Well most of us probably know already that there is some risk in buying a used car. But the good news is there's a pretty good chance you will get one much cheaper at a car auction than anywhere else. However this is not as easy as going down to your local dealer, pick out your car and away you go! Nope, it requires a little more leg work than that but if you can save up to 50% to 80% off retail it is worth the extra effort.



To assist you and make matters a bit easier when purchasing a used car especially at a live car auctions, here are some of the most used buying tips based on extensive research and some good old know how experience from buyers through-out the country.

1. The best option is to find a bank repo or a seized car. Public car auctions have various types of cars with various back grounds. Some are salvage vehicles from accidents or floods/disasters put up for auction by insurance companies or private owners etc.. Sometimes you can tell a little about the car by looking at the paper work if they provide it. The best thing to do is get the vin # and do a history check online at Experian ?checkauto?. Bank Repo's and seized vehicles are a good choice because they were usually well maintained by the owners and very often are in good condition.

2. While you're checking the vin # make sure you write it down have a pen and some paper with you when you go. Next, you will want to open all the doors, hood and trunk and check that vin# against all vin#?s found on the vehicle. Sometimes they are on the door sticker and/or trunk. See if they all match the one that is plated in the lower corner behind the windshield usually on the driver side. If they don't match, it is possible the car was in a severe wreck and the door panels were switched or the car was stolen and it would be advisable to stay away from this one.

3. You can also easily check-out, while the doors are open, under the carpet and in the trunk for dampness or rust under the seats. Also look in the engine area for water stains around the engine block. If there is a water line stain around the engine block, rust under the seats or the floor feels damp it's very likely this car was in a flood. Obviously this would be a good one to stay away from too.

4. While the hood is still open find the oil dipstick. draw it out and take a glance at the oil on the end of the stick. Do you see heavy dirt deposits? or is it like sludge? That wouldn't be a good sign if there is.The auto was plausibly not well maintained or it has been sitting a long time. It may not be a real problem but when there is always more cars to see. Pas This up you will thank me later.

5. Now last but not least is the transmission check. While you are checking the oil also check the transmission by pulling the dipstick out and see if it has heavy deposits or if it has a fowl smell is a sign of not being maintained. Then if that checks out ok, start the car put your foot on the brake and hold it there, then put it in drive and then slowly into reverse to see if there is a clunking noise or slipping feel while you hold the brake. Do not drive the car around that's not allowed at car auctions. A little clunk is ok, but If there is excessive noise it's got problems walk away from that one too.

There are always more you can check but these major inspection tips will help keep you from major problems down the road. It's not a guarantee but it definitely limits the possibility of getting a junk of a car.

One more thing you should keep in mind when shopping for any car. Do not get attached to a car follow the guide lines and avoid the auction cars with the problems as mentioned above. There is many great cars out there you will find what you want if you just look hard enough. Even if you leave an auction empty handed there is plenty of auctions every week in every state across the country. Happy car shopping! Enjoy your search and have fun!