1.19 Anybody ever used one of those auto auctions in the bay area?
Good experience? What sort of admission fee did you pay to get in?
Thanks.
\_ I've been to the alameda county auction in Dublin. I didn't
buy anything, I just went to see what it was like. Admission
was free. You could buy a print out of the schedule (something
like 300 cars), or print one out yourself for free online.
There were a lot of people taking detailed notes. It looked to
me like a very good deal. Some nice cars went VERY cheap.
http://www.acauction.com --jrleek
Addendum: I think if you actually wanted to bid on a car you
had to register, and there was a fee for that. ($15?) That
page also describes the extra fees you have to pay when you
buy.
\_ How can you tell what kind of condition the cars are in
without taking it to a shop? You can tell the condition of
the chasis but how would you know about the transmission or
if there is a hole in the catalytic converter etc. Are the
prices things went for available anywhere?
\_ You can go ahead of time (thursday?) and check the cars
out yourself. I didn't, so I don't know how through an
inspection you're allowed. I don't think the prices are
posted anywhere, people were there writing them down for
their own reference. I can tell you 2002 BMWs went for
about $15,000, and a Kia with 60,000 miles left on the
warranty (transferable) went for < 3000. -jrleek
\_ I never went to one myself, but a coworker did. His
friend bought a car there which turned out to be a great
buy BUT it was out of gasoline and the battery was dead.
Getting it home was a lot of fun, since the gas cap had
a key which was missing, too. People who go often know to
bring a charger, gas, and some tools. They let you start
the cars, but you cannot drive them. Caveat emptor. |