Buying an Auction Car From the Dealership: Is It Trustworthy?
I am a serial entrepreneur and a consumer advocate. When I’m not helping car buyers, I love working on ventures that have a positive impact.
I run a cause marketing agency and serve on the board of Vayu Global Health where we are disrupting the medical industry and preventing the needless deaths of mothers and babies during childbirth.
What if you find out the dealer bought the car you're interested in from an auction?
Understandably, it can be a bit concerning, but it's not always bad. You can still find a reliable and quality vehicle, and still have room for negotiations.
Table of Contents
- Buying an Auction Car Video
- Where Do Dealers Get Used Cars From?
- Why Cars are Auctioned
- Types of Auctions
- Government Auctions
- Why Dealers Buy from Auctions
- Should I Buy a Vehicle from a Dealer That Came From an Auction?
- Negotiating the Best Price on a Dealer's Car From An Auction
- Useful Tips for Buying a Car from a Dealer Who Bought from an Auction
- Final Thoughts
- Best Car Deals by Category
- Frequently Asked Questions
Buying an Auction Car Video
Where Do Dealers Get Used Cars From?
Used car dealers can get inventory from several sources, including:
Trade-Ins: Vehicles that customers sell to dealers when buying another vehicle from that dealer.- Auctions: Auctions are a major source of used car inventory for many dealers. Some auctions are open, while others only sell to registered dealers.
- Rental Companies: Rental companies supply larger dealer groups or sell to dealers through manufacturers.
- Fleets: Ex-fleet vehicles are often well-maintained and prepared for sale.
- Private Sellers: Some people may sell an old vehicle to a dealer without trading it in.
Why Cars are Auctioned
Auctions are a common way for dealers to get used inventory, but before considering buying one you'll need to understand a bit more about car auctions. Some reasons cars end up in auctions include:
Dealer Sells. The car has been on the dealer lot for too long so the dealer auctions them off to recoup the investment.- Default. The original owners default on payments, so the vehicle is repossessed and auctioned by the financial institution.
- Damaged. Some cars have been in accidents or suffered weather damage. The insurance company will pay off the owner and then sell the car in an auction to recoup some of the payouts. Many of these cars are only sold at specialized auctions due to damage that may include dents, scratches, and other malfunctions.
Types of Auctions
Public Auction
Public auctions are quite common. Most often, they're held by car auction houses and insurance companies. The purpose is typically to sell used cars that have been repossessed but have very little to no issues.
Closed/Private Auctions
Private auctions are only accessible by car dealers, not by the general public. This is the type of auction that a used car dealer will typically go to for inventory.
Online Auctions
Some auctions are now held online, and they allow people to buy the car virtually. Buyers register for the auction site to join and use the site's information to choose their car.
Government Auctions
The US customs service or another government body may also hold auctions. These auctions are meant to sell off excess or old vehicles that were impounded or seized. Police or government agencies may also use auctions to sell off their fleet of vehicles when they upgrade.
Why Dealers Buy from Auctions
Choices. Wide variety of unique vehicles.- Titles. Guaranteed title in a timely manner.
- Vehicle History. Some auctions include a condition report and Carfax guarantees.
- Faster Inventory Sourcing. Dealers can make several potential purchases in one location at one event.
- Low Pricing. Very low price vehicles allow the dealer to gain a large profit margin.
- Reliable. Generally reliable vehicles.
- Trading. Dealers may be able to trade vehicles at a private auction to get the inventory that fits their lot.
Should I Buy a Vehicle from a Dealer That Came From an Auction?
While some low-end auctions sell troubled cars, most cars at auctions are high-quality used cars. This is especially true of the private auctions that many dealers attend. Compared to an average car buyer, a dealer also has a better eye for vehicles and can quickly assess feasible options. They're also likely to get the cars repaired and cleaned up so they can sell them for more.
However, it would be best if you still were careful when buying a car from a dealer that came from an auction. Here are some things you should do to ensure you get a quality vehicle:
- Ask About Source. Find out about the source of the vehicle. Ask directly if it was from an auction, trade-in, etc. Also, consider these questions when buying a used car.
- Assess Mechanical Condition. Check for yourself for any glaring issues like worn-out tires, broken lights, dents/scratches, etc. Major issues that have not been fixed suggest there could be more beneath the hood.
- Consider an Inspection. Consider a pre-purchase inspection and an under-car inspection. It's a small investment that could save you a lot of money and stress down the line.
- Check Warranty. Ask about any guarantees or warranties the dealer includes.
Negotiating the Best Price on a Dealer's Car From An Auction
One of the major benefits of buying a car from a dealer from an auction is the ability to negotiate. First, pay attention to the window stickers. Two important stickers to watch out for are "MDA" (market value adjustment) and "ADM" (adjusted dealer markup). Both of those stickers indicate that the price adjustment could be to sell the vehicle for a larger price without a clear reason.
Either way, you can use the knowledge that the car came from an auction to your advantage. If the dealer bought the car from an auction, there's a great chance they got a huge deal on it, which means they will have more room to negotiate.
Useful Tips for Buying a Car from a Dealer Who Bought from an Auction
When buying a car from a dealer who bought it from an auction, there are several crucial tips to keep in mind to ensure you're getting the best deal possible:
Ask about the source
Ensure to ask the dealer directly about the source of the vehicle. This could provide insight into the vehicle's history and why it ended up in an auction.
Check the vehicle's condition
Even though most cars bought from auctions by dealers are usually in good condition, it's vital to inspect the vehicle for any signs of damage or mechanical issues.
Insist on an inspection
It's beneficial to get a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic. This extra step can uncover potential problems and help avoid future stress and expenses.
Ask about warranties
Inquire about any available warranties or guarantees offered by the dealer. This could give you some protection should any unforeseen issues arise.
Negotiate
Dealers often secure significant deals at auctions, meaning they may have more room for price negotiation. Don't be afraid to haggle, especially if you know the vehicle was purchased at an auction.
Remember, while it may seem daunting to purchase a vehicle that was bought at an auction, dealers often have a keen eye for spotting quality vehicles. By following these tips, you can make an informed decision and possibly score a fantastic deal.
Final Thoughts
Auctions are a common source of inventory for dealers that sell used cars, as they offer an affordable way for dealers to get the inventory they want. Often, the vehicles that come from the private auction dealers are in good condition. Investigate the vehicle's source and condition and consider a pre-sale inspection when buying a car from a dealer who bought from an auction.
