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5 Tips For Buying a Used Car in California

car keys

Buying a used car may be one of the smartest decisions you take but it has plenty of possibilities and avenues of failure. Depending upon how you approach it, you can either end up with a car that saves you a lot of money at the very outset while also serving you for many trouble-free years or you could end up overpaying for a piece of junk that constantly breaks down and only gives you headaches all the time. Thankfully, it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out if a used car is worth buying and here are the 5 Things to Look for When Buying a Used Car.

Make sure that there are no major visual blemishes: Even if it is a used car, you will probably end up driving it for a reasonable amount of time. This means that you will have to live with it on a daily basis. To ensure that you can drive it regularly and take it wherever you need to go, make sure that there are no major imperfections. Start with a visual examination of the exterior and check for dents and scratches. A used car will have a few. Make sure that they are minor and barely noticeable. Pay close attention to the paint job. Ensure that there is no flaking or discoloration as a bad paint job can be very expensive to fix. Once you are satisfied with the exterior move on to the interiors. Check the upholstery and all the different panels to make sure that nothing is loose as a rattling panel or a smelly upholstery is the last thing you would want in a car. Make sure that everything is to your liking and that you can make it your everyday transportation option without making major sacrifices.

Review the history of the vehicle: This is perhaps the most important step here. A car can look really good both from the inside and the outside but can still be hiding major defects that are difficult to detect and fix. Cars that have been in huge crashes can be restored to look like their old selves but can still be hiding major problems with the structure and in the chassis. This will make it really dangerous if you are in the unfortunate event of a crash. The car’s history will reveal all such issues and allow you to take a judgment call on whether you should invest in the car. This is not something that should be taken lightly as it concerns your health and well-being as well as the health and well-being of anyone who would end up traveling in the car with you. This will also reveal any persistent issues the car might have had in the past allowing you to get a good grasp of what you would be putting yourself into if you were to buy the car.

Do a test drive to ensure driveability: It goes without saying that this should be very much on the list of things you should do before buying a used car. This helps you to know a few things that are absolutely necessary knowledge before spending your money on the used car. First, it will give you a fair idea of the general condition of the engine. Any rattling or unseemly noises are a good indication of a faulty engine. It will also tell you how well it has been maintained. If it revs unevenly or the gears don’t shift properly then those are good pointers of a car that isn’t in good shape. It will also tell you how responsive the steering is and how well the pedals move. All these are absolutely critical to the driveability of a car and ensure that the car ticks off all these boxes. It doesn’t end there. A car maybe mechanically all right to drive but it should also feel right. If you do not enjoy riding the said car then it is best to look for other options.

Ensure that you are paying a fair price: Buyer’s remorse is one feeling no one should experience as it is one of the worst feelings you could have. Since there is no standardization of the value of used cars, the final price comes down to how well you can bargain. A good starting point would be to go online and check out the usual price a used version of the car that you are looking at sells for. Then look at the specific car and do a quick mental calculation of all the costs you would incur to get it into running condition. It could be anything from changing the brake pads to a full servicing. Factor all of these and see if the price the used car is being offered at is justified or not. If not try to negotiate a price that is more in range with your calculations and if the price is not reduced then look for other options as the last thing you want to do is overpay for a used car.

Have it inspected by a mechanic: This is also vital to ensure that the used car is not hiding any dirty secrets. Every used car will need some type of work done on it to make it “your” car. How much of this work is needed decides how good of a bargain it is. While you can get a fair idea of the general condition of the car, you need a mechanic to truly understand what you are getting yourself into. They can make a fair assessment of the various flaws on the car. Usually, this will cost you some money but it is minuscule compared to what you might have to spend if the car ends up having major issues. With a professional’s opinion you can rest easy that your decision was a wise one. You can also get a good idea of how much extra cost would be incurred allowing you to decide if it would fit into your budget or not.

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Filed Under: Auction News Tagged With: auction car, car auction tips, socal, used cars, used trucks

The Best Tow Auctions and Police Impound Car Auctions in California

 




 

tow auctionsLooking for the best deals on used cars in southern California can be daunting with so many options for car dealerships. That is why you should consider going where a lot of the car dealers go to get their cars: auto auctions. With auctions all around California, there are likely several in your area that are open to the public. These are great places to find deals on bank repos and police impounds. These units are often priced for a quick sell to someone.

Below are the locations and contact information for police and tow auctions in California. These are all open to the public and most do not require any membership so it is free to attend the auction and look at the inventory. Tow auctions have a wide variety of cars and trucks, from old beaters to late model cars. Keep in mind that children are not allowed at these auctions. Also, most of them allow you to arrive early to look over the cars before the auctions starts. Expect to pay a small fee in addition to the price of the car, plus applicable taxes.

Police and Tow Auctions around California:

City of Long Beach Police Lien Sales/Auto Auction
3111 E Willow St
Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 570-2828

Los Angeles Official Police Garages – Auctions

Apple Towing Auctions
9529 8th Street
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
(713) 600-7794

Keystone Towing Auctions
16139 Stagg Street
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(818) 782-1996
Auctions are every Thursday at 7:30PM

Hollywood Tow Lien Sale Vehicle Auction
1015 N. Mansfield Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90038
Auctions are every Thursday at 10:00AM

Bill and Wag’s Towing Auction
1516 South Bon View Avene
Ontario, CA 91761
(909) 923-6100

Towing Los Angeles Auction
2119 E 25th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90058
(323) 870-7100
Auctions are every Thursday at 10:00AM

See Also: Locations of Public Auto Auctions in California

Be sure to view our guide for buying a used car in California.

Filed Under: Auction News Tagged With: auction car, auction information, California Auto Auctions, insurance auctions, police impound auctions, repo auction, socal, tow auctions

Five Reasons to Buy a Car at a Car Auction in California

 

If you are looking to buy a car or truck in California, you really should consider a local car auction that is open to the public. These auctions are a great way to save money when buying a preowned vehicle. Remember: most auction locations allow you to buy a car without actually bidding in the auction. The process is similar to buying a car at a used car lot – but without the hassle of high-pressure sales tactics. The cars come from a variety of sources, including: local car dealers, private owners, government seized and impoundment vehicles, bank repos, and more.

 

Honda - Socal1) It is a really fun way to shop for a used car

So you’re probably already at least a little bit curious about how public auto auctions in California work. First of all, it can be a really fun and exciting experience so do not hesitate to visit a location near you and see for yourself.

2) It is a much safer way to find a used car than Craigslist or other online methods

Public auto auctions provide a safe location for buyers and sellers to conduct their business. Online markets, such as Craigslist Autos, can attract unsavory people that prey on unsuspecting buyers. All car buyers and sellers on auction property are registered with the front office so that their is less anonymity in the car buying process. This means a more reliable, safe transaction so that you can focus on other details.

3) Public Auctions Offer a Large Selection of Cars and Trucks at a Single Location

Instead of driving all around town from car lot to car lot, you can choose from a larger selection of vehicles more conveniently. This can help speed up the car buying process for you and save you some time. Sometimes, buyers will compromise and make a purchase that they are not satisfied with simply because they are exhausted with the process. An auto auction can help relieve some of that pressure by offering a diverse inventory.

4) You Can Use Outside Resources For Financing a Car From an Auto Auction

It is possible to use your bank of choice to provide financing to you for a car you buy at an auto auction. It is important to get the vehicle approved by your bank beforehand. Also, it is not necessary to bid on the car during the auction – you can always just make an offer and purchase it on the spot without waiting for the auction to start. Most locations will also allow you to do this on non-sale days. Contact them before arriving to verify their policy.

5) Buy a Car Without Dealing With Pushy Sales Staff

Auto Auctions are great for buyers that know what they want in a used car and do not wish to be pressured by someone else into spending more than they can afford.

 

Here are some useful links to get you started:

California Auction Buyer’s Guide

Auto Auctions in California

Online Auto Auctions

Filed Under: Auction News Tagged With: auction car, auction information, California Auto Auctions, car auction tips, insurance auctions, police impound auctions, repo auction, socal, tow auctions

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