Knowing what to look for if you are attending a car auction is imperative if you don’t want to get stuck with a huge bill from your local mechanic. If you follow the Powell Auction Blog, you will have learned a few tricks of the trade from one of the oldest and most established auction houses in the area. You may think your new Lexus only needed new spark plugs, but if your new ride didn’t make it home from the auction and you needed a tow, those repairs could cost you as much as the car and even more. Pull the Dipstick If the vehicle has been maintained when you pull the transmission fluid or the oil, the lubricants must be clear and clean. If they aren’t head over to the next car on the list. Know its Value Check Edmund’s and the Kelly Blue Book for used car prices. It will take some research, but will be well worth it in the end. You can also check online listings on Craig’s List and eBay motors for comparable vehicle prices. It Really is As Is Every vehicle you buy at a car auction is sold, “As is.” This literally means there is no guarantee after the hammer hits. If you can’t stomach the thought of buying a money pit, don’t bid. Be Observant Being able to watch the action on the car or truck that you want to bid on is important. Take your time and size up the bidders who are interested in the vehicle that you want to bid on. Go to a few auctions as an observer and get to know the familiar faces. Don’t Get Caught in a Bidding War Don’t try to outbid your new, “Buddy.” That guy you met at the last car auction isn’t your friend. He may try to drive up the price making you spend hundreds more than the Chevy pickup is actually worth. When it comes to public and government car auctions it’s important to know what to expect before you get there. At Powell Auction, you can trust the team to locate the best car auction with a buying and selling system like no other. Check out a car auction now.