We sell a lot of used cars the traditional way, but we’re also the only public auction house in the tri-state area. If you’ve never bought a car at auction before, it can seem like an intimidating place, but it really doesn’t have to be! With a little luck and some common sense, a used car auction is a great way to find amazing deals. Here’s our quick primer on how to buy a car at auction!

3 Tips For Buying Like A Dealer

Register Early

The lines can get long at a popular used car auction, so it’s best to show up earlier to beat the crowd. Get a list of the order of the cars at sign-in and figure out when the ones you are interested in will cross the block. If you show up too late, you might not get a chance to inspect your favorite car before it goes up. Speaking of which…

You Can’t Test Drive, But You Can Inspect 

Normally, the test drive is one of the best ways to get information about a used car before you buy. At an auction,  you won’t be able to do that. But that doesn’t mean you’re going in completely blind. Do your research on the type of car you’re interested in, or bring your most knowledgeable friend, and inspect it as thoroughly as you’re able to.

Think Fast, But Stick To Your Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and thrill of an auction, and spend more than you meant to spend. Know how much you can afford to spend on a used car, and bid accordingly. It’s best to think this through ahead of time, because auctions move fast! You won’t have much time to deliberate in the moment, or another buyer will beat you to the punch. Plan ahead, so you can be decisive when it counts!

Read More: Tips For Choosing The Right Used Car

Of course, these are just the basics. If you have specific questions about Queens Auto Mall auctions, shoot us an email or call (718) 523-9090 to learn more!