Saturday, May 31, 2008
It’s very threads are woven in to the fabric of America, I believe. It starts in even the youngest of kids, but it really takes root around age sixteen. What does every American teenager want to find in the driveway on the morning of that Sweet Sixteen? That’s right. Wheels. And, if they are attached to some sort of vehicle, all the better. Why not consider making Tim or Theresa’s first car a used one? Why not consider letting that son or daughter select for him or herself at a local car auction?
The truth is, we live in a time when obtaining a vehicle may be prohibitively expensive for many, whether parents wanting to equip their youngster with transportation, college students hoping to upgrade from their bike before cold weather, or the individual with some recent misfortune which has deprived him or her of a reliable car. One useful idea to consider when looking for a new-to-you vehicle is that of a car auction. The name is fairly descriptive of the activity, but you might find some detail useful. A car auction is much like the auction of any good or service. An auctioneer accepts bids from members of the assembled crowd, and, at some point, when no higher bids are on offer, the item is sold to the highest bidder present. The competition is limited to those who have chosen to attend, in person or by proxy, and the gratification is immediate. Attendees of the car auction are united with their purchases in very short order, often driving home with their chosen car or truck on the very day of the event.
What sort of cars are available for auction, you may ask. You may not be aware, but just one month ago, before the bankruptcy laws in this country underwent a planned shift in policy, countless individuals chose to declare bankruptcy in America. In some cases, the forfeiture of the vehicles once driven by those individuals became necessary. Those cars, either forfeited in bankruptcy or repossessed from non-paying individuals are often available at a car auctions at greatly reduced rates. Too, it is sometimes possible to obtain vehicles formerly used for government or business purposes. These are quality used cars being auctioned for quick sale, and the savings of the car auction model are passed on to you, the consumer interested in finding a deal.
In addition to the excitement inherent in the auction competition and the immediate gratification of buying your chosen car on the spot, an added benefit is that the cars up for auction most often are available for your personal inspection at the auction site. Kick the tires, look under the hood – do whatever will make you feel secure in the knowledge that you are buying a quality product for yourself or your loved one. You will want to inspect, as it is often auction policy that whatever car you purchase is yours to keep, and that any problem which may occur once the car is in your possession becomes your problem alone. A less than great car or a less than great deal are definite rarities at car auctions, however, and you can feel confident that your purchase will benefit you in its chosen purpose to your high expectations.
Many members of my own family have chosen to buy cars at auction, and all served them well. From the white van once used for utility work to the red truck which a member of the family continues to drive ten years later, we have never been disappointed with the experience of a car auction, or with the results.
Christopher M. Luck has an extensive background in dealing exclusively with both private and public car auctions and is now offering his free professional auction secrets to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher's auction advice, tips, or secrets, you can visit his car auction blog.