Are used cars worth it? This is one of the many questions that people interested in getting a car ask almost every time. Used vehicles are reliable and buying one will surely help you save thousands of dollars upfront.
Generally, car dealers often get their used vehicle inventory in two different ways; trade-ins and auctions. Automotive dealers get used car inventory through trade-ins when their customers come around to exchange their old cars with new ones. On the other hand, car auction, which happens to be the major source for dealers to get used car inventory, is a method of selling automobiles based on an auction system.
Cars are sold at auctions for several different reasons. First, it could be because the vehicles have stayed too long at the lot, with no one asking to buy them. It could also be that the car was repossessed and auctioned because the owner was unable to meet up with certain payments.
In the rest of this post, you’ll find out more about why many people choose to sell cars at auctions. In addition to that, I’ll also explain how auctions work. So, without wasting time, let’s get straight down to business.
What Is a Car Auction and How Exactly Does It Work?
Before going ahead to discuss the reasons why cars are auctioned, let me start by talking about what car auctions are and how they work.
Car auctions, as previously stated, involve selling vehicles based on an auction system. The process is pretty much simple and you can always participate in person or online. Furthermore, car auctions involve the listing of used vehicles with their starting prices and other relevant details clearly stated.
First, you’ll be allowed to inspect the vehicle to see whether or not it’s a good fit for you. If after inspection, you find the car worthwhile, all you need to do is set your maximum bid. After the vehicle is placed on the presentation floor, what is next is that everybody will start bidding for it.
The highest bidder will be the one to buy the vehicle. While that’s true, you need to keep in mind that you aren’t there to outshine anyone. That said, all you need to do is to keep to your set bid.
Why Are Cars Sold at Auction?
Now, let’s go back to the burning question of this post – why do people choose to sell cars at auction?
To answer the question, I’ll say that cars are auctioned because of several different reasons. Let’s have a look at some of them below:
- Old car models
One of the many reasons why people choose to sell cars at auction is probably because the vehicles have stayed in the lot for a long time, with nobody asking to buy them. The longer the cars stay in the dealer’s lot, the more they tend to lose their value. So, to prevent that from happening, dealers prefer to auction the vehicles and get back some of the money invested and use it to purchase newer models.
- Repossessed vehicle
Another reason why cars are sold at auctions is when they are repossessed from their original owner because of one reason or another. For instance, imagine that the car owner used the vehicle as collateral to get certain loans and was unable to meet up with the payment. The vehicle will most likely be repossessed and sold at auction so that the finance agency can get back the money.
- Trade-ins
Apart from staying too long in the lot or being repossessed, another reason why cars are sold at auctions is when they are traded in for new vehicles.
- Damaged vehicles
I’m sure you know that accidents can happen. Since that’s the case, it means that cars can suffer damages anytime and anywhere. Furthermore, insurance companies can decide to get back some of their money after paying off the owner for the damaged car.
Here’s where the need to auction the vehicle comes in handy. Damaged cars, which are due to scratches, malfunction, and many more, have special auctions where they can be sold. People planning to visit the auction house will already prepare their minds to see the damages.
What Are the Different Types of Car Auctions?
Now that you’ve got a clearer picture of why cars are usually auctioned, here’s a quick question – do you know that there are several different types of car auctions?
In case you don’t know, car auctions are available in different types; private auctions, public auctions, online auctions, and government auctions. To get more understanding about how each of them works, you can check below to read further.
1. Private auctions
Private auctions are also called closed auctions because they aren’t open to the general public. You’ll only be eligible to participate in the program if you’re a licensed vehicle dealer. So, if you know of car dealers that sell used vehicles, this is the type of auction that they visit to buy different vehicles that they end up selling.
2. Public auctions
Public auctions are different from closed auctions in the sense that they allow the public to participate in the auction program. This type of auction can either be organized by registered auction houses or insurance companies, who are interested in selling off damaged or used vehicles so they can recoup some money.
3. Online auctions
Apart from visiting an auction house in person, another way to buy cars at auctions is to buy them online, and this is exactly what online auctions take care of. Information regarding the cars is listed online with their starting prices. All you need to do is to register on a website, check the information, and set your maximum bid.
4. Government auctions
A government auction is a type of auction that’s usually organized by the customs service or other government agencies, such as the police. The aim is to sell off their used vehicles or illegally acquired vehicles and generate revenue for the country.
