Is the blue book good for buying a car at a auction?

Question

There is a auto auction coming up sat. 6210 us 1 N Jacksonville,fl

Answer 1

If you pay blue book at an auction, you'll make the seller very very happy.

Answer 2

I'm a used car dealer and believe me the blue book, as are all the other, public and dealer price guides, meant to be a guide only. Not the price you should expect to pay. Many other factors have got to be added to get a true approximate value.
Of course, color and condition are mainstay of the value.
None of the books tell you when a timing belt,(a costly repair), is factory recommended for replacement. You could be purchasing a 60,000 mile car needing a timing belt replacement, if not immediatly in the not to distant future. A costly break job and possibly even needing rotor replacement. All have to be concidered in your purchase price. Check that all four tires match for manufacture and size match. It will tell you how well the last owner took care of the vehicle. Check break pedals for excessive lower right corner wear on a low mileage vehicle.
Remember, a guide should be used as a guide only. Do not let it influence you more than about 60%. If you have any idea of what vehicles you like check your local newspaper or buy-lines to see what your choices are selling for. Add that as 30% into your estimates.
Color 10%
You got the idea.
Hey good luck.

Answer 3

The blue book is an excellent tool for ball parking an auto value.
If you intended to buy a vehicle at auction be aware that there are two blue books, The first and most common is the consumer version the other is the commercial Or wholesalers version. these two publications will give you two different values for the same car. the wholesalers version being the lower of the two. I would get the commercial book if you intended to buy at auction being that is what your competition will be using

Answer 4

Any book is just a guide to value. Because each car is different (condition, mileage), no two cars are worth the exact same amount!

Make sure you allow for any repairs that will be needed, and also make sure you understand the fees that are associated with the auction. Usually there will be a buyers fee on each item, that you have to consider as it is part of your total purchase price!

Answer 5

the blue book is a dealer,s resource. At auction cars will be in every conceivable condition so their is no standard. If you know about cars you stand a better chance of getting a deal.The law says buyer beware. Good luck.

Answer 6

It is a good judgement on how much you should be willing to spend. Usually the blue book is better to use when purchasing from a private dealer or person looking to sell their car to you.

Answer 7

i think it would help.