I discovered some online auto auctions and wanted to ask if anyone has used them and if you have any advice about buying a pickup at an auction?

I’m interested in a 2005 F150. I’ve been watching the auctions and it seems you can get some 2003 F150 for $1,000 and a 2005 for around $2,000, sometimes less. Some of them have substantial damage from an accident, which I’m not interested in, but on some, the dents seem minor. I’d drive a truck with a minor dent, if I could buy it at 40% off the usual price. There are even some with no larger dents, that have not been in an accident.

They do let you see the vehicles a day before the sale (or maybe a few days) I assume they let you start them, but not drive them, when you inspect.

Looks like the auction company charges $300, in addition to the auction sale price.

Two auction companies that I found are:
abetter[dot]bid
iaai[dot] com

I think that some vehicles may have mechanical failures, instead of being in an accident, such as a bad motor or transmission.
To check for a bad motor, I could listen for unusual sounds, and check for head gasket blown.
Any good way to check if the transmission works, if I can’t drive it?

Any other thoughts on buying at an auto auction?

Thank you!

 

I've bought at auctions and have always come out okay, just don't expect anything exceptional to be there. I've even done the ones you can participate in online. The one thing to make sure of is there and a nothing major wrong with the engine/transmission policy. That way you don't get stuck with a vehicle that will cost more to fix than it's worth.