| A public auto auction. Is basically a group of vehicles | | | | good indicator the engine is free of an oil leak. |
| being sold to the highest bidder. Some common | | | | Second make sure its the right color. Engine oil should |
| reasons vehicle auctions are held. Are that a | | | | be a smooth darker brown or black color. If its a |
| governing body or tow company. Will be using the | | | | milky looking brown. That an indicator that the oil is |
| auction to pay off unclaimed vehicle fees. Such as | | | | mixed with engine coolant. Which is a very costly |
| the amounted impound and towing cost.Depending on | | | | repair some cases unrepairable.Then you also want to |
| the auction site. There could be various reasons the | | | | check the engine coolant itself within the radiator. |
| vehicles are there. The most common reason are | | | | You can do this by twisting the radiator cap. Always |
| abandonment, accident wrecked, illegally parked, | | | | make sure the engine is off and cool before ever |
| theft recovered, donated, police requested impounds, | | | | opening the radiator cap. The coolant should be a |
| repossessed, ex-gov or state service vehicles, etc. | | | | bright green color, on some newer model vehicles its |
| Some auction sites specify in certain type of vehicles, | | | | orange. Coolant inside the radiator is a good indicator |
| and other will generally have a mix of all.The major | | | | there are no radiator leaks, and the vehicles cooling |
| pros of a public auto auctions are. If you are | | | | system is in proper running condition. Discolored fluid |
| prepared, at the end of an auction day. You could | | | | with a brownish tint. Could indicate that fluid |
| walk away with car in great condition worth | | | | replacement is past due. Or in worst case rust |
| thousands of dollars. For little or nothing, and in some | | | | deposits from the radiator itself.If you vehicle of |
| cases less then $300.The major cons would be the | | | | choice is equipped with an automatic transmission. |
| risk factor involved. A lot of times its a gamble for | | | | Then you its important you check the transmission |
| the average consumer. For the simple fact often | | | | fluid as well. Its very similar to checking engine oil. |
| times you don't know what your getting anything | | | | You check the fluid threw a dip stick. Either pulled |
| could be wrong with the vehicle. It's the one time | | | | from on the transmission or around it. The dip stick is |
| you'll wish automobiles could talk.In many cases you | | | | sometimes made visible by a yellow ring or hook |
| could look at it as 50/50 deal. In my personal | | | | handle. The fluid color will give you a good idea on |
| experience I've won and lost at the hands of | | | | the condition of the transmission. For most cars it |
| auctions, but my wins outweighed my losses, Cause | | | | should be a pinkish or very light reddish color, and |
| of the great deals I've gotten. Fortunately your gains | | | | smell like motor oil. Now if its dark red or a brownish |
| could be much greater then your losses and risk with | | | | or smells burnt. That a common indicator the |
| just a couple simple steps.Finding out about these | | | | transmission might be worn or damaged.Before or |
| auctions this can be a daunting task. It seems to be | | | | after your basic fluid check. You want to perform a |
| a close net circle. Almost as if the auction goers are | | | | simple vehicle walk around. Check the body panels |
| keeping the great bargains for themselves. You can | | | | check how the doors line up as well as other panels. |
| start with the vast information on the internet. Check | | | | Make sure all for wheels are aligned |
| you local newspaper listings. Some companies offer | | | | correctly.Remember your looking for tell tail signs of |
| auction list for a membership fee. You'll always come | | | | past damage if any. If you don't mind a fee. A |
| across those adds in paper listings that say | | | | company called carfax can run a vehicle history |
| impounded cars as low as $500.You could also check | | | | report. They can give you all types of information. |
| with your local impound lots. Check with the county | | | | Such as if the vehicle has ever been a flood, major |
| or city if they hold any public vehicle auctions. Some | | | | collisions stolen, etc.Now its auction time. The bidding |
| airports hold public auctions for the unclaimed vehicles | | | | is about to start. You've picked out the vehicle or |
| left there to long. If any of these sources do hold | | | | vehicles your ready to bid on. As if your armored for |
| auctions they should be able to give you the date | | | | fierce battle with any opposing bidders. When the |
| and time it will be held. Last but not least one of the | | | | bidding starts on your vehicle of choice, and you find |
| best way is just plain old word of mouth.Now after | | | | yourself with competition.At this point what you |
| you've gathered your information, such as date,time, | | | | want to watch out for. Is getting caught up in a |
| and location. If the auction site allows it you can | | | | bidding frenzy. So stick to your spending limit. If you |
| arrive, early on before the auction starts and do | | | | end up paying to much for the vehicle. You'll defeat |
| some investigating. On any of the vehicles your | | | | the whole purpose, you came looking for. That's |
| interested in purchasing. Use this access to your | | | | bargain prices on the vehicles. Unfortunately bidding |
| benefit. Then you can give the vehicles of choice.A | | | | frenzies are very common at auctions. Some |
| basic hands on inspection. Now for this you don't | | | | automobiles are bought at ridiculous prices. That |
| have to be a mechanic its pretty basic steps. Just | | | | should have sold for much less. Its what happens |
| check the vital but common things that keep a car or | | | | when egos clash. Use your better judgment and you'll |
| truck running properly. For starters you want to | | | | walk away with the bargain of your life. I know I |
| check the oil. To 1st make sure it has oil. Which is a | | | | have on several occasions. |