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Always Perform Thorough Vehicle Inspection At An
Auto Auction.
Failure To Do So Could Cost You Much More Then
You Thought You Might Save.
Buy Cheap Cars The Same Way A
Dealer Can, But
Beware
Auto Loans For Those With Bad Or No Credit.
A thorough
inspection of a car or truck at an
auto auction, prior to bidding is the only way to insure
that your purchase is a wise one. Below are the steps you should
take when inspecting a vehicle for possible purchase.
- A quick "walk around" will make it easy to
decide whether or not you want to inspect further. Dents, dings,
and scratches will give you an idea of the type of care the
vehicle has had in the past. If your budget does not allow for
"perfect" you might choose to ignore blemishes, and continue
inspection.
- Open the driver's door, and insure the paint
on the inside of the door jam is the same color as that on the
outside of the vehicle.
- Start the
car, and listen for any noise that
doesn't sound right. Check the gauges for proper
readings (oil
pressure, alternator, water temp, etc.). Inspect the odometer
for evidence of tampering. After starting the vehicle, go to the
rear and inspect the exhaust for smoke. If there is smoke,
pass!
- Return to drivers seat and turn air
conditioning on. Check for cold air flowing through the vents.
- Engage all of the power window buttons.
Insure they actually lower and raise the windows.
- Engage the transmission. The transition
should be smooth and quiet.
- Check wipers, stereo, sunroof, and any other
interior systems.
- Feel the carpets for moisture.
- Exit vehicle, and open the engine hood. Look
for oil, or other leaking fluids.
- Feel belts for rot or excessive wear.
- Inspect glass for dings and/or cracks.
- Check tires for even wear, and remaining
tread.
- Open trunk lid and confirm the presence of a
spare tire.
The degree in which, after your inspection,
you value the vehicle is up to you. All used vehicles have
"issues", but only "issues" with the engine, transmission, air
conditioning, or power windows should
prevent you from
bidding.
When entering the bidding lane, a copy of a
current buying guide will help you determine the value of the
car. The N.A.D.A guide is probably the most accurate, and
usually available for purchase at the auction. These guides are
usually based on sales of the same vehicles in the prior month.
After inspecting the guide, you can lower or raise your bid
according to the condition of the vehicle, or your desire to own
it.
Always Perform Thorough Vehicle Inspection At An
Auto Auction.
Failure To Do So Could Cost You Much More Then
You Thought You Might Save.
Buy Cheap Cars The Same Way A Dealer Can, But
Beware
Auto Loans For Those With Bad Or No Credit.
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