Things to Remember When You Are Thinking of Buying Your Car
by TERRY BOLTON
Are you looking to buy a car but you don't have a lot of money to spend? One of the best ways you can buy a low priced car is by checking out your local banks, police departments and places that repossess cars. These cars are auctioned off, starting at low bid prices. Why priced so low? Basically, local banks, police departments and places that repossess cars and other properties can't afford to keep them for long because of limited space. They want to get rid of these cars as soon as possible, and the quickest way to accomplish this is to auction them off starting with low bids. There are four things you need to do if you plan on buying a car through an auction.
1. Find out where car auctions are held
To find out where the car auctions are near you, get online. Use Google to search for places near where you live that may store impounded or repossessed cars. Online is a good place to start your search, but you can widen your search by visiting your local city hall or contacting them by phone. You can also call your local police department and ask about any car auction they may have, when and where it will be held.
2. Study the Auction
Before the auction starts, prepare by studying the catalogue of cars that are going to be auctioned off. Focus on the price quotes, the low and the high, and particularly give attention to the type, model and year of the cars you're interested in. This way, you know how high you're willing to bid and what kind of car you're getting.
3. Get the VIN of cars to find more information
The VIN or Vehicle Identification Number can provide you with a lot more background information about the cars you plan to bid on. Many car auctions allow bidders to preview the cars a few days before bidding starts. Take this opportunity to get the VIN of the cars you're eyeing. You'll find the VIN on a small metal plate located on the dashboard by the driver's side. The VIN of a car can give you useful information about the car. For this, you can use an online database. Just type the VIN and you'll find out about the car's history, including information on accidents it has been involved in.
4. Car auctions are on an "as is" basis
Keep in mind that auctions, include car auctions, are on an "as is" basis, which means you're bidding on the present condition of the car. If you win the auction, you can't turn around and ask for your money back if you find out later on that the car has defects or problems. Thus, you really need to be careful when you're budding on a car at public auctions.
Keep in mind that successfully purchasing used cars hinges on several different factors, so see what you can do to improve your cheap used car shopping skills.
