Used car auctions can be a hectic and intimidating place. Follow our guide and learn how to stay protected and come out on top!

• Watch out for cars selling “As Is”. This means that if the car breaks down on your drive home, it's notbodys' fault but your own. To avoid this, try and attend auctions, which let you pay a fee to guarantee the engine, frame, and body for 30 days. The 30 day guarantee will give you a lot of peace of mind when leaving with your new car. If you are going to attempt to buy an "As Is" car, then make sure you know how to properly inspect a car. Find out how to become a Used Car Expert
  

• “Buyer Beware” is another phrase to be extremely careful with because you don’t get any warranty or the ability to have a mechanic check out the car. If you don’t know cars very well, then this is not a good option. Know How To Inspect A Used Car

• Make sure you are careful what Sellers say to you. They are not responsible for lies they tell you about the car which aren't written down on paper. This is one of the oldest tricks in the book. Without a written contract, you will lose any argument or court case. A good rule of thumb is to never buy something that your instincts tell you not to or the guy selling it is pushing you too hard with facts he's not willing to sign his name on. Before you head to the auctions, try and find out which cars will be there. It certainly helps to have your AutoCheck® Vehicle History Report with you. If not, have a friend at home who can check for you. Don't trust what the auctioneers give you. No one will protect you if you buy a bad car and don’t take the necessary steps to protect yourself. Also get a recent copy ofany car title. Order detailed title reports for yourself at AutoCheck now.

• Check all fees attached to the price of the car before you buy it! On top of your winning bid at the auto auction, you will almost certainly pay a buyer’s premium. Premiums can be as small as a hundred dollars or as scary as 20% of the final price. Don’t let this happen to you. It’s a great trick to make the car auction houses extra money for running the auction. Remember, the reason you went to this auction was to get a good deal and beat the Blue Book. Make it a good experience for yourself and go prepared. Some auto lovers go to an auction once and never go back because they get screwed over. At the same time, if you are prepared, there are some great deals out there. Let’s turn you into one of those people!

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• Auctions can be dangerous because that's where the junked, flooded, and rebuilt cars are most likely to be found. Do you know how to tell if a car has been flooded? Click here for our article on Flooding