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by Auto Legal Group
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Are you a car dealer looking for the best way to buy cars at the auction? With so many auctions available, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know what methods are proven to get you the most value for your money. To ensure that you make smart investments when buying cars from auctions, it is important to understand the different strategies that experienced car dealers use. In this blog post, we’ll discuss effective practices used by successful car dealers when attending car auctions. Read on to find out how you can improve your skills as a car dealer and get better deals at auto auctions.

There are several best practices for buying cars at auction as a car dealer:

  1. Research the auction cars beforehand: Look at the list of cars that will be up for auction and research their values, so you know how much you can expect to pay for them. Also review the CARFAX and/or Autocheck third-party history report for each vehicle.
  2. Set a budget: Decide how much you are willing to spend on each car, and stick to that budget. This will help you avoid overspending and getting into future financial trouble.
  3. “Touch” the car: If possible, inspect the cars before the auction to check for any damage or problems. This will give you a better idea of what you're bidding on and help you make more informed decisions.
  4. Bring a mechanic: If you are not able to inspect the cars yourself, bring a mechanic with you to the auction. They will be able to give you a professional assessment of the cars' condition.
  5. Be prepared to walk away: If the bidding goes above your budget or if you are unsure about the condition of the car, don't be afraid to walk away. There will always be other auctions and other cars to bid on.
  6. Get a good deal: Look out for cars that have been passed over by other bidders, or cars that have been seized by the government. These cars are often sold at a significant discount, and can be a great way to get a good deal. Just watch out for any serious condition or prior history that may be the reason for the good deal. Remember, you’ll have to disclose that to any potential buyers.
  7. Have all the paperwork ready: Keep all necessary documents like tax and registration papers with you.
  8. Be aware of all the fees: Be aware of all the fees involved in the transaction, including the auction house's commission, taxes, transportation costs, and flooring costs.