Here is the story.. I want to get a used 2005 Toyota Corolla Ce at an auction for about $10,000. Is it safe to do so or it is better to go to the dealer and pay an extra $2000?
2007-03-02 05:24:34 · 12 answers · asked by Lolita S 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
Yo Lolita
Be careful here !! Auctions are notorious for being a "dumping ground" for problem cars !! The reason that they do such a brisk business is that this is a place that a lot of people who have knowledge and ability in the auto repair business go to pick up low dollar "parts cars" or "fixer uppers"--- they buy at low dollar EXPECTING to reinvest a certain amount to "shape the vehicle up " for a resell profit !!
Advice here would be --- not to make any purchases at all through a vehicle auction unless you have the guidance of a truly good and honest mechanic or "car person" who can advise you on this matter and keep you steered clear of any noticably Bad Deals !! This alone would be worth paying someone like this a couple of hundred dollars to help you--- it might save you making a Major mistake !!!!
2007-03-02 05:40:37 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here's the thing, when you buy a car at auction, you take the car as-is. So you might save some money on the purchase price, but when the head-gasket blows, guess who's out the money, you are. If you buy from a reputable dealer, he might buy the car at a lower price, but when he sells it, he'll ask more because
he'll have it inspected, stickered depending on the state, repaired if need be, new tires, etc.... so he can get the asking price. What you are paying extra for is knowledge that the car is ready to drive and not just for the ride home.
A word about mechanics,
You are paying them to pick apart a car you want to buy. He is going to call it for anything and everything because A. He wants you think he's doing you a service B. If the car does blow up for any reason, like your 16 year old son riding the clutch and doing doughnuts, the mechanic covered his own ***.
Happy buying.
2007-03-05 10:51:48 · answer #2 · answered by jefx1965 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering many dealership in CA sell brand new 2007 Toyota Corolla CE for $12000 I'm not sure why you'd want to pay $10K for one from auction.
However, if you do purchase from auction, be sure you know what you are bidding on. Make sure a mechanic can inspect the engine of the vehicle. Many cars that go to auction were not taken care of by prior owners who knew they were losing their car. There are good deals to be found, but caveat emptor is always what you need to do when you go to an auction.
Personally I'd go to a dealership and pay the extra $2K to get a new one.
(Bob Baker Toyota in San Diego frequently advertises Corolla CE's for around $12K)
They cycle their ads frequently. However today's ad (3/2/2007)can be found here and they have a BRAND NEW 2007 Toyota Corolla CE for a few dollars over $12K!:
http://toyota.bobbaker.com/Specials-New.aspx
2007-03-02 05:28:03 · answer #3 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check it out before hand, the auction has to put up anything they find wrong with the car on the window. A used dealer does not! I would buy at auction and use the 2000 to fix it up if need be.
2007-03-02 05:27:57 · answer #4 · answered by mudd_grip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its 50/50 chance you'll get a good one. I worked in an auto parts store where there was an auction right next door. We had people coming in to buy 'quick fix' things for cars all the time. Synthetic oil will keep an engine from smoking for a while, etc. Any used car, you don't really know what you're getting. I'd check on major replacement parts on that particular vehicle. The price and availability of major replacement parts is key in buying any used vehicle.
2007-03-02 05:31:36 · answer #5 · answered by KATHY A 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Safe" is in the eye of the beholder. When you buy anything at auction it is on 'AS IS - WHERE IS' basis, and the only thing they will guarantee is that it will start at least one time to where you can drive it off the lot.
The auction house will, however, give the bidders a certain amount of time to look at a car, pull the dip stick, look under it for oil leaks, and kick the tires.
The rule of thumb is - BUYER BEWARE
2007-03-02 05:30:13 · answer #6 · answered by jim_elkins 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is actually great to by a car at auction. You need to have a trusted mechanic with you to assist in looking,over the car before you bid. Otherwise you could be in for a terrible suprise.
2007-03-02 05:27:19 · answer #7 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would pay the extra 2000.
2007-03-02 05:28:24 · answer #8 · answered by Pseudonym 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Umm , thats too expensive check car auctions , http://carauctions.deals-guide.com , you might find better auctions and better cars
2007-03-03 04:29:19 · answer #9 · answered by Kristina A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 % more to get a history, service record, warranty, clean title.
Seems like a no brainer to me.
2007-03-02 05:27:54 · answer #10 · answered by wizjp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋