going to the dealer auction

**blueindian** · 06-27-2006, 05:27 AM

so i sold my truck, have to get a car. thinking about a volkswagen passat wagon. got access to the dealer wholesale auctions, anyone ever been? got any advice?

**brainsmile** · 06-27-2006, 08:19 AM

don't know but ask everyone if each car is a lemon

Good luck!

**Daedalus** · 06-27-2006, 10:52 AM

Don't know if it's like the ones I've been to, but if so, get there early. You have to stand in line to register and you have to stand in line each time you want to check out keys for each car you're interested in. You're basing your purchase decision on a vehicle you're not allowed to drive prior to purchase, so you have to look and listen real good when they bring the car around for bidding. Ugly cars sell for way less than good looking popular cars. I've seen a lot of people get caught up in bidding and pay more than private party for cars they've never even driven--follow the guys looking to flip the vehicle and bid just a hair higher than them. Have several vehicles you would be willing to buy, and write down hard limits for each one so you don't overbid. Don't forget commissions in addition to taxes. The bottom line is it's a real crapshoot and your bidding should reflect that. But the upside is you could end up with a fantastic deal. I got a truck worth over $5k blue book for about $2600 total. It needed a new battery and struts but has been running great for years now.

**blueindian** · 06-27-2006, 12:23 PM

the dealer that's taking me will take care of all the paperwork, etc. he got my cousin at 03 passport that was going for ~23 private party for $13,500 including TTT and the dude's fees.