Tips for Buying Cars at Auction

Are you in need of a new car but want to avoid having to pay full price for a brand-new ride, or shudder at the thought of having to navigate the second-hand market? Auctions are a great way to secure a quality vehicle for a reduced price, often being bought for 10-30% less than they would be if bought from a seller. Attending an auction may be daunting if it is your first time, however, which is why we have prepared the following tips for buying cars at auction.

If you’re searching for Brisbane car wholesalers to help you secure a quality car for a great price, get in touch online or contact our team on 13002TOUGH.

Our Best Tips for Buying Cars at Auction

While it may seem obvious, one of the most important used car buying tips is to decide what you need before you start searching to avoid spending hours scrawling through irrelevant listings. Consider how your vehicle needs to suit your lifestyle and work, if you have any preferences like colours or styles, and most importantly, what your budget is. It is a lot easier to find the car you are looking for when you know where to begin, saving you time and stress.

Do Your Research

Preparation is key when it comes to being successful at an auction. Before arriving, be sure of the type of car you want to buy and how much it is typically worth. You can discover this by researching how much your desired car is being sold for by private sellers and dealers. This will help you to set your budget accordingly, avoiding overpaying if the bidding begins to get too high.

Ask Questions

One of our biggest tips for buying cars at auction is to ask plenty of questions. Buying a car is a big investment, so it is important that you are well-informed before handing over a significant amount of cash. Ask the host questions like if the car is under warranty, if it’s registered, and if there are any additional fees or repairs that will need to be covered. Most auction yards have a no-refunds policy, so it is vital that you know what you are buying ahead of time.

Do a Pre-Inspection

Most auction houses provide pre-auction vehicle reports upon request, which are carried out by independent mechanics. You may even be able to use your own trusted mechanic. These reports provide a comprehensive analysis of the vehicle you are interested in bidding on, letting you know its exact condition before putting any money down. These reports also include a Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) check to make sure the vehicle is not stolen.

Go As a Spectator

Most people find the entire bidding process daunting on their first visit as bids and numbers are thrown around at lightning speed. It is not uncommon for a car to be sold in less than a minute! That’s why one of our tips for buying cars at auction is to go to your first couple of auctions as a spectator to witness it firsthand. Doing so allows you to see the pace with which it unfolds, how rival bidders operate, and how high the bidding can get.

Devise a Bidding Strategy

Now that you’ve gotten all your research and preparation out of the way, it is time to come with a strategy for how you are going to bid in the auction. Some people like to get in early to scare away opportunists looking for a bargain, while others like to take their time and bid near the end once they’ve scoped out other bidders. Our tips for buying cars at auction is to devise your own personal strategy, as every auction is different based on the product and the group involved.

Join Our Auctions Today!

At Tough Automotive, we regularly host auto auctions where we put everything from luxury vehicles to sports cars up for sale. We are always auctioning off new cars, so keep an eye on our website for the latest updates.

 If you would rather buy a car outright than bidding in an auction, we also offer an interstate car buying service to help you find your perfect car. Give us a call on 13002TOUGH to learn more, or get in touch online to let us know what you are looking for.