For many, buying a car at an auction can be an efficient, budget-friendly method to access a wide variety of car types. With the different types of auctions, from online bidding to public car auctions, the process offers flexibility and a countless array of vehicles to choose from. However, the process can also come with risks if you’re not well prepared.
No matter the auction type, whether it be in-person or online, Global Auto Transportation is your trusted partner in getting your purchased vehicle shipped anywhere in the U.S., safely and affordably! Here, we will break down the pros and cons, our expert tips, and how you can ship your car safely with our auto transport options at Global Auto Transportation.
What is a Car Auction?
A car auction is a platform, whether it be in-person or online, where cars are sold to the highest bidder among a group of bidders. No matter the nature of the platform, from your local dealership to an auction website, this process may involve private sellers, financial institutions, leasing companies, government agencies, or insurance companies.
Types of Car Auctions:
- Public Car Auctions: The most suitable option for first-time buyers, as they’re open to the public.
- Dealer Auto Auctions: Restricted to licensed vehicle dealers and may only be accessed through brokers.
- Online Car Auctions: Easy-access, online platforms, including those such as Copart, IAAI, and Manheim. These platforms allow for car bidding from anywhere.
The Pros of Buying a Car at an Auction
Buying a car at an auction can present numerous advantages over everyday car purchasing practices. Some of these include:
1. Competitive Pricing
Prices for the average car can be noticeably lower at an auction than the prices that can be found at a dealership. As such, the option of buying at a car auction is appealing to budget-conscious buyers and resellers.
2. Wide Range of Vehicle Options
Auctions provide a wide range of cars to choose from, froom everyday sedans to one-of-a-kind luxury vehicles, as well as vintage cars and government fleet vehicles.
3. Faster Purchasing
Unlike typical dealerships, car auctions usually close sales quickly, especially once the highest bidder has been identified. This allows buyers to own a new vehicle within just a few days.
4. Opportunity for Great Deals
With the right research and bidding strategy, you can find, and even buy, vehicles in near-perfect conditions for much cheaper than their retail value.
The Cons of Buying a Car at an Auction
1. Limited or No Inspection
While the condition of the vehicle may be a major point of interest to the average buyer, many car auctions restrict thorough mechanical inspections. If available, buyers must rely on condition reports.
2. As-Is Sales Policy
Most car auctions sell their vehicles “as-is”. This means they get sold with no warranty or return option, and all repairs are left to the responsibility of the buyer.
3. High Competition and Overbidding
Due to the competitive atmosphere of the average car auction, most bidders can go down the path of emotional bidding and hike up the prices of the cars being bid on. If you’re not careful here, this can lead to overpaying for a vehicle that may actually have a lower retail cost.
4. Extra Fees and Hidden Costs
Even after paying the winning bid for an auctioned vehicle, buyers often pay administrative fees, taxes, and other hidden costs.
Expert Tips for Buying a Car at an Auction
1. Always Research
Before going along with a specific car at an auction, research the vehicle’s history. Use VIN check tools and services like Carfax or AutoCheck.
2. Set a Budget for Yourself
Besides taking the price of the vehicle into account, include room for extra fees, transport costs, and possible repairs that the vehicle may need when first purchased. Avoid bidding anything that goes beyond this budget.
3. Understand Auction Vocabulary
Learn the terminology that is often used at car auctions. These may include terms such as “clean title”, “salvage title”, “run and drive”, and “as-is”. Each of these different phrases and terms can indicate the car’s condition and value.
4. Start with Public Auctions
If you’re a first-time buyer at an auction, start by trying out public car auctions or online auction platforms that are easy to access and grasp for beginners.
5. Work with a Trusted Car Shipping Company
After winning a car with the highest bid, the next step is to ship it home safely. A lot of the time, your new vehicle may be out-of-state or even across the country.
Transporting After Buying a Car at an Auction
In many cases, most vehicles that are bought at an auction aren’t legally drivable or immediately ready to hit the road. In other instances, the auctioned car may be out of state or even on the other side of the country. Global Auto Transportation offers dependable, fully-insured car shipping services from every major auction location in the United States.
When working with our services to transport an auction-bought vehicle, simply provide the address of the auction and the drop-off location. Our experienced team handles the rest, from logistics to securing your vehicle so that it gets shipped safely and on time.
Why Choose Global Auto Transportation?
Shipping After Buying a Car at an Auction
Our team at Global Auto Transportation picks up and transports the vehicle from any major auction site in the U.S., including Copart, IAAI, and Manheim. We directly coordinate and plan the shipping process with auction facilities directly.
Affordable and Safe Vehicle Shipping
No matter your auto shipping needs, whether you need an open or enclosed car transport service, our services are entirely insured, licensed, and budget-friendly. We even offer expedited car shipping, and can accommodate same-day pickups in many cities.
Over Two Decades of Nationwide Car Shipping
With over 20 years of nationwide car shipping, we here at Global Auto Transportation have built a reputation of trust and safe deliveries, as well as a top auto transport provider from auctions and beyond.
Buying a Car at an Auction? Buy Smart, Ship Safe
Buying a car at an auction can save you money, while also having access to countless vehicle types. However, your success at an auction may depend on preparedness, research, and having a plan in place after buying. Always make sure to inspect the vehicle, set a budget for yourself, and understand why you’re choosing the purchase. After you close a deal, don’t take risks with shipping. Trust Global Auto Transportation to pick up and deliver your car safely and on time, no matter the distance!
Get a Free Quote today and receive a price estimate for your auction-bought car shipping needs.
