Going to any car auction can sometimes feel a bit intimidating. There are a lot of choices for us to spend our money on, and it is easy to go overboard.
But there are ways in which you can have a fun and successful outing at one of these auctions. And not spend all of your money in one go!
This list goes through just some of those ways and how you can maximize your time at an auction. You may well end up leaving the auction with the vehicle of your dreams.
Do Your Research
If you are going into an auction seeking a specific car, it is important to do your research before you go. This can be simple things like how much the vehicle is worth or perhaps how hard maintenance is.
Knowing a car’s value will prevent you from overpaying for it. Knowing how tricky or easy it is to care for the car could also increase your enjoyment factor once you own it.
Set Yourself A Budget
We have probably all been there. Be it overspending for a month or when we go out somewhere, it is easy to go over budget. That can leave you wondering where the money has gone when you go to check your bank account.
Setting yourself a budget and sticking to it will save you a lot of stress. There is no point in spending tens of thousands of dollars on a car and then realizing that you went maybe $5,000 over what you could really afford to pay.
Be Flexible With Expectations
Not being too caught up in what you want and having no flexibility can increase the fun you have at an auction. If you can’t get the car you want, then perhaps have some others in the back of your mind in case one of those is for sale at a decent price.
Don’t get too hung up on your dream car’s condition, and perhaps accept that it might not be mint. Flexibility and compromise are a big part of our daily lives, and they are the same with an auction as well.
Arrive At The Auction Early
It is tempting to look at auction listings or catalogs online and then just waltz up not long before the bidding starts. But, it is sometimes a great idea to arrive at the auction earlier than you need to.
For one, you might get a chance to look around at what’s on sale and have a good look at the car or vehicles you are looking to buy. Plus, there might even be preview days where you can do this without worrying about getting into a bidding war later in the day.
Check The Auction Fees
Many of us tend to forget this, and it’s quickly done. Fees are a big part of an auction and can hike up the prices somewhat to make what can be a cheap vehicle a little bit more expensive.
It’s essential to read the small print at an auction and find out what you will pay in addition to the overall cost of the vehicle. That way, you will know how to budget for the fees and will not be shocked when you have to pay an extra 10 percent or whatever it may be.
Bring A Mechanic Along
You don’t have to do this at every auction, but if you know a good mechanic or have a mechanically minded friend, it can be a bonus to bring them along to an auction. They can cast their expert eye over any vehicle you have your eye on to get a better read on its overall condition.
They can also spot any nasty surprises that you otherwise might have missed. Nobody wants to buy a car, get it home, and then suddenly realize there is a severe transmission or engine fault with it.
Ask Questions About The Vehicles
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Depending on the auction you go to, individual sellers or representatives from big auctions who know about the vehicles, their condition, and what they are like to drive and own might be around to help out.
This can allow you to get a better idea of what you are spending your hard-earned cash on. You can also determine if they are hiding something from you or perhaps being a little cagey about aspects of the vehicle.
Be Willing To Walk Away
Being able to walk away and know when to back off from an auction is almost as important as setting a budget, looking for issues with a vehicle, or simply having a good time.
Perhaps you are getting an uneasy feeling about the vehicle you are bidding on. Or maybe the cost of it is going up and up as the bidding goes on. If there are any doubts in the back of your mind, that is the time to cease bidding and let someone else run away with it.
Don’t Have Too Much Alcohol
This might sound a bit ridiculous, but hear us out. After a few drinks, we can often make rash purchasing decisions and spend a bit too much money. Occasionally, that can work out and actually be a good thing. But a lot of the time, it can be a real problem.
So have a drink by all means, but don’t get too carried away! The last thing you want to do is come home with more cars than you intended, having blown several thousand dollars, and suddenly regret it all the next day. Nobody wants that!
Enjoy The Experience
This might sound silly, but enjoyment is a crucial part of any auction scenario. These are meant to be fun events where you can come home with perhaps your dream vehicle or maybe something you never thought about owning before.
If you don’t enjoy the auction, you’re unlikely to go to another one in the future. So relax, take your time, and just enjoy the event you are a part of. Auctions can be a whole lot of fun.