Auto Auctions: What You Need To Know About Auto Auctions.

Have you been eyeing that smart BMW at your neighborhood auto auctions? Are you aware of the fact that some of the cars at auto auctions are not in as good condition as they look from outside? Before you take, any decision regarding buying a car from an auto auction you can read through these tips so that you can buy the best car: look wise as well as functionally. What you really need to know when you visit auto auctions are:

• Check for the Vehicle History report of the car first: The vehicle history report is available with various websites and one of the most popular is the CARFAX vehicle history report. Why this report? Because the vehicle history report will provide important information that will help, you make an informed buying decision. The vehicle history report contains the following:

• Damage due to an accident: There are many times when a car might have an accident, which has been covered up in paint and the seller will probably never tell you about it. The problem is that some cars go through external and internal repairs but it might not be enough. It can happen that one day while driving you face a sever engine problem and realise this is due to a damage caused to the car much before you bought it. So it is better to always check the car thoroughly before making an investment. After all, you earned it.

• Auto Thefts: Auto theft is a rising problem and there are times when impounded and stolen cars are sold at auto auctions. You need to be extremely cautious and since the history vehicle report will provide you with the finer details, it will be easier for you to choose the right car. A car with an auto theft record is not the car you would want to buy.

• Always check the VIN: VIN stands for vehicle Identification number. It is a 17-digit number, which is found on every car. You can find it on the driver's side doorpost, on trunk, the hood, insurance policy and the dashboard on the driver's side. The number will help you identify if the car is stolen or not. The VIN# will also provide you information about the vehicle history and related information. If the VIN# is less than 17 digits then it is a pre 1981 car. Before 1981, the VIN# on the vehicles varied between 11 and 17. Auto auctions are the best place to hide finer details of a car. There are sellers who will say that it's a new car but the VIN# is of 15 digits.

• Interiors & Exteriors: At car auctions, the cars displayed are always bright and shiny and you may feel that they are probably as old as one year or two years. Think Again! The cars may have been repainted from the outside and with paintless dent removal procedures, most people get the small dents, and dings repaired with ease. It is at times, advisable to bring your existing car mechanic with you during inspections at auto auctions because he knows more about the intricate details of a car than you do. He can check every detail of the car right from the disc brakes to the odometer readings, damaged wheel rims, almost invisible scratches on the bumpers, rusty parts in the under carriage, functioning of the air-conditioner, emission levels of the exhaust etc.

You will also find some great cars at various auto auctions but to find it, you need to be prepared with information.