Car Auctions: How To Get The Most Out Of Them.

Need a car? Thinking about buying one through car auctions? Car auctions may look like the best way to find a good deal but you have to be extra careful. Every car has a history and you need to know the history of the car you are planning to buy or you have chosen to buy before you take the final step. Here are 5 tips on how you can make the most out of car auctions:

• Vehicle History Report: This is a key deciding factor in any car auction. Always ask for a vehicle history report for the car so that you can find all relevant information regarding the vehicle like:

1. Hidden accident damage: Whether the car has been involved in any accidents previously and if then what where the damages.

2. Odometer history and false readings: Sometimes people tend to change the odometer reading to show that the car is brand new and hasn't travelled as many miles. This report will give you the exact readings of the car.

3. Car theft reports: Car thefts are common and the report will provide information on any theft on this car

4. Flood damage: There are hundreds of cars flooded annually due to hurricanes and tropical storms. Once flooded these cars end up being sent to another state, which could be your state too. Flood damages can be severe and hence you need to check the wheel wells, radiator, engine, upholstery, trunk, under the mats and door hinges etc. Chances are that these cars may have internal damages more than external.

5. Lemon history: Lemon cars are those, which have defects that are permanent in nature and can make the car unsafe and hamper the future use of the car.







• VIN: The VIN# or the Vehicle Identification number is a 17-digit number that can be found on any car. You can find the VIN number on:

1. The Insurance card or auto insurance policy

2. Driver's side dash

3. Driver's side door post

4. The Trunk or Hood

5. Sometimes even on the engine

The VIN number is specific to each car so if you find a Lexus with a VIN# that doesn't match then something is wrong and you shouldn't buy that car.







• Variations: Sometimes, people buy a car because they like it's looks and in general, the car looks good. You may like the colour of the car, or the design, but that's not enough. Don't let looks fool you when you buy a car in car auctions. Make it a point to check every possible part of the car before actually signing the deal. Here is a list of things to check:

1. Disk brakes and drums. Damaged wheel rims

2. Dents, small scratched or dings, chipping off paint. Check the bumper

3. Thickness of the paint. This will require a digital coating thickness gauge. You should always bring your car mechanic along because he/she has all the instruments and the eye to check for damages and other details.

4. New carpeting, new paint or new cushions for no apparent reason

5. Malfunctioning A/C & Exhaust emissions

• Car Title: In car auctions, the auctioneer has Red, Yellow, and Green traffic lights. These lights indicate the status of the car's title. When you purchase the car, make sure that your contract specifies the colour of light as it might cause problems later.

• Extended Warranty: Lastly, get an extended warranty on the car. Companies do not offer the extended warranty on specific cars and you need to find the list of cars models available for extended warranty.