexport.us/carfinder/vehicle/ ... 54bdec9d5b and has a clean title. Thanks again folks!