Auto Auctions 101

Tips for First Time Auction Buyers
 
  1. ARRIVE EARLY. Arrive at least 2 hours before auction start time.
     
  2. DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE. Use the two hours of preview to ask questions
     
  3. REMINDER: Every auction is different and they each have different rules, customs, policies, terms, conditions, etc.
     
  4. Physically inspect the vehicles prior to making or accepting an offer. Take your mechanic, scanner, etc. Take whatever tools are necessary for you to do your homework. Most importantly, ask for paperwork clarifications or doubts BEFORE the start of the auction.
     
  5. Have your wallet on you and cash available for deposit. A deposit is needed for EVERY bid the second you are sold the vehicle.
     
  6. Know what you’re buying. Everything is sold “AS IS, WHERE IS” with NO guarantees or warranties. If you don't make sure you are bidding on the correct car number and your are the highest bidder, you will be required to purchase the vehicle. Also, if you do not do your due diligence and an issue with the vehicle arises after purchasing it, guess what, it’s yours!
     
  7. Ask the ringman on the floor for help. That's what they are for! If you do not understand how much is being asked or your bid has not been taken, reach out to them.
     
  8. Listen to the auctioneer. He or she can increment bids by $25, $50, $100, $250, and more. Make sure you understand how much is being asked and hold yourself accountable for your bids. Lastly, listen to him/ her to know if a car is sold to you, to someone else, or it is placed as an "offer".
Here is a list of some major defects that may occur in used vehicles:

Frame & Body                                                                       
Frame-cracks, corrective welds, or rusted through       
Dog tracks—bent or twisted frame                                  
                                                                                              
Engine                                                                                     
Oil leakage, excluding normal seepage                           
Cracked block or head                                                          
Belts missing or inoperable                                                
Knocks or misses related to camshaft                               
lifters and push rods                                                            
Abnormal exhaust discharge                                              
                                             
Transmission & Drive Shaf                                                                         
Improper fluid level or leakage, excluding
normal seepage                                                                      
Cracked or damaged case which is visible                          
Abnormal noise or vibration caused by                              
faulty transmission or drive shaft                                        
Improper shifting or functioning in any gear                     
Manual clutch slips or chatters                                            
                                                                                                    
Differential                 
Improper fluid level or leakage, excluding                         
normal seepage                                                                       
Cracked of damaged housing which is visible                    
Abnormal noise or vibration caused by                               
faulty differential                                                                    
                                                                                                  
Cooling System                                                                       
Leakage including radiator Improperly                                
functioning water pump                                                        

Electrical System                                                                    
Battery leakage                                                                       
Improperly functioning alternator,                                            
generator, battery, or starter                                                 

Fuel System                                                                              
Visible leakage                                                                           
                                                                                                    
Inoperable Accessories
Gauges or warning devices                                                      
Air conditioner                                                                          
Heater & Defroster                                                                   





 


Brake System
Failure warning light broken Pedal not firm under pressure (DOT spec.)
Pedal not firm under pressure (DOT spec.)
Not enough pedal reserve (DOT spec.)
Does not stop vehicle in straight line (DOT spec.)
Hoses damaged
Drum or rotor too thin (Mfgr. Specs)
Lining or pad thickness less than 1/32 inch
Power unit not operating or leaking
Structural or mechanical parts damaged

Air Bags                                         

Steering System
Too much free play at steering wheel (DOT spec.)
Free play in linkage more than 1/4 inch
Steering gear binds or jams
Front wheels aligned improperly (DOT spec.)
Power unit belts cracked or slipping
Power unit fluid level improper

Suspension System
Ball joint seals damaged
Structural parts bent or damaged
Stabilizer bar disconnected
Spring broken
Rubber bushings damaged or missing
Radius rod damaged or missing
Shock absorber leaking or functioning improperly

Tires
Tread depth less than 2/32 inch 
Sizes mismatched            
Visible damage 

Wheels
Visible cracks, damage or repairs
Mounting bolts loose or missing

Exhaust System 
Leakage
Catalytic Converter