Introduction
Auctions can reward the prepared and punish the impulsive. If you go in with a plan, you’ll find value — without the drama. This checklist is what I use myself: short, practical steps you can follow before, during, and after a sale. Prepare, stay calm when you bid, and treat every lot as a lesson. Save this on your phone and use it.
1) Set a realistic all-in budget
Decide the total you can afford for a vehicle, not just the hammer price. Add buyer fees, taxes, title fees, transport, and a repair buffer. For a decent older car I typically allow $1,000 for surprises; for riskier buys I use 10–15% of the purchase price. Know your all-in number and don’t exceed it.
2) Always run a VIN check
A quick VIN check tells you things photos won’t: salvage brands, accident history, and odometer problems. Use Carfax or AutoCheck. If the VIN shows a salvage title and you don’t have a clear plan for rebuilding and re-titling, skip it. Paperwork beats pretty photos every time.
3) Do a fast comp check
Spend a couple of minutes looking at recent auction results and local listings for the same model, year, and condition. Prices vary by region — what’s a bargain here could be a near-normal price two counties over. A short comp check stops you from overpaying.
4) Learn the auction’s rules and fees
Different houses and platforms have different fees and timelines. Buyer premiums, registration fees, and storage charges vary. If the fees aren’t listed, call and ask. Tiny details — like removal deadlines — can quickly erase your margin. If you don’t know the fees, don’t bid.
5) Inspect with purpose
If you can be there in person, bring a flashlight and take clear photos. Look for mismatched paint, frame damage, fluid leaks, and uneven tire wear. Start the car if possible and listen for odd noises. For online lots, request extra photos or a short video. For high-dollar lots, invest in a third-party inspection. Photos help, but they don’t replace a hands-on check.
6) Stick to cars you or your mechanic know
Parts and labor availability matters. If neither you nor your mechanic knows a model, repairs will take longer and cost more. Small fixes are manageable; big unknowns aren’t. Choose vehicles you understand — it keeps surprises small and margins predictable.
7) Pick a bidding strategy and follow it
Decide your maximum hammer bid before the lot opens and don’t let adrenaline push you higher. Two simple approaches work:
Open strong to scare off casual bidders.
Be patient and bid near your max after the crowd thins.
Either can succeed; the point is discipline. If you get excited when numbers climb, use proxy or max-bid tools so the platform holds your line. Stick to your plan — discipline wins.
8) Spot the real red flags
Watch for mismatched panels, structural welds, or signs of water damage — damp smells or rust in hidden spots. Titles marked “unknown” or “salvage” need extra checking. If the paperwork isn’t clear, walk away.
9) Line up transport and payment ahead of time
Haulers get booked quickly after auctions. Get a quote before you bid or have someone ready to pick up. Know what payment methods the auction accepts — many large purchases require wires. Missing removal windows leads to storage fees that kill profit. Plan pickup and payment before you win.
10) Track every cost and learn fast
Record hammer price, buyer fees, transport, parts, labor, and final sale price if you resell. I keep a simple spreadsheet with these columns; after a few buys you’ll see which models flip well and which shops charge too much. Good records turn mistakes into lessons and lessons into wins.
Printable pre-bid checklist (keep on your phone)
VIN checked: Yes / No
Title status confirmed: Yes / No
All-in max budget: $_
Max hammer bid: $_
Transport booked: Yes / No
Inspection done/requested: Yes / No
Short real example
A few months back I walked away from what looked like a steal — an SUV with clean photos but a flood claim on its VIN report. Sellers sometimes hide water damage well; photos didn’t show the corrosion that inspection did. Passing on that lot saved me from a long, expensive repair process. Trust the history report over the gallery.
Final thought
Auctions don’t rely on luck — they reward good prep and steady habits. You don’t have to win every lot; focus on smart, consistent buys and reliable partners. Learn one thing from every sale and you’ll get better.
