Car Dealer Auctions Tips

Over the course of many decades, there have often been scenes on television shows and in movies that show how various types of auctions are run. There is a certain excitement to these events and the drama that builds is good fodder for a storyline when the characters become engaged in bidding on artwork, collectibles or even cars. Car Dealer Auctions or car auction houses are the businesses that host various types of motor car auctions on a regular basis, from auctions that feature repossessed cars, seized cars, government vehicles, and even classic collector cars.

Some people who are not even particularly interested in buying a vehicle through a car auto auction still enjoy hanging around an auction house on the days that the auto auctions are running, just to take in the atmosphere of excitement and to do a bit of people watching. It can be a fascinating experience to watch the proceedings, especially if you have never before attended any type of used car auction. If there has been a vigorous round of bidding on a particular vehicle, then it can be electrifying when the auctioneer drops the gavel and pronounces the vehicle sold!

The car auction houses are very much accustomed to running the various motor car auctions that they host in their facilities. But in many cases, the people interested in making their first purchase through a used car auction feel a bit bewildered and lost when they first set foot in a car auto auction house.

Because of this, it is strongly recommended that first time auction goers, whether for antiques, collectibles and artwork, or for a public auto auction, attend at least one or two auctions in the role of observer and not as a bidder. Most of the car auction houses have an open door policy that allows spectators to come in and watch the proceedings; however, there may be restricted access to certain types of auctions.

The car auction house is not the seller of anything being sold. Instead, they are simply providing the services of the auctioneer, of registering the bidders, managing the auction and collecting the funds that are generated by the various motor car auctions that they host. If a person wins a bid on a vehicle, then they will pay the final bid price, as well as a percentage of the final price to the car auto auction house. This additional percentage is a fee that covers the expenses incurred by the auction house and is the main income source for these types of businesses.

Car auction houses are great places to go to if you are hoping to find a good deal on a vehicle. You will often find everything from motorcycles to recreational vehicles at some of the used car auctions. In addition to attending some public car auctions before you start bidding on automobiles yourself, you should also research the fair market value of any vehicles that you might want to bid on, beforehand.

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.