Buying a car from another person directly is an easy task. You give him your offer and the next words he utters will tell whether you have a deal or not. In automobile showrooms too you can take a survey to look for the car that is of your interest and when you find it you can negotiate the prices then. The cases do not remain the same always. What happens when you are to buy a car at an auction? The word auction does make people think for a good five minutes as to which strategy they will follow to actually purchase a car. Public car auctions in Virginia is a good place to start from. Here are 8 tips that can help you buy a car at auction.

• Honesty: The type of honesty you need in an auction is honesty towards yourself. You must be able to tell yourself that you can or cannot do the repairs the car has and say no to buying that car. People often buy car that needs repairs just because it is a little cheaper. Don’t pay less for the car just to pay more for its repairs.
• Observation: In auctions observation is the key. You must use your eyes, hands and nose to know what’s going on. If the carpet near a car is wet you must examine about the condition of the car. If the car smells funny it’s better to be as far from it as possible.
• Belief: Don’t just believe everything you see. If a car is all shiny then don’t assume it to be new or less used. Just before an auction all cars are made up to the point to shine and attract people but the paint does fade away and you will regret paying so much for a car sprayed with cheap paints.
• VIN: The verification identification number (VIN) is an important information. It can save you from buying the wrong car. Check the VIN on the windshield. It is written on the base of the windshield. Check the VIN written on the doors and windows of the car. If the numbers don’t match that is a clear indication of an accident due to which it was changed. Avoid buying that vehicle.
• Maintenance Check: One brilliant way to check the maintenance of the car is by checking the transmission fluid dipsticks. If a car has been kept like a prize on pulling the dipsticks the lubricant you will find will be clean and clear too.
• Values: Don’t go without any prior knowledge. Know the values of used cars through online websites before going to an auction so you don’t bid too high.
• “As Is” Clause: The As is clause means that once you buy the vehicle you will have it in the same way with no legal recourse or guarantees. If you are very sure, buy then only.
• Pressure: Don’t take the pressure of the bidding and increase the bid a lot more than the vehicle is worth. Set a limit and stay within it.