Auto auctions are a great place to buy a reliable vehicle at a price that’s affordable. While most car dealerships purchase many of their vehicles at auto auctions, it’s also possible for the public to attend and buy vehicles at auto auctions too.
While some auto auctions are only for dealers, there are also many government auctions that are open to the general public. At these government and police car auctions, the only requirement is that you must be over the age of 18 to purchase a vehicle. When you go to an auction, you must also show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license.
Many people think they need a dealer’s license to buy a car at auction. If the auction is for dealers only, then this is true. However, at public auctions, you do not need to have a dealer’s license to buy a vehicle.
All kinds of people shop for their vehicles at government auctions for various reasons. The most common reasons are listed below:
- Affordability – these cars are less expensive than cars at a dealership
- Re-sell purposes – buying and selling vehicles to make extra money
- Bad credit – the ability to buy a car when you can’t get a loan
- Reliability – government vehicles are well-maintained
While it’s possible for anyone to buy a vehicle at a public auction, if you don’t know a lot about cars, you should bring someone with you to the auction who does. It’s always a good idea to check underneath the hood and to inspect the body of any car you buy. This is not only true for auctions, but also when you purchase a car from a dealership or a private party.
A person who is knowledgable about automobiles can usually tell if a car has any major issues or any minor issues that can be easily repaired. If you have a friend or relative who is a mechanic, bring that person along with you to the auction.
You won’t be able to drive any of the vehicles that are for sale at the auction, but you will be able to open the hood, look at the engine and check the oil. You’ll also be able to start the vehicle so you can hear how it sounds when it’s running.
So in conclusion, even if you’re not a car dealer, you can still find a great used car at an auto auction. Just be sure to check out each vehicle thoroughly and if you don’t know a lot about cars, bring someone with you who does.